Parasailing for only $5? Is this deal too good to be true?

By Shayne Benowitz

Is summer really turning to fall? How can this be? We’ve had an action packed summer, but sure enough it’s getting dark earlier, a cool breeze can be felt in the mornings and evenings, and all is well in Fury Land. In case you didn’t know, we’ve launched a number of new trips this season, most notably the relaxing Island Adventure and the enchanting Dolphin Watch & Snorkel Combo.

Of course, our mainstays the Ultimate Adventure, parasailing, and snorkeling are hard to pass up, especially for something new and untried, but I encourage you to go outside of your Key West vacation comfort zone and sample one of our new trips. They’re getting rave reviews and I personally can’t get enough of the Island Adventure!

To sweeten the deal, if you book either the Island Adventure or a Dolphin Watch Tour, we’ll throw in a parasailing excursion for only $5. That’s practically two trips for the price of one! Maybe you’ve never tried either, this is such an excellent low risk deal to sample the amazing water activities available to you in Key West.

Join us this fall on one of our trips and tell us which you liked better, that is if you can pick a favorite! See you soon!

Fury Girl on the slide at Adventure Island.

By Shayne Benowitz

Sweet, sweet summertime. The days of summer are waning as Labor Day Weekend, the last hurrah, is approaching. It’s been an incredible season at Fury in Key West. The weather’s been gorgeous, our guests have enjoyed a host of brand new trips and boats, and we’ve been busy! It’s also been an incredible time on our Facebook and Twitter pages. We’ve hit the 6,000 mark for “likes” on Facebook and every day there’s a ton of interaction with our fans as they post vacation pictures and talk about their trip. It’s almost as good as the real thing day in and day out on the docks at the Westin, the Ocean Key House, and the Historic Seaport.

Parasailing is part of the Ultimate Adventure package.

As usual, we anticipate a busy Labor Day Weekend, so we’re doubling up on the Ultimate Adventure during our two busiest days, Saturday and Sunday September 3-4. In addition to our daily 10am departure, you can rock the Ultimate as an afternoon adventure that includes a sunset sail. Book your 2pm departure and enjoy snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, as well as sea kayaking and all the toys at the inflatable water park. Enjoy snacks, an early picnic dinner, as well as all you can drink beer, wine, and champagne. The trip will conclude with viewing the famous Key West sunset before we return to port.

A school of blue tang can often be found snorkeling at the reef!

If you’ve been out with us before, you already know why this action-packed trip is amongst our most popular! It’s also a great value considering two meals are included, as well as a sampling of all the water activities that we offer. Whether you join us on Labor Day Weekend in the morning or afternoon for the Ultimate Adventure or anytime of the year, we’re thrilled to share our love of Key West and it’s beautiful waters with you. Here’s to summer!

Shayne Benowitz is a freelance writer and Fury crew member. For more follow her on Twitter @ShayneBenowitz

The couple who parasails together, stays together! Congratulations Kim & Ronnie!

by Shayne Benowitz

Recently on the parasail boat we’ve had some guests celebrating special occasions. I love talking to our passengers and hearing about what brought them to Key West. For many, it’s just the annual family vacation or a break from school. For others, though, it’s birthdays, wedding anniversaries, family reunions, or an annual girls trip! I love the idea of traveling for a special occasion. It makes life that much more of a celebration!

Johnnie Smith celebrating her 77th birthday!

Last Saturday, Captain Marius and Jumah parasailed Johnnie Smith who was celebrating her 77th birthday! They reeled her out on 600 feet of line with her daughter and they soared through the air at 300 feet. She was so sweet and said that it was an absolute thrill to be up there.

About a year ago, we had an entire wedding party consisting of two newlywed couples reserve a parasail boat to “trash the dress.” This was a trend I had never heard of until then that involves trashing your wedding dress in a creative way after your wedding.

This week, Kim and Ronnie  joined us fresh from the altar in their wedding attire ready to do the same thing. We took them up in the parasail and gave them a nice dip in the water. Kim told us that it was the perfect end to a perfect day and that every bride should “trash the dress” this way! We posted their pix on facebook and got a huge response with lots of “likes” and comments.

We’re happy people think of us when they think of celebrations in their lives. We hope you’ll join us for your next big day!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crew member and freelance writer. Follower her on Twitter @ShayneBenowitz

Snorkeling. Courtesy of Fury Fan Karla McAllister White

By Shayne Benowitz

I certainly don’t know how to explain it. I’m no meteorologist after all, and I don’t pretend to be. Somehow, though, while one of the largest winter storms swept the nation, we experienced the most beautiful weather of the season. Clear skies, sunshine, temperatures pushing to 80 degrees…

Yeah, that’s what I call paradise! This weekend, I actually felt a little bad for everyone freezing in the snow while I was on the Key West parasailing boat sweating in the sun. Our year round beautiful weather is definitely why I love living in Key West!

Parasailing. Courtesy of Fury Fan Alicia Leelee Campitelli.

Last week, while I was updating Fury’s facebook page, my newsfeed was filled with winter weather pictures. And let’s face it, they’re beautiful, and certainly not something we get to see down here in the tropics.

I made a call to action and asked you all to share your snowy pictures with us, and of course, our wonderful Fury fans came through. First, mother of the cutest (and only ) parasail crew couple Kenna and Eli posted a picture of Kenna’s brother in snowy Kansas. Henry D. Pawlus directed us to his page full of snowy pix! Amy Nykiel-Bacon posted a picture of her snowed-in front yard and Chris Shields posted a gorgeous picture of a frozen tree branch.

Ice ice baby in Indiana. Courtesy of Fury Fan Chris Shields.

The pictures are a veritable winter wonderland, and you should really check them out on our facebook page. But then I started to get a little cold and realized that we weren’t doing our beautiful Key West weather justice. So again, the fans came through posting dozens of sunny vacation pix aboard Fury!

Sunsets in paradise. Courtesy of Fury Fan Dorothy Such.

Remember, if you’re freezing your little tush off dreaming of diving into the warm, blue waters in Key West, we’ve got some pretty rockin’ contests on our facebook page right now. Enter a sweepstakes for an all-0expense paid trip to Key West and enter our photo contest. We’re giving out prizes every month. Keep the pix coming and see ya soon!

XO,

Fury Girl

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories visit her at web.me.com/shaynebeth and follow her at twitter.com/ShayneBenowitz.

Parasailing, courtesy of Fury fan Sheridan Kushner.

By Shayne Benowitz

Dear Fury Fans,

We’ve been doing a lot of reflecting in the New Year. We are so fortunate to do what we do every day on the water in the Key West sunshine. And we know that none of this would be possible without YOU! It’s been so fun over the years meeting people from all over the country and around the world aboard our snorkel trips, our parasail boats, and our sunset cruises, not to mention the Ultimate Adventure!

"It doesn't get better than this!" courtesy of Fury Fan Cathy Pauly.

It’s also been great to keep in touch! We’ve received letters and cards from our dearest fans expressing what a memorable time they’ve had with us. And trust me, those cards hang in the Surf Shack for everyone to see! It’s also a thrill when someone hops on board and says, “Hey, you were the parasail mate last year when we were here!”

When we jumped on facebook and twitter a few years ago, everything changed. Now we can have daily conversations, share pictures and memories, and really keep in touch. It’s like you never left the island (well, sort of!)! From a weeklong conversation about Captain Chuck to amazing fan photos of the powerboat races and more, I’ve been thoroughly entertained!

Celebrating 50th birthday aboard the Commotion with Capt. Chuck, courtesy of Fury Fan Kim Lunsford Schadle

We thought it was about time we gave back to our loyal Fury fans because, well, that’s how we roll! If you haven’t visited our facebook fanpage in a while, you’re going to find some great new features. If, for some silly reason, you’re not already apart of our facebook community, simply “like” our page, and you will immediately be entered into our new fans reward program along with the rest of our fans.

Every month starting in February we’ll select a fan at random for an awesome giveaway. You could win a trip with Fury or sweet Fury swag like crew shirts, hats, and other accessories. Click on the “Win A Trip” tab and fill out the quick form to sign up for our eNewsletter (written by yours truly! Come on, you know you want to!) and you’ll immediately be entered in an all-expense paid 3 day, 2 night trip to Key West with luxe accommodations at the Ocean Key House, spa treatments, dinners, and of course, trips galore aboard Fury!

Honeymooning, courtesy of Fury Fan Julie Carty.

For the more creatively inclined, and I know a lot of you are, we’re also starting a Fan Photo Contest. We already receive awesome pictures from you guys, and now we want to reward one fan every month with an Ultimate Adventure for two just for sending your vacation pictures our way. Check out how the contest works on the “Photo Contest” tab of our facebook page, and keep the pictures coming in!

This is just the beginning of how we want to give back to you, so stay tuned for more offers, deals, and contests in 2011. Oh yeah, and don’t be shy about sharing your Fury love with your friends on facebook (and in real life!). The more the merrier!

"Having a blast on the Ultimate Adventure," courtesy of Fury Fan Daron Blake.

Here’s hoping your 2011 is off to a rockin’ start. We’re certainly enjoying ourselves in Key West. And, of course, we hope to see you down here soon! Next time, maybe it’ll even be on us!

XOXO,

Fury Girl

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories visit her at web.me.com/shaynebeth and follow her at twitter.com/ShayneBenowitz.

Paradise parasailing.

By Shayne Benowitz

Looking at this week’s forecast, I can’t help but smile. There’s a beautiful pattern developing. Mostly sunny. Highs in the low 80s. Lows in the mid 70s. As the days tick by in October, fall is casting its shadow across the country, and this is what we’ve got in Key West.

The temperature is gloriously comfortable at sea and on land. The sun is warm and laying out a towel on the top deck of the catamaran as you sail south is absolutely sublime. The water temperature at the reef is refreshingly crisp. And, of course, the cocktails that the crew delivers with a smile are the perfect complement to your snorkel trip.

If it’s Key West parasailing that you’re looking for, you’ll absolutely thrill at the boat ride through the harbor without the sweltering summer sun beating down. The ocean breeze is so pleasant! And the view from 300 feet up, breathtaking!

Of course, you haven’t done Key West if you haven’t enjoyed our famous sunset. Join us any night of the week for either the Rum & Reggae snorkel/sunset combo, the live music Commotion on the Ocean, or the classic Champagne Sunset Sail. We’ve got the best seat in the house to watch the sun sink into the western horizon. And this time of year, you might want to pack a light sweatshirt.

On land, the weather is perfect for strolling around Duval Street or riding bikes around side streets. In the evening, sitting outside for dinner is perfection, and you can even get away with wearing jeans without sweating to death. We’re definitely enjoying some perfect fall weather down here, and think that you should be, too!

Sailing to the crystal clear reef.

By Shayne Benowitz

It’s hard to believe, but this time next week it will be the beginning of a long Labor Day Weekend and the official end of summer. I know, I know, don’t get too depressed! No one likes it when summer ends, right? Well, we’ve all got one more weekend to really live it up.

Of course, in Key West we exist in a state of perpetual summer. Maybe you can enjoy Labor Day with us at Fury or maybe we’ll just see you in the fall. Either way, it’s time to toast to the end of a long, hot summer. What have you got planned? Family picnics or BBQs? A quick escape to the beach?

At Fury, it will be business as usual—or perhaps, more than usual. We’re gearing up for a busy weekend of water sports, and of course, we’d love to see you aboard our fleet.

The Ultimate Adventure is by far the most popular trip and the greatest value. It’s the perfect Labor Day package: Key West snorkeling, parasailing, jet skiing, kayaking, inflatable water park, breakfast, lunch, snacks, and all you can drink. That pretty much says it all!

If you’re looking for a quick escape, join us on one of our snorkel trips departing three times daily: 9:30am, 1pm, and 5pm. This is an absolute “Must-Do” in Key West. It would be embarrassing to be this close to the third largest coral reef system in the world and not set out to explore it.

If you’d prefer an aerial view of our island paradise, then the calming thrill of Key West parasailing is for you. Trips depart every hour on the hour from 9am to 5pm. Yep, for some of us that’s the daily grind!

And of course, don’t miss a single sunset while you’re here, and make sure you catch it on the water at least one night. We’ve got a classic champagne sunset sail or a little bit of rock n roll with the Commotion on the Ocean featuring a great live band, appetizers, and margaritas.

Either way, we hope you and your family have a wonderful Labor Day and we hope to see you on the water in Key West soon!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Lobster!

by Shayne Benowitz

The traps have been set. It’s the start of lobster season. With ideal summer weather the last few days, the water has been placid and clear. Now the harbor is also dotted with buoys marking the traps. For our Key West parasailing captains, they’ve got to be vigilant and steer clear of them. For everyone else, it’s time to feast!

Before lobster season is open to the pros, Key West holds a “mini season” where amateur divers can scour the reefs and rocks for the first catch. Annabelle and Cassandra, a couple of Fury gals, and my favorite little concharitas have been lobstering during mini season since they were little girls, and this year was no different.

Annabelle and Cassandra (far right) with friends.

They hit the water both days of mini season, and snagged 30 lobsters by midday. Having never been lobstering or even spear fishing myself, I’m truly impressed with these lovely ladies and hope they’ll take me with them one of these days!

In the meantime, I guess it’s time to hit up A & B Lobster House for a little surf ‘n turf. Or maybe Annabelle and Cassandra will have me over for dinner!?

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

by Shayne Benowitz

Apparently there’s a new trend in wedding traditions. After a couple gets married, instead of stashing the white dress and tux in the back of the closet, they partake in a crazy activity and “trash the dress.” We had two couples from Napa, California join us for parasailing this week with just that in mind!

The party disembarked from a Carnival cruise ship Monday morning and tied the knot on land. After the two ceremonies, the couples, along with the wedding party, hopped aboard a Fury parasail boat for some fun.

The first couple was dressed in traditional wedding attire. The bride wore a flowing white dress and veil and the groom sported a white tuxedo, coral colored tie, and matching boutonniere. The second couple was ready for the water! The bride wore a white bikini with “Just Married” scrawled on the bottoms and the groom rocked white and pastel board shorts with an undershirt and matching Kangol hat.

"Just Married!"

The whole party was a riot and everyone had a great time! At Fury, we’ve hosted many Key West weddings and receptions aboard our catamarans for a sunset sail, but this was definitely the first time we’ve taken the bride and groom parasailing in their full garb!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.

Sky High

by Shayne Benowitz

This week marked another historic moment for Fury Water Adventures as our fifth parasail boat—that’s right, FIFTH!—arrived in Key West early Monday morning. Davey and Justin were the first to greet her, Charlie and I spent a day preparing for her Coast Guard inspection, and Adam and Rob took her on her inaugural trip with a boatload of customers.

Sky High is a beauty in her slip at the Westin next to Fury Flyer and Fly Girl. Her equipment is state-of-the-art with heavy duty tandem and triple bars, brand new harnesses, and some snazzy new parasails. Seating 15, she is the picture of comfort and design boasting the latest in marine technology.

With the addition of Sky High, the sky truly is the limit! Just in time for our busy spring/summer season, there will be even more availability to fly with team Fury! We look forward to showing you and your family and friends breathtaking views of Key West flying high on Sky High!

Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crewmember and freelance writer. For more travel stories and a daily dose of what’s cool around the globe visit her Wanderlust Website at http://web.me.com/shaynebeth.