Booth, Smith (para)sail to new heights

IMAGE / Spring Rappas

Seniors Kayla Smith (left) and Aysia Booth enjoy their spring break in Florida.

Imagine feeling light as a feather, floating above water and having an amazing view of a beautiful city.

This is what parasailing felt like.

I spent my spring break in Largo, Fla., and the whole time all I could think about was parasailing.

I am what you call a thrill seeker, and this was an experience I just could not pass up.

I will admit, parasailing was not much of a thrill, but it was definitely something I would do again.

To begin with, the company I used to do it was hospitable and kind. They truly cared that you were safe.

The boat ride out was quick and easy, giving us a chance to hype up and prepare ourselves.

Then the first group went.

It looked easy enough, so it could not get any better.

We were sporting life jackets and harnesses that wrapped around our legs, making it safe and secure.

First, we were told to sit on the back of the boat while the workers hooked the parachute to our harnesses.

The boat sped up and we took off.

The harnesses were just like the seat of a swing, so it was comfortable.

I did this with my best friend, senior Kayla Smith, so while we were 600 feet in the air, we had a simple conversation as if it were nothing.

We felt invincible being able to look down over the water and find that even if we were to fall, it was slow and calming.

We were given a choice to get dipped in the water or not. But given that we did not wear the proper clothing for it, we did not.

Being pulled down was my least favorite part.

I wanted to stay in the air forever. It was amazing.

I was most worried about the landing, but it turned out to be easy-breezy, literally.

Although we lifted off sitting down, we landed standing up. It felt as if I was standing the whole time though.

All I could do was smile while the worker unhooked the parachute from us to let the next group go.

I would definitely recommend going parasailing, even if you have a fear of heights.

Once you are in the air, you forget everything and just look onto the world.