Ziplining
Zip lining (also known as ziplining) is a sport in which participants “zip” between platforms on a series of cables.
Understand
Zip line courses can consist of one or many cables that are suspended between trees or man-made structures. Participants (often referred to as “zippers”) are suspended from a pulley that moves across the cable, propelled by gravity. The cables are mounted descending from a higher to lower point. The amount of incline as well as the weight of the zipper determines the speed at which the participant travels from point to point.
Zip line courses can be designed purely for speed (adrenaline rush), while others are designed to allow zippers to enjoy the natural surroundings such as forest, jungle or waterfalls (often referred to as canopy tours). Others employ elements of both.
Glossary
- Zippers: The name given to zip line participants
- Zipping: The action of zip lining.
- Flying: Another term used to describe the act of zip lining
- Guides: Professionals who accompany groups of zippers through the zip line course.
Learn
Professional zip line courses offer mandatory training sessions for participants. During the training sessions guides teach participants, proper form, how to take off from a platform, how to land on a platform and how to break/slow down. Depending on the complexity and difficulty of the course, training sessions can take anywhere from a few minutes to a half-hour.
Do
Since courses are built to deliver varying experiences, it is a good idea to research courses to ensure you get the kind of experience that is most appealing to you. It is also important to keep in mind that courses have different age, health and weight requirements, so check with the tour provider before heading out for your adventure.
Buy
It is likely you will get all of the gear you need from the zip line operator including gloves, harnesses and helmets. However, many courses do require:
- Closed-toe shoes
Since courses are almost always outdoors, be sure to wear weather-appropriate clothing.
Stay safe
Be sure you are provided with and wear a helmet, leather or suede gloves (if using your hand to break or slow down) and that the course has a good safety record. Professional US zip line courses often have double cables, ensuring that if one cable is compromised, a second will continue to carry the zipper. It is also important to adhere to all safety requirements given during the training session and to advise guides of any health issues.
With children
Courses have different age an weight requirements, so check with the course operator before heading out on your adventure.
Destinations
Zip line courses include:
- Eastern Cape
- Plett Zipline - over a valley just outside Plettenberg Bay
- Tsitsikamma Falls - over gorges across the Kruis River, near Storms River and the Tsitsikamma National Park
- Tsitsikamma Forest - in the indigenous Tsitsikamma forest, over ancient yellowood trees, near Storms River and the Tsitsikamma National Park.
- KwaZulu-Natal
- Drakensburg - over indigenous forest in the Drakensberg Mountains .
- Karkloof - over mist belt forest in the Karkloof Forest Reserve near Howick.
- Limpopo
- Magoebaskloof - over indigenous forest and ancient mountain cliffs overlooking the spectacular Groot Letaba River gorge, near Tzaneen.
- Western Cape
- Cape Canopy Tour - in the Hottentots Holland Mountains near Grabouw.
- Alaska
- Alaska Zipline Adventure, toll-free: +1 740 385-1627.
- California
- Colorado
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Georgia
- North Carolina
- Ohio
- Hocking Peaks Adventure Park, St. Rt. 664 South, Logan, Ohio.
- Pennsylvania
- 1 Refreshing Mountain Retreat and Adventure Center, 455 Camp Road, Stevens, PA (PA Turnpike (I-76) Exit 286), ☏ +1 717 738-1490, toll-free: +1-888-353-1490, information@refreshingmountain.com. Monday-Saturday: 9:00am-5:00pm, Sunday: 1:00pm-5:00pm. 7 different canopy ziplines
- Texas
- Lake Travis Zipline Adventures, 14529 Pocahontas Trail Leander, Texas 78641.
- Queensland
- Jungle Surfing Canopy Tours, 24 Camelot Close, Cape Tribulation, Queensland.
- Tasmania
- Hollybank Treetops Adventure, 66 Hollybank Road, Underwood, Tasmania.
Eswatini (Swaziland)
- Malolotja - over the pristine mountain wilderness of the Malolotja Nature Reserve.
- Scotland
- Zip Trek Park, Alvie, near Aviemore. 14 zip wires over a 2,-km course.
- Wales
- Zip World Velocity, Penrhyn Slate Quarry, near Bethesda, North Wales. The longest zipline in Europe, over 1600 m long.
- Zip World Titan, Llechwedd Slate Caverns, Blaenau Ffestiniog, North Wales. Includes a four-person zipline.