Imagine yourself standing on a platform high up with the forest below you. And then you let go and let gravity take control. (At this point we’re doing a combination of yelling, smiling and cheering all at the same time!)

That’s basically what ziplining is. If you have the guts to give it a go, you’ll be rewarded with a great experience.

Flying over the tops of the trees at a high speed is incredibly thrilling. And it’s safe!

Of course, you need to make sure you to do your part to ensure zipline safety.

The Growth of Ziplining

It has become an increasingly popular activity on vacations, resorts, camps, zoos, and on visits to adventure parks. With so many opportunities to take part, we just want to make sure you do it safely.

We hope you can start your ziplining addiction at our NY and MA adventure parks (starting in 2018!) before venturing off to some even crazier zipline experiences!

Because the activity has substantially increased in popularity, we’ve heard of more injuries coming during ziplining.

We don’t talk about zipline safety to scare you, it’s just to make sure you’re informed before you take part! That way when you fall in love, you have nothing to worry about.

Let’s take a look at the top tips for zipline safety so you can have a great experience without any accidents.

1. Only Trust Professional Operators That Follow Zipline Safety Standards

Backyard ziplines are always dangerous and should be avoided in all circumstances (we still admire those of you who are do-it-yourselfers, we’d just leave this to the professionals).

So how can you tell which ziplines are legit?

For starters, all of the ziplines in our NY and MA parks will be inspected and have some of the top safety standards in the field. But let’s not just talk about our safety, here are some things you need to look for everywhere.

There are official zipline safety standards in many different countries and here in North America, which means the official part is taken care of. Professional zipline operators should be following the standards of the Association for Challenge Course Technology as well as the Professional Ropes Course Association.

Now it’s time to do your part of zipline safety.

• Ask the operator questions about the management of the zipline to make sure all of the precautions have been to put in place to ensure a safe experience. (We promise ours are good to go, but you can ask us if you want to learn more!)
• Ask about safety features and anything that you’re concerned about. (We know how the pre-zipline jitters can get to you)

While we don’t think you need to ask each zipline or adventure park about the following, you can always inquire about:

• Whether they have insurance for accidents.
• How often inspections are carried out.
• And the safety record at the park.

If the company answers these questions with clear answers, we’d say they have zipline safety at the top of their priority list.

2. Talk to the Professionals

At all of our future adventure parks across NY and MA we have operators that can explain every aspect of the journey you’re about to embark on.

That includes everything from the first time you hook up to the line to the end of your trip.

If you’re uncertain about anything the operator has said, or not mentioned, then always ask questions.

Watch to see if there is a demonstration of how to make sure people have a safe and great experience.

You can also take a look at the equipment, such as the ropes and carabiners. Consider if they are looked after and follow professional quality standards.

With the launch of our brand new parks in 2018, you’re getting the best equipment Boundless Adventures has to offer in our NY and MA parks.

3. Please Be Careful on the Platform

Many people assume that the only potential safety concern is when you’re actually going along the zipline. However, many accidents happen while people are on the platforms between the lines.

When you are on about step off the platform, make sure you watch where you are stepping. This will probably be pointed out to you by the zipline operators at all of the parks in NY and surrounding areas.

Most importantly, even if you’re still on the platform you should be strapped in. This way, even if you do slip, it’s not a problem because you’ll be caught by the harness.

When you’re on the platform, make sure you also keep your eyes open for other people. It’s not just your safety that you need to consider, but others as well!

4. Ask Yourself, Am I Up To It?

While ziplining is a ton of fun, make sure that you’re ready for the challenge.

You have to take into consideration your age, weight, general health and other factors.

For instance, many ziplines have weight limits. At Boundless Adventure the weight restrictions for safely ziplining is 265 pounds. If you’re unsure if you’re ready to take part in a zipline adventure, check with a park operator to discuss your planned trip.

There are several other reasons you should stay clear of ziplines for safety reasons. This can include if you are pregnant, elderly, or if you suffer from a health condition that causes you extreme stress or heart problems in certain circumstances.

There are also age restrictions at many parks. At Boundless Adventures the minimum age is 7 years old in our NY and MA Adventure Parks.

If you can’t go ziplining, you can still watch from the sidelines or take part in many of the other activities parks offer.

Experience Ziplining With Us in NY and MA

Ziplining is an experience unlike any other.

While we want you to experience your first zipline and adventure park experience with us, we more importantly want you to do it safely.

Follow these zipline safety tips for any zipline and adventure park you visit in 2018 and beyond to ensure you have a memorable experience.

We’ll see you in the trees!

You’ve got the opportunity to go ziplining and you’re freezing up for some reason. 

There’s a rush of excitement followed by a little pang of fear, and you’re unsure how to feel. Are you nervous? Excited? 

These feelings are normal when you’re faced with a brand new experience, especially when it involves something that’s thrilling to your core. A ziplining experience is something that you’re not likely to forget and it’s absolutely worth your time. 

When you zipline in an adventure park, you’re doing it safely. Safe ziplining might still have your heart rate accelerated, though, so we’re going to take a look at some things that are helpful to know before your first experience. 

Hopefully, the ideas below can turn that nervous energy into full-blown excitement. 

Guides Are There Every Step Of The Way

The only time you’ll be alone throughout the experience is when you’re soaring down the line. Before that, you’re in very capable and experienced hands. 

Our staff is trained very well and can talk you through every step of the safety process, make sure you’re comfortable, and give you any additional information. If you’re terrified of heights, we’d expect nothing less than having you clear up any questions that you have. 

Rest assured that you can get all of the understanding you need before you start any ziplining in the adventure course. 

Dress For The Park

If you’re coming in the early fall or late spring, make sure that you’re dressed warm enough for the park. Alternatively, wear something that will keep you cool in the summertime. 

Ziplining requires that you don’t have loose-fitting or flowing clothes on. Dresses, flowing shirts, skirts, or other items that dangle and flow might be safety hazards. The same is true for loose jewelry that could get caught. 

Find something that’s comfortable, moveable, and fits close enough to your body that nothing would interfere with the equipment. It’s also a must that you bring close-toed shoes. If you have them, do your best to break out those old athletic shoes. 

Try To Embrace Your First Run

The first time you zipline, you might have the urge to just close your eyes and push through the experience. Keep in mind that the first time is the most exhilarating time!

Once you step forth and set into motion, there’s no turning back so it’s best to zoom with eyes wide open. Odds are that you’ll absolutely love the experience. Then you can gear up for the rest of your day and enjoy the process fully. 

After the first time, you’ll get a feel for the degree of safety and skill that goes into managing the adventure park. That leaves you to enjoy a safe and thrilling course. 

Do your best to take everything in and make memories while you can. 

Safety Is Number One

Thrill-seeking activities and other potentially frightening pastimes get a bad reputation. With no knowledge of these things, it’s natural to assume that the courses would be run haphazardly without safety in mind. 

After all, who in their right mind would ride a zipline or climb a cliff face? 

Fortunately for everyone involved, professionals are often more aware of safety and risk than the average first-timer. Things stop being thrilling when they become dangerous. Those who dedicated their lives to these activities, then, have a deep investment in their safety and the safety of others. 

When you come to the park you’ll find trained staff that will take wonderful care of you, full-body harnesses, fail-proof safety measures, and opportunities to practice before you get anywhere near an actual line. 

Listen Closely To Your Guides

The only space for error in the process is in the way that you treat the guides. It’s very important to pay attention to the guides and listen to what they say. Following their instructions is the absolute best way to have a good time and stay safe. 

While it’s still extremely difficult for serious errors to occur at any time, you’re less likely to enjoy yourself if you’re not privy to the directions of the staff. You’ll find yourself a little less confident and a little more frightened. 

When visitors and staff work in harmony, everyone in the park is able to have a better time. 

Prepare To Get Addicted

Doubtful visitors are often surprised to find that they were actually adrenaline junkies somewhere deep down. The zipline park might just bring the thrill-seeker out for the first time. 

While you’re at the park, take in the feeling you get. Enjoy the rush of adrenaline that comes when you start moving and savor the endorphins that rush through as you come down from a challenging activity. 

These are extremely healthy and positive feelings. Endorphins are an excellent way to improve your mood, relieve pain, and calm stress levels. 

Empty Out Your Pockets!

The last thing you want is to lose your phone or keys while you’re having the time of your life.

Be sure to take everything off of your person before you start the ziplining process. You might want to bring your phone to take videos or selfies, but that’s not advised. We suggest you have friends or family take photos of you from below while you’re safely going about your journey. 

Things that fall out of your pockets are likely to break upon landing. Further, they might be very difficult to find and recover. So, if you’re thinking about bringing anything along while you’re up there, make sure that you’re willing to lose it if it falls out of your pockets. 

Ready For Your Thrilling Ziplining Experience?

We hope the information above was enough to get you excited for a safe and enjoyable ziplining experience. There’s more to learn if you’re looking for the best courses or more tips and tricks for beginners. 

We’re here to help. Explore our site to buy tickets, view the course, look at pricing options, or learn more about how to have the best zipline experience with Boundless Adventures.