Rope Breaks During Parasailing Session

Case Overview

This extreme sports case involves injury from a parasailing accident, during which the plaintiff was parasailing with his friend. During the activity the rope snapped. They collided into a building, hit power lines, and were dragged by powerful winds causing them to crash into several cars in the parking lot. The plaintiff required extensive treatment, and several bones in his spine were fused together. The plaintiff alleges that the rope used was deficient, claiming that it was already old when put on the boat, and as a result its integrity had been compromised.

Questions to the Sports & Recreation expert and their responses

How strong are ropes used in parasailing, if properly maintained?

The most commonly used would be 3/8 or 7/16 double braid which has an approximate break strength of 6000 lbs.

What is the chief reason a rope like the one in this case would fail?

The ropes will break when they exceed their rated strength, most fail at the bowline knot which attaches the line to the parasail. Usually before the line parts the parasail winch will stall in order to relieve tension on the line.

About the expert

This seasoned expert has been in the parasailing business for over 30 years. He is the founder and owner of a company that currently operates parasailing excursions in three locations throughout California. He has dedicated his career to parasailing and has safely flown over 200,000 people over the years. In 2009, he and other veterans of the industry drafted parasailing best practice guidelines for the Water Sports Industry Association. These guidelines are currently being used as a foundation for the new American Society for Testing and Materials parasail best practices.