by My cousin always wanted to go zip lining. Now, I can’t say “no” to Karen, aka my sister from another mother. So there I was, harnessed up and hyperventilating, staring off our leafy platform and into the rocky abyss. (“Abyss” of fear, not depth, because the “flight school” training line was only about 10 feet off the ground.)
Here’s my down-and-dirty take on our adventure.
1. Was learning to zip line difficult?
Not really. Our guides were great; the gear was ready and they helped us into harnesses, gloves, and helmets. We listened to some verbal instruction, then attended and graduated from “flight school,” a trial run much like skiing a bunny slope. The next two zip lines were short and nonthreatening. Everybody from the adorable 10-year-old to us almost-60-year-olds looked awesome.
Not a lot of physical effort is required; after all, it’s a ride. We hiked a very small amount, climbed three wood-and-rope suspension ladders, and clambered up and down a few steps to hook on and off the zip line. My arms were sore only because I gripped the trolley like my life depended on it, sometimes scraping my helmet along the cable.
2. Did the tour last long enough?
Yes. Three hours was nice. Our group of nine experienced eight different zip lines (the longest, 1,1000+ feet). I was never bored–it was honestly fun watching the others come in and take off. I’d have been disappointed to miss the long, fast, steep zip lines at the back of the course.
FYI: No selfies (think about it). Fortunately, the guides documented the fun and shared later.
3. Is zip lining scary?
Depends. I don’t have a fear of heights, so being on the tree platforms–even the highest ones–didn’t bother me at all. Similarly, the various wood-and-rope bridges from platform to ground weren’t an issue (my cousin, however, would disagree). My fears came in stepping off the platform. Even though I knew was firmly harnessed to the line, I was afraid my hands would slip and I’d flail into oblivion. So braking with my gloved right hand–which meant lifting it off the trolley–was a moment of (irrational) terror.
4. Did I feel safe?
Absolutely. The guides carefully fitted and fasted each of us into our gear. Unless we were standing on the ground, we were double clipped onto a cable (that goes for platforms, bridges, and zip lines). Every few rides, everyone got a quick gear check. The equipment was well cared for and, when I asked if my belay glove (the leather glove protecting your braking hand) was too worn, they got me another.
Now, my nerves? Fear at launch and braking wasn’t about safety; that was all in my head.
5. Would I zip line again?
You betcha! Caveat: with a quality organization, like this one. Check ’em out here: Shawnee Bluffs Canopy Tour
