The Early Origins of Your Destin, FL Parasail Adventure

Did you know parasailing has its roots in parachuting? Many people never equate the two, but they are very similar. How did parasailing come about? Who played a role in the creation of this recreational activity? While you won’t need this information for your Destin FL Parasail adventure, it is always fun to know interesting facts such as these.

Parachuting Origins

Parasailing is an offshoot of parachuting. Men and women in ancient civilizations experimented with different ways to descend from heights. Some methods were successful, but others were not. People today benefit from these trial runs when they go parasailing. Without the bravery and willingness of previous generations to try new things, parachuting and therefore parasailing might not be as popular as they are now.

It was in ancient China that humans first recorded their attempts at parachuting. Historians believe the Chinese used bamboo and silk to create basic parachutes in the fourth century. The goal at that time was to use these devices to slow the descent of men jumping from towers, cliffs, or other tall structures.

Flying and Gliding

During the eighteenth century, inventors began experimenting with different ways for humans to fly. These attempts also play a role in the development of parasailing over the years. Jean Pierre Blanchard was a French inventor who wanted to help humans fly. He created a device similar to a parachute and connected it to a hot air balloon in 1785. His goal was to pilot a manned flight, but it also helped people learn what would work and what wouldn’t when it comes to helping humans fly. This information was beneficial when people first started experimenting with parasailing.

Pierre-Marcel Lemoigne invented a parachute that could be towed behind a boat in 1962. This was the first time a parasail was used. People loved that they were able to fly while anchored to a boat. Without the work of these two men, people might not be able to take part in this thrilling recreational activity today.

Parasailing is not a new activity. Its roots can be traced back centuries to a time when people were first learning to do many things. Parachuting was only one of them. People continue to push the boundaries today, and parasailing may be an area they focus on next. Who knows what people will come up with to make this activity more exciting? Until they discover these innovations, most people are happy to soar above the water and take in the beauty of their surroundings with today’s methods.