Parascending
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Description
An activity in which a person is towed behind
a vehicle (usually a boat) while attached to a specially-designed
parachute known as a parasail. If the towing vehicle is powerful
enough, two or three people can parascend behind it
simultaneously.
Forms
An Information and Consent
for Event/Activity form is required to
participate in this activity.
Who can
participate?
Solo flights are
- open to those aged 16 and over if the
participant is to be released from the towing vehicle during
flight.
- open to those aged 14 and over, provided the
participant is not to be released from the towing vehicle during
flight.
For Tandem flights there is
no age limit, provided:
- the pilot is licensed to take passengers
- the passenger is old enough to understand the
instructions
- the passenger's weight is in the provider’s
required weight range.
Ratio of adults to
girls
Normal ratios for activities away from the
meeting place are required.
Guiding Manual ratios
Regulations
- The Leader must ensure that all participants
under 18 have written permission to take part from an adult with
parental responsibility.
- The local Commissioner must be informed that
the activity is taking place.
- Carry out a risk
assessment for the activity.
- Parascending must be undertaken using the
standards and controls laid down by the British Hang Gliding and
Paragliding Association (BHPA) and must take place at a
BHPA-approved site.
Instructor
qualifications
This activity must be instructed by an adult who holds current
instructor rating of the BHPA.
Insurance
Girlguiding UK insurance does not cover members to undertake
aviation activities.
Leaders must check that the activity provider has adequate
insurance cover. Please contact Girlguiding
UK insurers AON for more details.
Useful
information
The instructor should brief participants
on:
- the use of a safety harness and other safety
equipment
- procedures
- the purpose of the flight
- sensations likely to be experienced.
This activity is particularly popular in
overseas locations with warmer climates. If parascending abroad,
the BHPA qualifications and regulations are not applicable. The
Leader will need to make enquiries as to the reputation and safety
standards of the activity provider. An International Adviser or
Outdoor Activities Adviser may be able to help.
If after researching the activity and seeking
advice you are not completely satisfied that you can provide the
participants with a safe experience, choose another activity.
Page last updated: 4/4/2012