What to Wear Parasailing (The Ultimate Guide)

Not only is parasailing among the most accessible of all action sports, but it’s also one of the most exciting. The best way to have as much fun as possible when parasailing is to show up prepared for the tour. Many novice parasailers understandably struggle with what to wear parasailing.

Wear a lightweight top and pair of shorts or a bathing suit when parasailing. You can wear tight shoes and sandals when parasailing, but you should never wear flip-flops because they can easily fall. It is okay to wear hats and glasses when parasailing, but you need to make sure that they are tight or secured with straps.

Don’t wear loose or hanging jewelry when parasailing, such as necklaces. Only bring your phone with you when parasailing if you place it in a secure pouch that you can attach to yourself. Follow along as we explore what to wear parasailing so you can pick out your perfect outfit for your tour.

What to Wear Parasailing

A comfortable shirt and a pair of lightweight shorts are recommended for parasailing. Many seasoned parasailers simply wear a t-shirt and comfortable swimming trunks. This is perfect for women, men, and children alike.

You don’t even need to wear shoes when parasailing if you don’t want to. Otherwise, you can wear tight shoes, sandals, or water shoes when parasailing so that you don’t lose them. It isn’t recommended that you wear clothes that are too tight or too baggy because either can be quite uncomfortable. While not a part of your attire, you also need to wear sunscreen when parasailing.

What Should Women Wear Parasailing?

Women can comfortably wear a bathing suit or bikini when parasailing. However, it is much more comfortable if you wear a pair of shorts over your bathing suit bottom. This can protect your skin from rubbing against the harness. A lightweight t-shirt or tank top can also help protect your skin from the harness straps when parasailing.

What Should Men Wear Parasailing?

Men should wear swimming trunks or thin exercise shorts with lightweight underwear. A lightweight t-shirt that isn’t too baggy is also perfect for parasailing. Don’t wear baggy clothes or they will weigh you down in the wind.

What Should Children Wear Parasailing?

Children should wear lightweight exercise shorts or swimming shorts with a light shirt. Make sure that the clothes aren’t too tight or they will be uncomfortable in the seat and harness. Some parents have their children wear bucket hats as well to keep the sun out of their faces.

What Gear Do You Have to Wear Parasailing?

The only gear that you have to wear when parasailing is a life jacket and harness. Your tour guide and parasailing operator will provide all of the necessary gear and explain how to safely use it. They will also strap you into the harness. Some parasailing tours also provide helmets if you want one.

Do You Get Wet When You Go Parasailing?

You don’t get wet when you go parasailing. However, you can ask your guide to dip you into the water if you want to get wet during your trip. They may or may not comply, and it can add an extra layer of fun to your experience.

Is it Cold Parasailing?

It isn’t typically cold when parasailing, but it depends on the weather and wind. An operator is likely to cancel and reschedule your trip if the conditions are too cool or windy for parasailing. However, you can always wear a windbreaker under your life jacket if you are worried about getting cold. You can also wear light pants or leggings if it is too cold, but that is unlikely.

Can You Bring Extra Clothes on the Boat?

Yes, you can bring extra clothes on the boat if you want to! Some parasailers do this to see if they want to put on a long-sleeve shirt or pants before parasailing in case it is too cold. This is also a good idea if you ask the operator to dip you into the water during your trip.

Can You Wear a Hat Parasailing?

You can wear a hat while parasailing, but you need to make sure that it is tight. It is common to wear a tight, comfortable bucket hat when parasailing. This will help keep the sun out of your face which is necessary in most cases.

Can You Wear Regular Clothes Parasailing?

It is ideal to avoid most regular clothes when parasailing. For example, clothes with heavy cotton can be too heavy while parasailing. You can wear a thin shirt or shorts when parasailing, however, especially if you don’t ask to be dipped in the water.

Can You Wear Shoes or Sandals Parasailing?

You can wear shoes or sandals parasailing, but only if they are tight enough. It is all too easy to lose shoes that aren’t tight enough, and you won’t be able to recover. That is why many people don’t wear shoes when parasailing, and that is a great option.

Can You Wear Flip Flops Parasailing?

Don’t wear flip-flops when parasailing. They are likely to fall off which means you won’t get them back. Flip-flops are also harmful to the ocean and can potentially injure animals

Can You Wear Water Shoes Parasailing?

Water shoes are the best footwear option for parasailing. They are comfortable and tight enough so that they won’t fall off. You can also enjoy the day on the beach without worrying about wet shoes after parasailing if you wear water shoes.

Can You Wear Glasses When Parasailing?

Yes, you can wear glasses when parasailing. However, it is ideal that you use glasses straps so that you don’t lose them during your trip. It is common to wear prescription glasses and sunglasses while parasailing because the sky can be quite bright.

Can You Wear Contact Lenses When Parasailing?

You can wear contact lenses when parasailing without a problem in most cases. I have never gone parasailing without contact lenses, and they never shifted or irritated my eyes. The only scenario where contacts could pose a problem is if you got water in your eye, but that is quite uncommon when parasailing.

Can You Wear Jewelry Parasailing?

You should not wear most jewelry when parasailing. Loose jewelry in particular, such as necklaces are the most likely to fly off when parasailing, and it can even compromise your harness or parachute. However, it is common to wear rings when parasailing, and your guide likely won’t have a problem with that.

Can I Take My Phone Parasailing?

Yes, you can bring your phone with you when parasailing. With that said, it’s only appropriate to do so if your phone is attached to you. Bring a waterproof phone bag, such as the Rynapac Phone Pouch so that you can attach your phone and protect it from water. Some parasailing tours sell phone pouches as well.

Can I Take My GoPro or Camera Parasailing?

You can take a GoPro or similar action camera parasailing. It’s only generally acceptable to bring small action cameras that you can attach to your wrist parasailing. Most tours won’t let you bring a full-sized camera parasailing for safety and damage purposes.

Should You Tie Your Hair Up When parasailing?

People with long hair should tie up their hair when parasailing. Of course, this isn’t a requirement, but it can keep the hair out of your face. The last thing that you want to do is move your hair out of your face during your trip.

What to NOT Wear When Parasailing?

Never wear flip-flops or nice clothing when parasailing. Nice slacks and thick cotton pants are comfortable, but they aren’t ideal for parasailing. It is also inadvisable to wear dresses, skirts, and button-up shirts. Avoid clothes that are too tight or too baggy because both can be uncomfortable.

Can You Smoke When Parasailing?

You should never smoke when parasailing because it is dangerous and can damage the harness. An ember can easily burn through your harness and compromise your safety. Your Parasailing guide will likely charge you a fee if this happens. It’s also wrong to litter a cigarette butt into the ocean.

Final Thoughts

Your best bet is to wear a lightweight shirt and shorts when parasailing. Many parasailers simply wear swimming trunks with a t-shirt. Women commonly wear swimsuits, but you may want to wear shorts and a shirt as well so that the harness doesn’t irritate your skin. Always wear sunscreen when parasailing because you will spend an hour or more in the sun for a full tour.

You can easily go parasailing barefoot, but you can also wear tight and secure shoes. Don’t wear flip-flops when parasailing because they will most likely fall during your flight. Only wear glasses if you can secure them to your head or body with straps. You can also wear a hat when parasailing as long as it is tight enough, especially if it’s a bucket hat.

Interested in going parasailing? Read more about it in our detailed guides written by people who love to parasail:

Nicholas Durante

Nick Durante is a professional writer that primarily focuses on extreme sports. Parasailing, paragliding, skydiving, and skateboarding are his particular areas of expertise. When he isn’t writing about extreme sports, he is catching up on the world of skateboarding and spending time outside.