Website design By BotEap.comNow, let me start by telling everyone who knows me as an acrophobe, that the whole concept of being airborne without an actual anchor to the ground doesn’t — at first glance — appeal to me. .

Website design By BotEap.comBut our friends, Steve and Leslie, who also rented from us, stayed on Sanibel Island with their two sons, Willy and Chris. They went parasailing on a good day and were able to describe the adventure in such a way that I would at least consider it.

Website design By BotEap.comFirst, I had to be educated on the difference between parasailing and paragliding, I had never done either. But since the paraglider “launch” must be from the top of a mountain or hill, I don’t think such a feat can be accomplished on Sanibel.

Website design By BotEap.comSanibel Island has many beautiful things, but you can’t find a hill or a mountain. There’s not even a chance to jump off a building on Sanibel, as the building code doesn’t allow structures taller than the palm trees on the island.

Website design By BotEap.comSo as said, parasailing is what people do sitting on a seat attached to a boat. The rush of air as the boat accelerates lifts seated thrill seekers up into the air, up, up, up into the air.

Website design By BotEap.comAccording to my friends who had parasailed in Cancun, Mexico, the Sanibel experience was less intimidating as the parasailing seat sits on a platform and takeoff and landing are done on the platform. In Cancun, they launched and landed in the water, not always smoothly, according to Steve, who says he nearly drowned getting swept up in the water on a launch attempt.

Website design By BotEap.comWhile Steve refrained from the Sanibel parasailing experience and took pictures from the boat, Leslie, Willy and Chris were given the option of making their “sails” individually or together. Like the loving family that they are, they chose to go together and had nothing but praise for the experience.

Website design By BotEap.comSo, thanks to Leslie and the kids, I have a new interest in the parasailing experience, although my fear hasn’t completely dissipated.

Website design By BotEap.comAnd, no, it’s not the fear of heights, it’s the cost that makes me cringe.

Website design By BotEap.comIn this economy, you’d have to think twice about spending the $125 or more to check out Sanibel from the air!