UFO Parasail owner Greg VanderLaan with his daughter, Capt. Casey VanderLaan.

KAANAPALI – Greg VanderLaan, owner of UFO Parasail, was honored at the annual Parasail Operators Symposium held by the Water Sports Industry Association on Nov. 7-8 in Ruskin, Florida with a WSIA Lifetime Achievement Award for the advent of the winch parasail industry.

“It’s quite an honor to be recognized by your peers,” said VanderLaan.

A graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, VanderLaan holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nautical Engineering and U.S. Coast Guard Third Mate Unlimited and 1,600-ton Captain’s License.

Founded in 1985, UFO Parasail/UFO Adventures operates six boats on Maui and has two boats on the Big Island, as well as sister companies in Bay of Islands and Taupo, New Zealand.

The company has invented much of the technology that makes the UFO Parasail winch boats among the most popular and best in the world.

The company manufactures and sells these boats, contributing more than 550 winch boats that are in operation in 35 countries around the world.

UFO Parasail offers residents and visitors a chance to experience a breathtaking view of Maui’s pristine waters.

Their state-of-the-art parasailing equipment ensures a safe, dry takeoff and landing.

Besides parasailing, UFO Parasail & Adventures Maui offers seasonal Banana Boat rides and year-round private and group inshorefishing charters in the waters of West Maui.

With Private Charters, clients can create their own adventure inshore fishing, snorkeling, whale watching (in season) and extreme tubing.

UFO Parasail is located on Maui at Kaanapali Beach fronting Whalers Village and on the Kona Coast of the Big Island at the Courtyard by Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel.

For more information about UFO Parasail, call (808) 661-7836.