To reassure participants stepping off a treetop platform that they have no need to fear the intimidating heights, safety comes first at zip-line courses. Groups reserving a tour are encouraged to come 30 minutes before the scheduled time to fill out paperwork until being taken to the zip line’s orientation area.
There, experienced guides take the group to a test zip line, or “bunny zipline,” raised only about four feet off the ground. Riders are then fitted into a seat harness, a chest harness, a trolley system, two lanyards, gloves and a helmet.
After detailed explanations, participants try the test zip line until they feel ready for the real thing.
“The test zip lines are for people who have never done it and for people who don’t know if they can do it,” said Mike Mills, owner of the Buffalo Outdoor Center. “We build this so if we’ve got a really squeamish person, the guide could take that person on a test run. If you like it, you can go on the course.”
Guides divide the larger groups into smaller units of about 10 each before sending them to the beginning of the course at regular intervals.
Many zip-line courses start out with slower and lower cables and proceed to faster and higher ones. Guests stay hooked to the half-inch cable at all times as they go from one zip line to the next.
Courses vary in offering tree platforms, ground platforms, swinging bridges, hikes and stops along the route for guided talks about the surrounding ecosystem.
More zip line articles:
Zip lines zip it!
Safety comes first
WEB EXCLUSIVE! Five more zip lines
