...		In the summer of 1969 Brian Gaskin the founder of Waterbird® began experimenting with ex-military type parachutes. With his boating family of 3 children and passion for flight, Brian wanted to add the thrill of flying to there already fun filled weekends. The design of these ex-military parachutes meant that they were far from ideal for family use which meant only the brave at heart could fly, they had after all been designed for free-fall and not as flying machines. Brian, decided the only way forward for friends and family to enjoy this new and fun sport was to sit down and design a parachute solely for parasailing. His goal was to design a parachute that could achieve safe and reliable flight, the result; In the summer of 1974 Waterbird® was born, the first ever "true" dedicated parasail. The following year "Waterbird® Parakites®" was formed to market and produce his new innovation. Brian with his 3 children, Lorraine, Angela and Vincent in the summer of 1972. The design and construction of the Waterbird® were revolutionary, from its simplified design of 16 panels & shroud lines, unique tow yoke and body harness system it created performance and stability not previously seen in this type of flying machine. With its exclusive use of a 1.5oz waterproof 6.6 high tenacity Rip Stop Nylon Fabric (the first time this type of fabric had been used in a parachute) it could be safely used in an over water environment. The Waterbird® design set the precedent for the parasail market as it exists today! This heritage and a program of continuous development have placed Waterbird No.1 in the world of commercial parasailing. Waterbird was, and continues to be, the worlds only purpose designed 16 gore parasail. Waterbird® has remained in the family tradition and with it has grown a sophisticated range of creative parasails now numbering 15 different model options, giving you the commercial operator or private boat owner an unrivalled choice in an often confusing world... FACT: ALL OTHER COMPANIES MANUFACTURING AND SELLING 16 GORE PARASAILS ARE A DIRECT COPY OF THE WATERBIRD DESIGN. Thought of the day. "The cheap deal" When you buy on price, you can never be sure. It is unwise to pay too much, but it is worse to pay too little. When you pay too much you loose a little money, that is all. But when you pay too little, you sometimes lose everything, because the thing you bought is incapable of doing the thing it was bought to do. The common law of business balance prohibits paying a little and getting a lot. It can't be done! If you deal with the lowest bidder it is as well to add something for the risk you run. If you do that, you will have enough to pay for something better. (Sir John Ruskin 1819-1900) The Waterbird® operation is based in West Kingsdown Kent situated in the South East of England. Our range is not only parasails, we can now offer winchboats, seasleds and all associated equipment. Please feel free to view our website and if you require any information please go to our contact page where Vince or Allyson would be delighted to assist you. HAPPY FLYING Use our contact form, call us or email for more info.