June 25, 2008

Soar like a bird behind a speed boat on Lake Tahoe this summer. There's plenty of places around the lake to take flight over the water.

On the North Shore
• North Shore Parasail, 530-546-7698, 8290 North Lake Blvd. Kings Beach (Steamers Pizza)
Take the whole family parasailing with the oldest company on Lake Tahoe without straining the pocketbook too much. Fly 600 feet in the sky for eight minutes ($45); 900 feet for 10 minutes ($55); or 1,400 feet for 15 minutes ($75). Ask for discount coupons prior to flight and save up to $20. No restrictions - fly any weight, any size, and you can even take your two best friends. Hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.

• Lake Tahoe Parasailing, 530-583-7245, 700 North Lake Blvd. (Tahoe City Marina)
Fly 500 feet high for eight minutes ($50 per person); 800 feet high for 10 minutes ($60 per person) or 1,400 feet high for 15 minutes ($90 per person). Minimum weight for a solo ride is 150 pounds; for tandem ride is 45 pounds and max weight allowed is 450 pounds. Hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Rides are usually best in the morning; reserve a day in advance.

South Shore
• Zephyr Cove Marina, 775-589-4901, Zephyr Cove, Nev., (Zephyr Cove Marina)
Fly over 1,000 feet before 10:30 a.m. at Zephyr Cove for $59 single and $109 tandem. After 10:30 a.m. and until close (generally around 5 p.m.) singles fly for $69 and tandems soar for $129. Each flight is approximately 10-12 minutes long. Observers ride for $19 (space available). Weight limits from 9- to 350 pounds. Reservations are recommended. Fuel surcharge ($5) may apply.

• Action Watersports, 530-544-2942, 3411 Lake Tahoe Blvd., (Timber Cove Marina)
Spend 8-10 minutes in the air at 600 feet ($55 per person) or 1,200 feet ($80 per person). Not interested in going airborne? Observers ride in the boat (space permitting) for $15. Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Weight limits are from 90 to 300 pounds.

• Ski Run Boat Company, 530-544-0200, Lake End of Ski Run Blvd., (Ski Run Marina)
Fly 400 feet high for $50; 800 feet for $60; or 1,200 feet for $75. Observers ride in the boat for $15. Ask about $10 off coupons. Weight limits vary daily depending on wind and weather. Hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

• H20 Sports, 775-588-4155, 350 Hwy. 50, Round Hill, Nev., (Round Hill Pines Beach)
Fly for around 10 minutes at 600 feet in the sky solo for $55, tandem for $90. Fly 1,200 feet high for $70 solo and $125 tandem. Weight limits from 110 to 375 pounds. Hours are Noon to 3 p.m.