The time to be adventurous is now and Cape Town has so many exciting activities to offer!
We recommend visiting www.saforestadventures.co.za and book yourself on one of their Zip line adventures here in Cape Town!
Here are some awesome tips of do’s and don’ts when going on your Zip line adventure:
The thrill of sitting in a harness, sometimes several stories high, and flying at roller-coaster speeds (and above) is appealing to an increasing number of millions wanting to experience a different kind of outdoor adventure. But be warned: Zip lining is not all wind-in-your-hair, caution-to-the-wind thrill seeking.
It should be — if you’re doing it right — wind-through-your-helmet, take-all-precautions, carefully considered thrill seeking.
A note: There are plenty of backyard-type, homemade zip lines. Not to put too fine of a point on this, but THOSE ARE DANGEROUS. If you mess with any zip line that isn’t professionally installed and operated, you’re messing with trouble.
Here are some tips to heed when you’re considering strapping on for a zip line ride:
1. Make sure the operator of the zip line tour is legit
It’s not simply seeing if the company’s web site is slick enough. Before you decide to zip into the great beyond, make a phone call or two. Ask questions. Though there are currently no national standards for zip line construction and operation, many states have them, and any legitimate operator should also adhere to the standards set by the Association for Challenge Course Technology or the Professional Ropes Course Association. So ask about that. Ask how often the course is inspected, and by whom. Ask about the company’s safety record. Ask about its insurance. Ask about how the people there will keep you safe.
2. Look around
Once you get there, does the place look legit? Are the operators who will help you in your adventure professional? Is a safety demonstration included? Look at the equipment provided, including carabiners, ropes, harnesses and helmets. Are they well maintained? Look at the course itself. Do the lines look free from wear and tear? How about the platforms? Do they look sturdy? Do they have guard rails?
3. Listen. Carefully.
No one, even bad zip line operators, will strap you in and push you off without at least a small nod to safety. So don’t act like you do when the flight attendant goes into the pre-flight routine. It’s important to listen intently to these safety briefings. And, again, ask questions.
4. Watch your step on the course
Once on the course, make sure you’re strapped onto a safety line at all times — not just while you’re zipping through space. (Some places require that you have two safety lines hooked on.) Many accidents occur by a simple step off a platform. So if you’re on the course (which often means many feet off the ground), you should be safely attached to a line that will catch you if you fall. Also, watch out for other adventurers and the guides. Don’t get in their way.
5. Know your limits
Most zip lines have, as you might imagine, a weight limit. But being big isn’t the only thing that should make you think twice before zipping along. If you’re pregnant, if you have a heart condition, if you think the stress just might be too uncomfortable, take a pass. Head for that nice, flat, paved hiking trail. It’s a nice walk. And you don’t have to worry about looking down.
6. Wear a helmet
Just do it. And while we’re at it, ditch the flip-flops, too. Closed-toe shoes only, please.
Source: www.mnn.com