10 Minutes Soaring Above Lake Coeur d’Alene
Visit any busy beach on a summer day and you’ll see bright parachutes flying high above boats as they zip across the water. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched those parasails and wondered what it would be like to float in the air like that. Scary? Exhilarating? Cold?

Since my daughter is a bit of a daredevil, I knew she’d be game to try it out. So on a chilly September afternoon, we went for it over Lake Coeur d’Alene in Idaho.
Parasailing is amazing, and actually pretty easy to do whether or not you can walk. We did a tandem ride 800 feet in the air, and even though I’ll admit to holding on pretty tightly at first, I soon realized that I didn’t need to hold on at all. The harness completely supported me for the ride.

Launching and landing both took place from a large deck at the back of the boat. The fully automated tether released us quickly up into the sky and operated so smoothly that we barely even noticed as we were being pulled back in.
Being up under the canopy of the parachute was surprisingly peaceful. I expected noise from the boat or the wind; instead it was quiet, and warmer than it had been on the boat. We lifted off from a sitting position and landed the same way and nothing about it was jarring or uncomfortable. The entire experience was awesome. To quote my daughter, “Ten out of ten recommend. How soon can we do this again?”
Accessibility: 4.5 out of 5. Getting on and off the boat was the only challenge, and a small one at that. The driver was ready and willing to help and said they’ve even taken quadraplegics out to parasail. You can make reservations online (and see sample videos) at Coeur d’Alene Parasail. They operate through the spring, summer and fall, as long as the weather is good.
Liana Moore
I’ve always watched parasailing and thought it would be so fun. I’m glad to know that it can be accessible to all. #FlyAwayFriday
Kimberley Troutte
Awesome!
Kana Imamura
Wow what an experience! I’ve always wanted to parasail, especially when I was in Cabo it looked like so much fun! Thanks for joining Fly Away Friday – hope to see you again this week! xo
fillmypassportblog
What a great thing! I am so happy to read that you were able to enjoy such an experience and that the accessibility was top-notch. You are brave as I have not done this activity, though I have skydived lol. Hope to see you at Fly Away Friday this week 🙂