One could be forgiven for feeling terrified at the prospect of being hoisted 400-odd feet above the waters off Seven Mile Beach with little more than a harness and rope holding you there.

But as the parachute fills with wind and the hydraulic winch slowly guides you heavenwards, the feeling is one of surprising calm. With virtually no sound but for the gentle flapping of the parachute, a serene feeling overcomes you as you take in the vista below.

And, what an incredible sight it is; as you climb higher, rising above the high-rise hotels, the view quickly opens up to the whole island. In the distance, there's Rum Point, the North Sound and the rugged scrub of East End. Little cars are racing up and down little roads on a little island strip that, at times, feels anything but.

To your right, slices of sun cut through the clouds and dance on the glittering waters, while a container ship, now in miniature, straddles the horizon.

Below your dangling feet, the green and blues of the ocean sparkle as the day's last sun hits it.

This is parasailing, courtesy of the Parasailing Professionals. Co-owners and managers Nigel Windsor and Gareth Parry have been working in parasailing for the past 18 years, and have been running their business here in Cayman for the past 14 years.

They invited me and photographer Stephen Clarke along to get this unique perspective of Cayman - and it sure beat being at the office.

Part of the reason for our relative ease, as we soared above their boat, is the professionalism and take-no-risk attitude they demonstrated prior to our flight.

Previous attempts to take to the skies were delayed at the tour operators' behest because of inclement weather.

While the Parasailing Professionals operate 365 days of the year, they refuse to go out if the conditions aren't right.

We were reassured by the equipment, too. Nigel had explained that the rope takes 4,500 pounds of breaking strain, while the boat has been specifically designed for parasailing.

After 10 or so minutes of soaring southward along Seven Mile Beach, we began to slowly descend.

As we pulled closer to the boat, I was wishing I could plunge the last 30 feet into the water below.

Stephen, by contrast, suddenly seemed anxious. He'd got his prized possession in hand and had seen the skipper, Nigel, dip the last few thrill-seekers in the ocean before lifting them back into the air then on to the boat.

He soon relaxed though, after Nigel guided us back to the boat deck with clinical precision, ensuring not a drop of water touched us - or the sacred camera.

Soon we shed our safety equipment, bade our guides farewell and boarded the water-taxi, which returned us to the beach.

The company usually sails along Seven Mile Beach and can arrange to collect thrill-seekers on the beach by any of the major SMB locations.

Because parasailing is so simple, the ride is open to people of all ages. Whether you go up as a single, double or triple is up to you.

With that, it's back to the car and the roads on the little strip of Caribbean land that again feels so much bigger.

Key to Cayman experienced this parasailing session courtesy of Parasailing Professionals. The company offers single rides from $70 while doubles are $120. Resident discounts are also available. For more information, call them on 916 2953.