Castaway Cay

[gary in florida]

Has anyone brought a camera on the parasailing on CC? Mine has a heavy strap for around the neck but I do not want to lose the camera. This my first time and I don't have any idea what's it like

 

[Capt_BJ]

is the camera waterproof? You can get dunked . . . .

I took a small waterproof on a wrist strap

 

[gary in florida]

it's not waterproof, I was thinking about getting a "cheap" one,thanks for the reply

 

[lklgoodman]

it's not waterproof, I was thinking about getting a "cheap" one,thanks for the reply

I had bought some one time use waterproof cameras for our last trip. Pics came out awful. I recently bought a small Polaroid waterproof camera for $30. Used it for the first time last week and pics look good. I got it at Walmart. I plan on using my good camera on the ship and take the cheap one on all excursions, cheap enough I won't care if it gets lost.

 

[ciniminis]

Has anyone brought a camera on the parasailing on CC? Mine has a heavy strap for around the neck but I do not want to lose the camera. This my first time and I don't have any idea what's it like

Yes we did! I had a Sony TX20 on a neck strap, and took an awesome video clip plus a couple of nice pictures from way up there. That particular camera was waterproof but didn't have to be for the parasailing - only our feet got wet when we were "dunked" before getting pulled back into the boat. I believe they only allow bringing a camera (or any device really) if it's attached to you - so you'll need at least a neck strap, or use something like a GoPro mount to secure the camera to your body. I wouldn't recommend anything heavy or large like a DSLR.

Have fun, but remember not to spend all of your flying time taking pictures!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Has anyone brought a camera on the parasailing on CC? Mine has a heavy strap for around the neck but I do not want to lose the camera. This my first time and I don't have any idea what's it like

I took my small, waterproof one on the boat, but opted not to actually take it up with me (although I had planned to). It's only on a wrist strap, and I was concerned about it flying around while I was up there. Sort of like a weapon. Yes, I was holding on with both hands while up in the air. And, when landing back on the boat, you can't really be holding onto something else, you need both hands.

 

[Steve Dexter]

I took one up with me and the photos were incredible, it was worth it.

 

[Twilight Terror]

is the camera waterproof? You can get dunked . . . .

Argh, I don't like the sound of that! I want to stay out of the water where possible!

That particular camera was waterproof but didn't have to be for the parasailing - only our feet got wet when we were "dunked" before getting pulled back into the boat. I believe they only allow bringing a camera (or any device really) if it's attached to you - so you'll need at least a neck strap, or use something like a GoPro mount to secure the camera to your body. I wouldn't recommend anything heavy or large like a DSLR.

Okay, that sounds a little more reassuring about the whole 'dunking' thing! I was thinking of getting a GoPro (now comes the weeks of research into which is the best one ) and taking that up there on either a thread, chest or wrist mount - any recommendations for the mount, or even camera option?

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Okay, that sounds a little more reassuring about the whole 'dunking' thing!

Yes, they "try" to just make a foot dunk, but sometimes it doesn't stop at that point. It's entirely possible that you can get more than just your feet wet. Plus, just being in the little speedboat you're going to get splashed. You won't stay dry.

Another point - that little speedboat is really rough riding. You're hanging on for dear life, and bouncing up and down on the waves. I know I came away with bruises. And one of the women on our boat banged her head when we had to shift seats while the boat was traveling.

 

[Twilight Terror]

Yes, they "try" to just make a foot dunk, but sometimes it doesn't stop at that point. It's entirely possible that you can get more than just your feet wet. Plus, just being in the little speedboat you're going to get splashed. You won't stay dry.

I'm not worried about getting splashed or even staying dry. It's not a major issue, but me and saltwater do not mix - I go blotchy and itchy when submerged in it. This is not a jellyfish/sea animal reaction, it is a saltwater reaction, and it happens in seas across the world. If I go in the sea, I always make sure there is a freshwater shower nearby, or I don't go in. Thankfully, Australian beaches have very good facilities!

Another point - that little speedboat is really rough riding. You're hanging on for dear life, and bouncing up and down on the waves. I know I came away with bruises. And one of the women on our boat banged her head when we had to shift seats while the boat was traveling.

Sounds like fun, apart from the head banging bit. I'll remember to pass that onto @nursetibs as she bruises easily!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If I go in the sea, I always make sure there is a freshwater shower nearby,

Well, there isn't a freshwater shower nearby, on the boat. You're out there probably about 30-45 minutes before you're back on the island where there is a shower.

 

[ciniminis]

...but me and saltwater do not mix...

I can't say for all cases, but when we went the captain and the other guy assisting the parasailing seem to have a good handle on dunking - for each pair of guests they asked if they wanted to be dunked a little/a lot/not at all. I was watching with interest and pretty sure everyone got close to what they had asked for. Note that in each front/back 2-person team (most people go up in pairs - although some go as singles), the person in the back usually doesn't get as wet as the person in front. I remember my son who was in front could pretend to "run on water" for a few steps when we came down, while I barely touched water in the back (we had asked for just a little dunk).

 

[Twilight Terror]

I can't say for all cases, but when we went the captain and the other guy assisting the parasailing seem to have a good handle on dunking - for each pair of guests they asked if they wanted to be dunked a little/a lot/not at all. I was watching with interest and pretty sure everyone got close to what they had asked for. Note that in each front/back 2-person team (most people go up in pairs - although some go as singles), the person in the back usually doesn't get as wet as the person in front. I remember my son who was in front could pretend to "run on water" for a few steps when we came down, while I barely touched water in the back (we had asked for just a little dunk).

Thank you very much for that feedback; that is really helpful to know, and that I can request 'no dunk' and hopefully get pretty close to it. Obviously a little getting wet is to be expected. We are a family of three, so not sure yet if we are going pair & single, or all single, as not sure how it all works. Something extra for us to think about.

 

[mcurrence]

Yes, they "try" to just make a foot dunk, but sometimes it doesn't stop at that point. It's entirely possible that you can get more than just your feet wet. Plus, just being in the little speedboat you're going to get splashed. You won't stay dry.

Another point - that little speedboat is really rough riding. You're hanging on for dear life, and bouncing up and down on the waves. I know I came away with bruises. And one of the women on our boat banged her head when we had to shift seats while the boat was traveling.

We just came back from doing this and I was surprised at how rough the ride was!! Wow! I paid and rode along with my 10 and 8 year old but didn't go up so stayed on the boat the whole time. It was a great time but I was not prepared for the ride!!
The guys were wonderful and very flexible with us all. They tried to convince me to go up (but it didn't work LOL) The only reason I went was because I didn't want my girls out on the boat without one of us so I had to pay the full amount since they don't offer a ride along fee like some other parasailing companies do. They were so great that they let my girls go up twice, essentially taking my turn! They would have let me go up by myself if I had wanted to