Enjoy seashore scenery while parasailing in W. Java

JAKARTA (JP): Would you like to take a glance at the seashore from a birds-eye view? Then why not try parasailing?

The offer was made to visitors by Duncan D. Warner, marina manager of Lippo Carita Resort, a water sports complex at the western tip of West Java.

Parasailing, a relatively new sport in Indonesia, is capturing the interest of young Indonesians. Looking at its name and the equipment used, some might think of similar "aero" sports that Indonesians have known for years, such as parachuting.

Parasailing uses similar equipment but is different from parachuting in that a motor boat is needed to get the flyer airborne. The boat needs a machine to release and pull a 30-meter-long rope that connects the boat and the parachute.

To parasail one need only come with enthusiasm, since all of the equipment is provided by the operator. And unlike parachuters, parasailers are not required to have a high level of skill, courage or mental maturity.

"Parasailing sets no age limits and needs no certain and specific courses for people to learn," Warner said, adding that the most important aspect is that they be healthy and have no fear of heights.

In terms of safety, parasailers needn't worry as everything is handled by experienced technicians and operators that have been trained by foreign experts.

"Even if you happen to fall down, you will not get hurt because you'll fall into the water," he said jokingly. "You might only be shocked by the time you plunge into the water."

Parasailing can only be found in two places in Indonesia -- at Carita village in Cilegon, West Java, and in Bali. (imn)