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Just Zip It!

Written by Administrator

Wednesday, 17 March 2010 23:03

Flying through the air attached to a wire may sound like a circus performer’s stunt, but the zip line experience is something anyone can do. Plus, zip lining tours are offered locally and provide a great outing alternative for friends, families, and co-workers.

Tell Me About It
A zip line is a cable that’s suspended high in the air, one side slightly higher than the other. Participants wear harnesses around the waist, which attach to a removable trolley. The trolley is then safely connected to the long, suspended cable, and the force of gravity propels the participant from one end of the line to the other. The distance and height of the cable can vary greatly; some are only 20 feet long and 10 feet high, while others, such as those on Costa Rican canopy tours, can be as long as 1,500 feet and as high as 250 feet.

What to Expect
You don’t need any gear; most reputable zip line companies provide harnesses, helmets, gloves, and guides. The most physically active part of the adventure is making your way to the beginning of the zip line, which most of the time is located high above ground in the middle of old growth forests or rainforests. Gaining access to these locations often requires a steep hike or horseback ride all the while getting you closer to the treetops for better views. The actual zip only requires you to hold on and enjoy. Beware, though. Sometimes you can get stuck in the middle of the cable, which typically happens when you don’t get enough momentum from the start. If this happens, fear not! Simply turn around and walk your hands up the cable to the other end, which will no doubt provide an outstanding arm and core workout (and it’ll get your heart rate moving too!).

Where to Go
Zip line tours are popular vacation activities, often found at outdoor adventure camps or upscale resorts. Locally, though, the place to be is Adventureworks in Kingston Springs. Adventureworks has a variety of zipping options for all ages and occasions. (They even had a Valentine’s zip tour last February!) Zippers can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Narrows of the Harpeth River. Along the tour, participants can learn about Tennessee’s ecology while guides point out native trees, plants, and wildlife. Pair your zip line outing with a ropes course adventure, and you may just decide that you are, in fact, ready for the circus!

Team Green Adventures is going zip lining at Adventureworks on Sunday, Oct. 4. And if you’re looking for something a little more global, sign up for Team Green’s Costa Rica trip, where you can take a canopy zip line tour.

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