Parasailing is a sport involving a parachute and a boat. The person practicing parasailing is attached to a parachute and then tied to a motorboat, which drives off, getting, and keeping, the person off the ground. Parasailing is considered by many a hobby rather than a sport, since the person on the parachute has no control over movement and speed and therefore becomes simply a passenger. Some countries perform parasailing without a boat, by attaching the person to a land vehicle. This is, however, considered more dangerous, and only recommended to those who have some practice in parasailing beforehand.

Parasailing is a relatively new sport, created in the 1970s by a father who wanted to try something new as family entertainment. Brian Gaskin eventually designed his own parachute, the "Waterbird," and funded the first parasailing company in the world. "Waterbird Parakites" is now the number one producer of parasailing equipment in the world.

Parasailing can be practiced by anybody, as it does not require any specific skill except the ability to swim. As the flight winds down, the person parasailing ends up in the water, which is considered the safest way to stop a parasailing ride. People who are afraid of heights should also be wary about parasailing, as some flights are done up to 2000 feet (610 m) off the ground. As the person parasailing is attached to the parachute with a harness, the risk of injury is minor, allowing both children and older people to enjoy parasailing. The youngest person in record to go parasailing was 9; the oldest, 87.

Parasailing is popular in the Caribbean and in tourist destinations with an emphasis on water recreation. Florida has a number of parasailing operations, and so do most Central America countries. Original parasailing flights were one person only, but more and more companies are now offering group flights through especially designated parachutes. The maximum number of people in a group flight is three, enough for a small family to enjoy parasailing together.