In which year was the first ascending-gliding parachute developed, called a parasail?

Parasailing is a recreational activity where a person is towed behind a vehicle or a boat while attached to a specially designed canopy wing that resembles a parachute, known as a parasail wing. A harness attaches the pilot to the parasail, which is connected to the boat or land vehicle, by a tow rope. The vehicle or boat drives off, carrying the individual into the air. As shown in the picture, if the vehicle or boat is powerful enough, two or three people can parasail at the same time.

The activity is primarily a fun ride, not to be confused with the sport of paragliding

In 1962, Pierre-Marcel Lemoigne developed the first ascending-gliding parachute, launching the early history of parasailing. He also established an Aeronautical Training Center to introduce his new invention as a training tool for parachutists.

One year later, Jacques-Andre Istel from the Pioneer Parachute Company bought a license from Lemoigne to manufacture and sell the 24-gore ascending-gliding parachute which was trade-named ‘parasail’. In those earl years, the parasailing industry was unregulated and it wasn’t until some years later that the first parasail weather standard was approved in 2013.

There are a number of leading trade associations for parasailing that have developed standards and safety guidelines for this activity.