Every year our family takes a holiday together, usually in the summer holidays, but there are exceptions to that rule. This year, we stayed for a week in Mt Maunganui during March. There, we did everything tourists are supposed to do there, climb the mountain, swim in the sea, and drive into the city.1
It was on our last day (which just happened to be the 17th) at the Mount when my dad brought up the idea of parasailing. I think he only did it to scare my sister, Gemma, who claims to be terrified of heights, but I jumped at the chance. Two hours later, both me and Gemma were wearing life jackets and harnesses, in a boat in front of main beach, Mt Maunganui's main beach. Gemma seemed to be regretting her decision, yet I persuaded her to let us fly at the highest possible height (1200 feet of rope.)2
Before we knew it, we were clipped into the seat of the sail, and we were ready to go. We sat down on the carpeted area at the back of the boat, bringing our knees up to get ourselves into the most comfortable position. Then the rope was released and we shot, fast at first, into the air.3
After a few moments of second class acting, Gemma’s claims of being terrified of heights dissolved. She was leaning over to get a better view, yelling out to the dots on the beach that were people, and spreading her arms wide. After 10 minutes of this, the boat below us stopped to let us experience the parachute drop.4
It took us a while to notice, we were having such fun, and when we did, there wasn’t that much to notice anyway. We simply drifted slowly down towards the huge mass of clear, blue water. It got a bit boring really, as we weren't moving around anymore. However, the closer we got to the water, the more fun it got, and soon we were straining to dip our toes in. When Gemma finally did manage to kick up some water, I looked across at the boat, expecting it to start again, shooting us up back up into the sky. It didn’t. Our legs were in the water now.
“Um,” I said. Gemma looked at me. I smiled nervously. “We may be getting a little wet” I said.
She didn't seem too disappointed. Then it hit her.
“Will we have to swim to the beach?” I tried to remember what the guys on the boat said.
“No.” She seemed relieved. “They'll reel us in by hand, like fish”
She laughed, then we were completely under. Thanks to the life jackets, we popped straight back up to the surface of the water. I felt a pull on my harness as we started to be reeled in.5
When we got back on the boat, they kept trying to start it, and eventually we were speeding back to the wharf, saturated and dripping all over the seats.6
They never did find out why the boat wouldn't start, but whatever it was, it helped us fit one more swim into our holiday.7
Each year my family takes a holiday together, but last year's was different from most....
A contest entry
- March's New Member's Contest by SW Greeters.
350 points, ended April 1, 2008, 9 entries
Honorable mention
• next story in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 9 of 9
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I've always wanted to go parasailing, actually!
It looks like a lot of fun. Is this a memoir piece? You speak with such conviction, it's easy to imagine it really happening. A very nice story. I hope the water was warm! Best of luck in the contest! 
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This didn't happen. But it almost did. I just exaggerated a bit.
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It seems like this may have been a personal experience...this is a good read...well written and easy to understand.
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Great story. Thanks for entering and good luck in the contest.
Brooke
Greeter -
NICE
Great work and welcome to SW!
Did that actually happen?
Good luck in the contest!
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Interesting
This is a true story? I take it you got a little wet. Being reeled in like a fish must have been fun. This is pretty well written. Thanks for entering the new member contest. I hope you are enjoying Storywrite.
Andy
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In paragraph 4, I think you meant to say "..to let us experience..."
In Paragraph 5, you start to combine your paragraphs which makes it appear clumped together. You may want to think about seperating the dialogue and the paragraphs to make it flow better.
Other than that I liked your family vacation. It seems you had a great time. The last time our family went on a vacation was when my aunt came from London, England to visit and we all took her to Niagara Falls (in Canada) for the day. It wasn't as fun as your story but it's good to get together with family.
Thanks for entering, welcome and good luck!
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I agree with your English teacher--wow I said that.
A good story line, a bit comical, a bit scary with a nice flow to the plot. It was an easy read.
Welcome to SW, I'll be watching for more of your work.
If we can be of help please let us know.
Geri
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Firstly welcome to sw:
Secondly awsome first submittion...
Might need a little work on the paragraphs, but besides that great start ^,^
Blair ~
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