So you’re thinking about going ziplining for the very first time.

We can promise that it’s an experience unlike any you’ve experienced before, especially if you do it at an aerial adventure park.

In fact, we’ve been ziplining across NY, MA and countless other places for more than a decade.

That means we’re an authority on this kind of thing, which is why we’re here to make this the best ziplining trip you’ll ever take.

Let’s Break It Down

You’ve likely heard of your friends doing it, but for many, their fear holds them back from the experience.

But the adventure is one of self-growth rather than something to be terrified of. In fact, this thrill-seeking activity is a great way to reduce stress and build self-esteem!

For beginners, it’s helpful to have an idea of what to expect. If you want to try ziplining at an aerial adventure park, here are 7 things you should know before your first experience.

Prepare For Your First Ziplining Experience with These 7 Tips

Rather than psyching yourself out, let’s get a better understanding of what to expect with your first ziplining experience.

Here are a few tips to help you prepare and enjoy the adventure safely.

1. Dress Correctly

What do you wear for something like this? First and foremost, you want to be comfortable. Fitted workout apparel is best to wear when ziplining.

Lighter clothes are helpful if you’re planning your adventure for the hot summer months here in NY and MA. 

If you’re taking part in a zipline or adventure park where the weather is cooler or snowing, dress appropriately for that as well. You want to be comfortable for this trip of a lifetime!

When it comes to covering up your feet, sneakers or any comfortable athletic shoes are highly recommended. Your shoes should definitely be closed-toed and you should always avoid Birkenstocks, sandals, flip-flops, and any open-toe shoes.

Most zipline parks will prohibit skirts and dresses as they can be a safety hazard. Do not wear any loose jewelry.

Now that you’ve got the outfit down to an exact science, let’s tackle how our guides (and others) will help you on the big day.

2. Your Guides Will Help You

If you have no ziplining experience, don’t worry. We don’t expect you to come to the adventure park knowing exactly what to do (although we have some tough courses for you seasoned vets!). Our guides will help you enjoy a safe and amazing experience at Boundless Adventures.

Whether you choose to zipline in our NY or MA park, we promise we’ll help you every step of the way.

Upon arriving at the park, a guide will explain how everything works (that includes the zip line and everything else). Be sure to listen carefully as your guide goes over instructions.

If you forget something or are unsure at any point, don’t hesitate to ask someone. You’ll see guides and staff members stationed throughout the park if you have any questions or need help.

3. Remember, Your Safety is the Highest Priority

We promise that you can have a ton of fun ziplining in NY and every other location that offers it, all while thinking safety first.

Since we view your safety as the most important part of your trip we have highly trained guides, regularly inspect and update our equipment and have our parks inspected regularly.

All of that hard work allows you to have fun without worrying about the details.

Here’s a sneak peek at what you can expect at Boundless Adventures, through our unrivaled safety system:

• Trained staff will fit you safely into a full-body harness. At Boundless Adventures, your harness locks into a safety line through an always “on belay” system.
• Two carabineers are connected together and do not allow users to fully disconnect from the safety line. Participants are unable to come “off belay” until they are firmly on the ground. This system provides you with the security of knowing that you’re always attached to a safety line.
• You also have the opportunity to master the equipment on training stations before you head up to the trees.

Your safety is the guides’ top priority, so you can trust that they will help you get the most out of the experience safely.

If you want to get into the more technical side of safety, it’s important to know that The Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) sets the building and maintenance standards for zip line courses. The ACCT requires courses to be inspected annually by a qualified third party. When choosing where to zipline, always look for a park with ACCT approval.

The bottom line is this:

If you’re wearing the right clothing and pay attention to the guides’ directions, you’re going to have a blast (all while being safe in the process).

4. Don’t Rush the Experience

We’ve seen so many people rush the ziplining experience by rushing through their current course to get to the next one. What makes aerial adventure parks so much better than just a basic zipline course is the diversity of experiences that will challenge your mind and your body.

You shouldn’t treat your ziplining experience at any of our NY, MA parks like a race.

Take your time, zipline with your friends/family and make it the experience you always wanted.

After all, how often are you hanging in the trees zipping around from one to the next?

That’s what we thought.

5. Surrender the Selfie But Capture The Moment

Of course, you can’t do this awesome, exhilarating activity without having the photograph to celebrate it. However, keep in mind that your safety is far more important than that selfie you’ve been craving.

Unfortunately, it is not safe to use a camera while ziplining. You’ll need both hands to do this activity.

Ask a family member or friend to capture your ziplining or adventure park moment for you from the ground. There are also various tree platforms throughout courses if you’d like to take pictures there.

Don’t forget, the picture will show how you’re really feeling as you zip through the air. So have some fun, let out a yell and show the world what ziplining is all about.

6. You May Become an Adrenaline Junkie

Some of you may already love the thrills that come with ziplining and adventure parks.

For those of you who are ziplining in NY and MA for the first time, you may become an addict.

Why? Because once you’re flying through the air, it’s hard to imagine what it was like being on the ground all the time.

Many adventure parks (including Boundless Adventures) offer more activities to keep the experience alive.

We couldn’t ask you to challenge your boundaries if we only had one way to do it!

7. Enjoy Your Day at the Park

Any beginner zipliner may experience some fear going into it, but don’t let that anxiety keep you from going out and challenging yourself. A little fear is definitely normal, but you’ll see the benefits of the experience as soon as you feel the rush of the wind against your face!

Wherever you’re ziplining, take in the nature of the scene around you. While this experience will definitely be an adrenaline rush, it’s also a chance to gain some peace out in nature.

Take the opportunity to breathe in the fresh air and experience flight for the first time.

Where to Have Your First Ziplining Experience

Now that you understand the safety precautions and have an idea of what to expect, it’s time to book your first ziplining adventure.

If you’re in the NY or MA area, we’d love to take you on your first adventure.

As adventure park experts, we promise you’ll have a blast here!

So what are you waiting for? Invite your closest friends or family members for a bonding experience you’ll never forget.