If you love sailing and paragliding then you don’t have to pick just one activity for the day any more. Instead you can go parasailing and enjoy a free ride above the sea!  I had a chance to experience it in Paihia a pearl of New Zealand’s Bay of Islands.

A group of school friends, we were on our journey to Cape Reinga the Northeast spot of New Zealand North Island. Our way went through spectacular Bay of Islands – a tourist Mecca with numerous leisure activities. We simply couldn’t miss it! We arrived late in the evening, and after checking-in  we all went to the local pub. Around midnight a host announced a karaoke competition, a good prize was promised for the best singer, the crowed was the one to judge.The first girl sang out of tune, but the crowed gave her warm support, next  lady sang “Black Velvet” amazingly good, then there was one more contestant and after her my friend Marcella inspired by previous singers or by certain amount of beer decided to sing as well. She sang rather good and was met well by the crowed. After her there were no more volunteers, so all participants were awarded with free tickets to local leisure activities. Marcella got a pass for parasailing and I couldn’t be more happier for her aseptically as parasailing ride was tailored to carry two people at once. We couldn’t wait until  the next day.

In the morning we arrived to the pier, a boat with 10 people and a crew  was already waiting for us, so we ended up to take the last turn. All this waiting and watching other fellows soaring high in the sky, made me quite uneasy. I was breathlessly waiting for our turn and making up suitable excuses to pass on. Meanwhile brand-new parasailors  were landing one by one, looking and feeling happy. They kept saying that all fear vanishes once you are up in the sky, that the view is magnificent and that there is nothing like it.

Ok then,  I decided to overcome my fear and got ready for promised excitement. I tried not to panic and trust professionals. It’s our turn. We’re vested, strapped, hooked up and ready to go. The harness formed a seat around us, so all we had to do is sit and enjoy. The last moment instruction – to stand on your feet while landing. One, two, three, Go! Wow!  I never knew I can fly so well!  Effortlessly, gently! Just me and Marcella in the air, soaring like to birds high in the sky. It’s wonderful, peaceful, surreal. We sailed above the see, enjoying a spectacular view of numerous islands, endless ocean and the sun. It’s beautiful!  We were up and down in the air experiencing almost a free fall and then taking off high in the sky again. 15 minutes went too fast, we were about to land, but all we wished for was to carry on with our thrilling ride. It was fun I’ll never forget.