G. Riser Assembly  - A webbing structure where all lines attach to including the Body Harness Passenger Support.

H. Towing Yoke Assembly -  A pair of webbing straps attached to riser assembly and where the tow line attaches.

I. Body Harness Passenger Support -  A special body harness made of webbing where the parasailor is supported and attached to the riser assembly during flight.

J. Tow Line – The line which is attached to the towing vessel at one end and the towing yoke assembly at the other end.

Parasail Canopy

Every canopy has eight drive / lifting slots in the rear which provide lift and therefore a forward rate of speed in a parachute style descent.  On both sides of the canopy there are turn slots which help expel air from the canopy in such a manner as to provide stability and steering.

Most commercial canopies are constructed of ripstop nylon. The nylon is coated with urethane which contains U.V. inhibitors. This urethane coating helps the canopy from becoming water logged, brings the porosity of the fabric down to zero (for increased lift), and also helps protect it from damaging ultraviolet rays.

The canopy is divided into 16 main sections called gores; these are the pie shaped pieces of the canopy. Each gore is further subdivided into 70 or more panels (separate pieces of material) for maximum strength and tear resistance.  All seams are made of a flat type nylon, double stitched and reinforced with nylon seam tape or webbing.  The crown (top), skirt (bottom) and stabilizer panels (ears) are also encased in nylon web tape.

Suspension Lines

There are 16 suspension lines and two center lines.  Dacron is commonly used for the suspension lines and the center lines which pull the apex (center) of the canopy down for increased stability.

Riser Assembly  

Are constructed of heavy nylon webbing. The suspension lines come down from the skirt of the canopy to connect to the risers via stainless steel rings.  The lines are attached to the rings to prevent abrasion which promotes longer line life.  The two center lines are also attached to the risers by stainless steel rings.  In addition the reinforced towing yoke assembly is attached to the riser line assembly and the tow line which is attached to the towing vehicle.  The rear two risers are also referred to as the ‘steering straps' and are used in steering the canopy right and left.

Body Harness Passenger Support  (BHPS)

The body harness passenger support is where the parasailor sits in during his or her flight.  It is comprised of a seating strap, lower back strap, an adjustable waist strap and two leg straps. It attaches to the risers via two stainless steel clips.  The BHPS is constructed of heavy nylon webbing for maximum strength and durability