Staff Answer
Jun 21, 2026 - 09:00 AM
The biggest surprise for most first time flyers is just how smooth the whole process is. A lot of people picture being jerked into the air or dropping back onto the boat at the end, but that is really not what happens. When it is your turn, you are clipped into the harness while sitting on the back of the boat, and as the captain gradually increases speed, you simply start to lift off the deck. It almost feels like someone is gently pulling you upward instead of launching you. There is no big rush in your stomach like a roller coaster, and before you know it, the boat is getting smaller beneath you. The landing is just as easy. As the captain slowly brings you back toward the boat, the crew guides you in and you end up sitting right back where you started. If nobody told you it was time to land, you might not even realize how close you were until your feet are back on the deck. It is a very controlled process from beginning to end. If you choose to do a water dip, the captain will lower you just enough for your feet or legs to touch the surface before bringing you back up for the landing. Even that is usually gentle and feels more playful than exciting. After talking with thousands of visitors over the years, I can say the takeoff and landing are usually the parts people worry about the most before the trip and the parts they talk about the least afterward because they end up being so much easier than they expected.
