Solo Parasailing in Kelowna: My 2025 Review

Okay, so you’re standing on the shore of Okanagan Lake, and the sun is really doing its thing, you know? The heat makes the air shimmer just a little over the water, and you see them out there – tiny little dots of color being pulled by boats. So I figured, why not try it? I mean, going up by myself seemed like a completely different kind of thing. It’s almost a personal dare, a way to find a little bit of quiet in a town that’s usually full of summer noise. Frankly, the idea of floating up there all alone was both a little bit scary and incredibly appealing at the same time. Basically, that’s how I ended up booking a solo parasail for what turned out to be a really memorable afternoon in 2025. It’s pretty much the kind of decision you make when you just want to see the world from a different angle for a few minutes.

Getting Ready for Liftoff: The Pre-Flight Buzz

So, making the booking online was actually pretty simple, which was a good start. When I got to the dock, well, the whole area was sort of alive with activity. You could, like, feel the energy of everyone getting ready for their own water-based fun. I found the right kiosk, and the people working there were, to be honest, super friendly and made everything feel a lot less intimidating. They had this calm, confident way about them, you know, like they do this a thousand times a day, which I guess they probably do. Still, they walked me through the safety waiver and stuff without making it feel like a chore. At the end of the day, that’s what you want, right?

Next, we all walked down to the boat, and it was a purpose-built thing, apparently made just for parasailing. On the boat, the captain and the guide gave a really clear safety talk, sort of demonstrating how everything works. Then came the harness part; it’s a bit like a swing seat, and they get you strapped in securely while you’re still on the boat. It felt a little strange, but definitely very safe, you know? As the boat moved out from the shore and into the open part of the lake, the feeling of anticipation really started to build up. Seriously, you just sit there on the deck, feeling the boat’s motion, looking up at the huge parachute laid out behind you, and think, ‘Okay, this is actually happening.’

The Ascent: A Quiet Rise Above Okanagan Lake

Alright, so this is the moment. The guide gives you a final check, a thumbs up, and then you just kind of move to the back platform of the boat. As the captain speeds up a little, the big chute catches the wind and lifts up off the water behind you. It’s actually a surprisingly gentle process. I mean, there’s no sudden jolt or anything like that. Instead, you just sort of smoothly lift off the platform and start floating upwards. Honestly, one second you’re on the boat, and the next you’re a few feet above it, and it just keeps going.

The sounds around you begin to change almost right away. The noise of the boat’s engine starts to fade a bit, and you begin to hear the wind in a different way. Basically, it’s not loud; it’s more like a gentle whooshing sound around the chute. Looking down, the boat gets smaller and smaller, leaving a long white wake in the deep blue water of the lake. In some respects, it felt a little bit like being a kite, tethered to the world but also completely free from it. That gradual lift-off, with the ground slowly dropping away, is a really unique feeling. At the end of the day, it’s just you and the rope and the big, wide-open sky.

Soaring High: What You Actually See and Feel Up There

Once you reach the full height, which I think was around 400 feet, things get really, really quiet. Seriously, the quiet is the first thing that strikes you. Up there, it’s a completely different world from the busyness down on the water. All you hear is the soft sound of the wind. There’s a profound sense of peace that you just can’t get on the ground. It’s pretty much pure tranquility. You’re just sitting comfortably in your harness, legs dangling, with this incredible panoramic view all to yourself. Honestly, being alone up there is so different from being with someone; it’s much more of an inward-looking time.

And the view… wow. You can literally see the entire shape of the city of Kelowna spread out along the shoreline. Then your eyes follow the long, elegant curve of the Bennett Bridge stretching across the lake. Beyond the city, you can sort of make out the patchwork of orchards and vineyards that cover the hillsides—it’s like a green and gold quilt, you know? In the distance, the mountains have this hazy, blueish quality to them. You feel so tiny and so separated from everything, but in a really good way. It’s a perspective that really changes how you see the whole Okanagan Valley. It’s almost like you’re looking at a living map.

“To be honest, it was the silence that surprised me the most. You expect wind and noise, but what you get is this incredible sense of calm. You can actually think up there, all by yourself. It’s sort of a meditative moment, high above everything.”

The Gentle Descent and Landing: Easier Than You Think

After what feels like both five minutes and an hour, you’ll feel the winch on the boat start to slowly and smoothly pull you back in. The return trip is just as graceful as the ride up, really. There’s no sudden drop or anything scary like that. You just gently drift downwards and forwards, back toward the boat that looks like a little toy below you. As I was saying, the whole operation is so professional that you feel completely secure the entire time. The crew on the boat knows exactly what they’re doing, and they guide you in with hand signals.

Now, they typically ask you if you want a little “dip” before you land. Obviously, I said yes. The captain skillfully slows down just enough so your feet or legs lightly skim through the cool water of the lake for a second. It’s a super refreshing and fun way to end the airtime, you know? Then, with another pull on the line, you lift out of the water and are guided to land right back on the boat’s platform, as soft as can be. You just stand up, and the guide helps you get unclipped. And that’s it. You’re back, feeling completely refreshed and maybe just a little wobbly on your sea legs, with a huge grin on your face.

My Honest Takeaways and Tips for Your Solo Flight

So, at the end of the day, would I recommend doing it solo? Absolutely. It’s a totally different vibe than going with a friend. It’s more of a personal, quiet moment. Basically, if you’re looking to clear your head or just want a peaceful adventure, this is definitely it. Here are a few little pointers from my own go at it, just some things to think about for your own flight.

Time of Day: Okay, so if you go in the morning, the lake is usually a bit calmer and it feels very serene. The afternoon, on the other hand, is warmer and has more of a lively summer feel to it. Honestly, you can’t really go wrong either way.
What to Wear: I mean, just wear your swimsuit or something you don’t mind getting a little damp, especially if you want to do the dip. Comfortable shorts and a t-shirt over top is pretty much perfect. And sunglasses with a strap are a good idea.
The Camera Question: You could bring a GoPro if it’s securely attached to you, like with a wrist or head strap. A phone, on the other hand, is probably a bad idea unless you have an incredibly secure case with a lanyard. To be honest, sometimes it’s better just to soak it all in without worrying about pictures.
Who’s This For? Seriously, this is for anyone. It’s not a crazy adrenaline rush like skydiving. It’s a very gentle, calm activity. It’s kind of perfect for solo travelers wanting a unique memory, couples looking for a special moment (even if flying solo one after the other), or really anyone who just wants to see how beautiful the Okanagan truly is from a bird’s-eye view.

Read our full review: Solo Parasailing Kelowna Full Review and Details
See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Solo Parasailing Kelowna Booking)