UFO Parasail owner honored for lifetime achievement award
KAANAPALI, MAUI — Greg VanderLaan, owner of UFO Parasail was honored at the annual Parasail Operators Symposium held by the Water Sports Industry Association Nov. 7-8 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, who is a graduate of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nautical engineering and U.S. Coast Guard 3rd 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 manufactures and sells these boats, contributing more than 550 winch boats that are in operation in 35 countries.
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.
Info: 661-7836.