Adventure in Puerto Vallerta, Mexico

By Xanthe Webb

See Photos From This Trip
Video Clip: Parasailing in Puerto Vallerta

In April, 2007, I had tht opportunity to venture out of the country for my very first time. And no better place to experience some "firsts" than in Puerto Vallerta, Mexico!

It is weird, I'll admit, that even though I am a Utah native, I jet skied for the first time in Mexico and on the ocean of all waters! I had wanted to for quite some time too, every time I went to Lake Powell I got jet-envy! Well, it was a fantastic experience and the only thing I would do differently is wear goggles. (Well and maybe get some deep-water-phobia therapy before I go again!). Yes, the salt water did sting, but nothing too serious and it sure didn't dumb down my first jet skiing experience!

During that special trip I also had the opportunity to check off the very first item on my list of things to do before I die. I couldn't ever decide if I wanted to go paragliding, parasailing, hang-gliding, etc, so I just wrote it up as "Para-______." Yep! I allowed myself to be ripped off! I paid $60 to a guy who sells parasailing rides, so I could have a secure sense of accomplishment.

Parasailing in Puerto Vallerta

It all happened a lot slower than I thought it would, don't get me wrong, I wasn't bored at all, it was great. It just wasn't as scary or exciting, I didn't get the rush of adrenaline I thought I would. I rose about 200 ft. into the air within maybe 40 seconds. They sailed me halfway around the bay before they turned back, so I got a good ride for my money. There wasn't a lot of wind or bumping/jerking feelings, so it is good to say that it was peaceful, relaxing, incredible way to get a great birds-eye view of the scenery and experience something you thought you'd be so scared to try!

My first out of the country experience was priceless, (although my wallet was substantially lighter afterwards) and even the half-gallon of salt water that I ended up swallowing - well, it's nothing that couldn't be cured by the large tropical smoothies I enjoyed during my stay in paradise!