Frequently Asked Questions
JET SKI FAQS
What's the difference between a jet ski and WaveRunner?
Really nothing. Think: Ford, Chevy, Chrysler. They all have the same functions, just look a little different. We refer to one or all throughout this website, but we are always talking about the 3-seater personal watercrafts.
Can we take the jet ski anywhere we want in Ocean City?
Maryland requires that any rental jet ski stay within visible sight of our highly trained guides. They are there for your safety. Luckily enough, our guides have great eyesight, and we have the largest riding area in Maryland with no other rental companies in sight! This means that each trip has a personal lifeguard (or two or three) for the duration of your adventure, and you won’t have to worry about any other rental companies sharing the same space. If you are renting the jet skis at our Paradise Watersports Marina, you may be lucky enough to see dolphins near our riding area as many of our customers have witnessed every season.
Are the prices of your jet ski rentals at Paradise Watersports per person?
No! The prices listed are per watercraft, not per person, so they include the jet ski driver and up to two additional people, depending on their size and the total combined weight.
Does the instruction time count as part of my driving time?
No way! Your Paradise Watersports jet ski adventure does not begin until you physically leave our docks heading out for the water! By the time you get back, we promise you’ll agree that of all the things to do in Ocean City, Maryland, jet ski rentals are one of the most fun and memorable attractions!
What is the minimum age to rent a jet ski in Ocean City, Maryland?
You must be 16 years of age to rent a jet ski in Ocean City, BUT you must have a parent or guardian sign for you if you are under the age of 18. All operators must present a valid photo ID with birthdate and must complete a Boater Safety course (see next FAQ). If you do not have a driver’s license or other photo ID, we suggest you obtain a state ID card from your local Department of Motor Vehicles prior to your vacation. (If you left your ID at home, that’s not a problem! We have a fax machine so that a friend or loved one can fax a copy of your ID directly to our office to confirm your age and identity and get you out on the water!)
Do we need a license in order to drive the jet ski?
A temporary boater’s license is provided to customers.
Where do I go to take the Boater Safety course?
The Boater Safety course can be completed at our Paradise Watersports Marina, located on the docks of Hooper’s Crab House. It takes around 15-30 minutes to complete the course, and it is open book with the answers right in front of you, so there are no excuses to get any wrong! This course is temporary and only works while under the supervision of our guides for the hour that you reserved. If you decide you would like to come back another time and rent from us again, unfortunately state law requires us to re-administer the test (but that’s okay, by then you should be a jet ski guru!). We ask that if you are renting a jet ski from us to please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to your reservation time to get squared away and complete proper testing.
Is there a minimum age to ride on the jet ski?
Yes, passengers must be 5 years of age or older.
What is your cancellation policy?
We go out rain or shine! In the rare case that we have to cancel due to inclement weather, our staff will contact you asap and offer to reschedule or refund your booking. All online bookings are non-refundable and non-cancellable. For bookings made over the phone or in person we allow for cancellations up to two hours prior to your reservation time. We require two hours notice or more for ALL reservation modifications, each booking may only reschedule once. If you have additional questions please contact our staff at 410-213-7627.
PARASAILING FAQS
What happens if the line breaks?
The line is designed to withstand 10,000 pounds of pressure. The average parasail ride only produces 800 pounds. It is very uncommon for the line to break, but if it does, you are never in any danger. If the line should break, the parachute will slowly and gently bring the parasailers to the water. The parachute is designed to land in the water behind the parasailers, never on top of them. Your lifejackets will allow you to comfortably float and the boat will immediately pick you back up.
How do we get into and down from the air?
Our brand-new, custom-built parasail boats will allow a smooth and easy take-off and landing. Each parasailer, or tandem group of parasailers, will slowly lift off of the back of the boat with ease. You will enjoy the ride in a comfortable swing-like harness in a seated position. Each parasailer will softly land on the back of the boat in that same sitting position. A dip in the water is optional, and recommended, but you will always take off from and land on the boat.
Is there a price difference if two or three people fly together?
The prices are all per person. Whether you fly with someone or alone, the prices remain per person. We always do our best to accommodate your requests; however, safety is our number one priority.
Can people go on the boat and watch?
Yes. The cost for non-flying observers is $60. However, we do not accept reservations for observers. Parasailers always have first priority. At the time of departure, if there is room available, we will allow a limited number of observers due to United States Coast Guard regulations.
Do we have to be able to swim?
No. All take-offs and landings are done from the back of the boat, so if you don’t want to get wet, you won’t have to! In the unlikely event of a mechanical malfunction, all participants are required to wear lifejackets while parasailing and you’ll be in the safe hands of our highly trained crew. Anyone can fly—including the young, the old, and someone with special needs. We are happy to safely accommodate everyone.
Is there an age requirement?
Yes, all flyers must be 5 years of age or older. although participants under the age of 18 must have a parent or guardian sign their liability waiver prior to boarding the vessel. The minimum weight required to parasail is roughly 100 pounds. If the flyer is less than 100 pounds, they will simply fly tandem with another parasailer, with their combined weight not to exceed roughly 425 pounds. Weight requirements may change on any given day due to the wind conditions. Again, safety is always our number one priority.
Are there any weight restrictions?
Minimum weight to fly alone is roughly 100 lbs; not exceeding roughly 500 lbs in tandem. If you have any questions or concerns about the weight of your group, just give us a call so we can work something out for you. (The captain may change these safety restrictions due to weather conditions.)
Do you take pictures of our experience?
Yes. We offer a photo service from the boat utilizing professional Nikon cameras with 300 mm zoom lenses. The cost is $30 for a digital chip with 75 high-resolution shots of you and your family’s entire adventure! Take the photos home and put them on your computer to email friends or take the chip to a local photo-shop or digital kiosk for printing, then the chip is yours to reuse! Our photographer captures the most memorable moments as you relax and enjoy the experience.
What happens if the boat stops suddenly?
Our vessels and equipment are inspected daily, and they are kept to very specific mechanical standards. In the unlikely event of a mechanical malfunction, the participants are gently lowered into the water (lifejackets are mandatory) and retrieved by another vessel in our fleet immediately. Again, you are never in any danger. The absolute worst case scenario is that you get the “special dip”!
Do I ever touch the water?
The entire experience can be completely dry. If requested, we will provide a “dip” in which we simply lower the parachute toward the water, which allows you to have your feet or bottom touch the water. You will then be lifted back up and continue the ride as usual. This is definitely recommended.
What is your cancellation policy?
We go out rain or shine! In the rare case that we have to cancel due to inclement weather, our staff will contact you asap and offer to reschedule or refund your booking. All online bookings are non-refundable and non-cancellable. For bookings made over the phone or in person we allow for cancellations up to two hours prior to your reservation time. We require two hours notice or more for ALL reservation modifications, each booking may only reschedule once. If you have additional questions please contact our staff at 410-213-7627.