Besides a parachute, you normally need a speedboat to go parasailing. But in Novosibirsk, where it's cold most of the year around, a snowmobile will do instead.
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Vadim Makhorov
Besides a parachute, you normally need a speedboat to go parasailing. But in Novosibirsk (2000 miles from Moscow), where it's cold most of the year around, a snowmobile will do instead.
Vadim Makhorov
Everything else is the same. According to the kite principle, the parasailer is pulled along by transport and takes off. The altitude depends on the length of the rope. For example, a 650-foot rope lets you climb to 500 feet.
Vadim Makhorov
Instruction and safety are in the hands of experienced pros. There's no risk involved.
Vadim Makhorov
The process itself is fairly straightforward, which means anyone from the very young to the very old can have a go. First up is to get strapped to a parachute and listen to what the instructor has to say.
Vadim Makhorov
Next unfold the parachute. Before you start moving, make sure the canopy is laid out properly.
Vadim Makhorov
After that, you'll be fastened to the wire rope. A run-up of about 10 meters is needed for take-off.
Vadim Makhorov
It might seem terrifying at first, but parasailing is in fact very relaxing. Take-off happens without you even noticing it - a blink of the eye and you're hundreds of feet above the ground!
Vadim Makhorov
When airborne you can unhook the wire rope and make a controlled landing, like a real parachutist.
Vadim Makhorov
Landing is the same as with a conventional parachute. Legs together and tucked up, as if jumping off a table.
Vadim Makhorov
The venue was a large frozen lake in Novosibirsk. Pictured is the ice track where the parasail flights took place.
