Air of Relaxation : Fans extol the calming effects of a ride in the sky. ‘It looks faster and more dangerous than it is,’ as long as you don’t land on land, says Bill Byrd, who offers flights.

Para-sailing may be one of the more relaxing diversions you can find at the beach, but some people still approach it with anxiety.

At least, that’s been Bill Byrd’s experience. Byrd, who offers para-sailing flights through Dana Wharf Sportfishing and the Dana Point Resort, said he’s often surprised by how many novices face their first trip with the trembles of a bungee jumper.

“A lot of people are really nervous, mainly because they know they’re going to be up high and (para-sailing) is such an unknown,” said the San Juan Capistrano resident. “It looks faster and more dangerous than it is.

“Also, (many have heard) about the disaster stories in Mexico. They’ve heard about people hitting palm trees or bashing into the beach. That can’t happen with us, though. Once they’re up, they see how safe and beautiful it all is.”

Byrd, who runs the only year-round operation in Orange County said para-sailing probably started as a tourist attraction at oceanfront hotels in places like Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta. The Orange County version is much the same, but with one difference. Byrd explained that although taking off and landing on land is the norm in Mexico, it’s illegal in California.

To satisfy the law, Byrd takes para-sailers out in his speed boat, then lets them rise, the parachute billowing behind, as the craft gains speed. After the 10-minute ride, the para-sailer is reeled in to a landing on the boat’s rear platform.

“We’re very in control of the situation,” Byrd said. “Once they realize that, they just take it easy and go with the flow.”

Para-sailing is apparently as safe as Byrd contends. Officials, including the Coast Guard’s, say there has never been a para-sailing accident reported in Orange County.

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Except for the takeoff and landing, the pastime is pretty much the same wherever you find it. Para-sailers hang from a harness attached to a specialized chute, then glide as high as 350 feet above the Pacific.

A fear of heights--and open seas--may discourage some, but the experience is really more calming than anything else.

That’s what attracts Jim Riverton, a San Clemente computer store owner, to para-sailing. He’s taken rides from Mexico to Santa Cruz, and it’s always for the same reason.

“It’s just so relaxing,” he said. “I don’t think I’m the daredevil type, so I haven’t tried real sky-diving or anything like that. But this has some of the fun to it without the risks. It’s great on a pretty day; you just float.”

Floating is nice, but don’t you get bored after a while?

“Not me, I just find a groove of looking around and breathing deep,” Riverton said. “It may not be as thrilling as some would like, but (it’s thrilling) enough for me.”

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My test flight confirmed Riverton’s observations. After a briefing by Byrd on the life vest and what to expect once in the air, it was time to head out. About a half-mile from shore came the liftoff, which was rapid but less jarring than a minor thrill ride at an amusement park.

The view of the coastline and expanse of sea was wonderful. Also the quiet; there’s little distracting noise, only the sound of the breeze. You can ask Byrd to keep on course at a fixed speed, which ensures the reverie is uninterrupted, or have his partner Jeff Foreman work the throttle, providing a series of quick but gentle drops and climbs.

Literature on para-sailing often describes it as a sport, but that doesn’t really fit, no matter what fans might say. It’s mostly a passive experience, although a few of Byrd’s clients have tried to take control by manipulating the parachute lines. A para-sailer can shift directions, even the height of the flight somewhat, but Byrd frowns on that.

“It’s unlikely (that problems would occur) because of it, but we prefer to keep the conditions maintained,” he said. “We want to protect (the rider) but it’s also a question of liability for us.”

Although Byrd operates year-round, he does pay close attention to the weather. The boat stays in the harbor on rainy days, and Byrd has a rigid rule of no para-sailing whenever the wind approaches 25 m.p.h.

“You can’t have the chute whipping all about; it’s just too much,” he said. “We once took a woman out (in a blustery wind) because she really wanted to go. It was safe enough but she was still going all over the place, you could see that from the boat.”

Byrd laughed, recalling the image. “Anyway, she said she had a good time, so I guess that’s all that matters.”

Para-sailing trips cost $45 a person. For more information, call Dana Wharf Sportfishing at (714) 496-5794 or the Dana Point Resort at (714) 661-5000 .