Zip-lining is a super fun and physically challenging activity for the whole family to enjoy – but there are some things to take into account before you go. As will all other thrill-seeking activities, there are certain risks involved with taking part in zip-lining. The great thing about it is that zip lining adventure parks and zip-lining companies have extensive training, knowledge, and safety measures in place to keep it a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
If you’re thinking about going zip-lining, then here’s everything you need to know before trying it out.
Dress for the occasion
First up is what to wear when you go zip-lining. Zip-lining is an activity that requires you to wear a harness, and you have to remember that you’re (nearly) flying through the air. So while there’s no strict dress code when it comes to zip-lining, there are a few items of clothing to avoid…
- Dresses
- Skirts
- Loose items such as glasses
- High heels
- Flip flops
- Short shorts
All of these items are no-gos when it comes to zip-lining. Dresses and skirts can expose indecent areas of your body whilst zip-lining, while loose items that can easily fall off are in danger of being lost or damaged if you choose to wear them.
In general, it’s best to wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move around, and can allow you to wear a harness on top of them.
Stretch out
Before doing any kind of physical activity, it’s recommended that you stretch out your muscles and warm up – and zip-lining is no different. Most zip-lining facilities are situated in an adventure park, so you’re likely to be able to do other physical activities such as assault courses on the day you zip-line. This makes it even more important to stretch your muscles out before going to an adventure park or jumping on the zip-line.
The risk of not stretching is really not worth it, as you could pull a muscle or suffer from cramping. In more serious cases, you risk doing substantial damage to your muscles or joints that might see you needing medical assistance.
Keep your body fuelled
All that zip-lining can be tiring work. Make sure you prepare for your zip-lining adventure with a filling and nourishing breakfast with slow-releasing carbohydrates to keep you energized throughout the day. A healthy lunch is recommended and fresh fruit as a snack to help replenish your energy and recharge your body.
Know your capabilities
As much as we like to think so, we’re not all built like Rambo. This means that you shouldn’t push yourself too hard when going to an adventure park, especially if you’re not a super active person.
If you have any health conditions such as respiratory or cardiovascular issues, or are pregnant or elderly, it’s important to see if you can even take part in the activities or need extra support when doing so. Again, similarly to stretching beforehand, we must be aware of our own capabilities and act accordingly.
Listen and be cautious
Lastly, whilst zip-lining is a great and fun activity to do, we can’t forget the physical risks it poses if not done in a safe and supervised manner. This means that when you’re at an adventure park or a zip-lining facility, you listen carefully to all of the instructions and guidance that your instructor gives you. They are specially trained to keep everyone safe while making it a fun experience, so their guidance must be followed and considered.
And there’s just about everything you need to know about zip-lining, so you can make the most out of your experience.