Thank you for visiting the website of Humber Parascending
Humber Parascending was started in 1999. The aim was to provide people in the UK with a chance to experience the thrill of parasailing in a safe and controlled environment. The company was formed by Steve Webb, who as a qualified health and safety trainer/consultant was horrified to hear of all the serious injuries, and in some cases deaths caused by negligent parasailing operators around the world. Steve combined his own love of extreme activities with his knowledge of health and safety to provide others with a chance to take part in an exhilarating sport, normally only available outside the UK.
Humber Parascending’s commitment to keep safety as its number one priority was reflected in the company’s 100% nil injury record.
Although sadly the company was forced to cease operating (see notice at foot of page) this website has been left online, with a view to assisting others in making informed decisions about whether or not to participate in the sport. Steve has shared the benefit of his experience with essential safety tips and answers to a series of frequently asked questions
If you are planning to go parasailing, but you’re unsure about the safety of the sport be sure to check out our essential safety checklist here
A testament to Steve’s attention to detail where health and safety was concerned, and one of the proudest moments in his parasailing career, was when he flew Steve Wilkinson aka “Wheelchair Steve” back in the summer of 2008. The flight was a triumph in more ways than one. It opened up the sport for disabled people and raised over £1000 for the Sir Bobby Robson foundation. You can view a video of Steve’s mammoth parasail here.
In addition to this Steve assisted people raise over £20,000 for various charities and set up the Fly for Free challenge, more details of which can be found on this page.
Renowned travel journalist Simon Calder thoroughly enjoyed his parasailing trip with Humber Parasending when he visited Hull to film a tourist information video centred around the Humber Bridge. Rather than take the easy option of walking across the bridge, Simon decided he would like to fly him alongside of it instead! The Humber Parascending team were happy to oblige.
SPECIAL NOTICE - PLEASE READ
It was with great regret that we decided to suspend our services in the autumn of 2009. Since proving the viability of using the River Humber for leisure purposes, our business was undermined by publicly funded opposition and a lack of co-operation from the local councils. The B.H.P.A. who were formerly our governing body also severely restricted our operations. The final straw came when we had to resort to using the Freedom of Information Act to obtain health and safety information from the council essential to the day to day running of our business. It is next to impossible to operate under these conditions.
There is more detailed information about how the BHPA and various charities had a negative impact on our business on the Fly for Free Challenge page, which we encourage you to read as many of the problems we faced still remain unaddressed 15 years later.
We are very proud of our 100% nil injury record, the fact that we provided thousands of people from all over the country with an affordable way to experience the thrill of flying beneath a parachute. Despite the opposition we faced, we raised thousands of pounds for various charities. Our sincere thanks go to everyone who used our services over the 11 years we were in business.
Humber Parascending is owned by I.G.V. Limited a company registered in the United Kingdom. Company reg no 3978916 - Registered Office: 8 Langdale Drive - HULL - East Yorkshire - UK - HU12 9TG Site last updated 2024
