A parasail closely resembles the modern parachutes used in parachuting competitions, but of lighter construction as it does not have to deal with the sudden deceleration from [terminal velocity]?. These parasails have quite effective gliding characteristics and are quite controllable by use of pull cords which are reachable above the participant's head when held by the parasail's harness. Typically, parasailers launch themselves from steep slopes at the summit of hills.
Parasailing offers many of the joys of hang gliding and parachuting in perhaps a less intimidating and more accessible package, avoiding the initial fright (but perhaps also some of the the thrill) of the plane jump of parachuting, and giving much of the exhileration of controllable gliding of hang gliding, but with greater ease of control (due to the lower speeds, greater stability, and lesser physical demands) but with correspondingly less acrobatic manoeuvering. A parasail can also easily fit in the boot of a conventional car, unlike a hang glider which requires considerable space to store and at least a roof-rack to transport.
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