Zipline

All You Need To Know About Zip Line

Are you curious about what zip lines are? This article will help you understand what zip lines are all about. You may have come across names like aerial rope slide, flying fox, death slide, etc. These are alternative names for zip line. It consists of a pulley that is generally made of stainless steel material and is mounted over a slope. A zip line enables a person to move from top to bottom of an inclined cable by holding or attaching to the free moving pulley.

The longest found zip-line so far of the world is a 2.8-kilometer long zip line named 'Jebel Jais Flight' located at Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. Earlier "Parque de Aventura Barrancas del Cobre" in Copper Canyon, Mexico was recorded to be the longest.

Uses or forms of zip lines

           This is a very popular means of entertainment. For children, they are made short and low so that they can enjoy in their play areas.
           Longer zip lines are found in higher altitude. They are a means of accessing remote areas in those places. In some mountainous countries, this has been a method of transportation for several years.
           Now, these are becoming a popular medium of adventure for vacations. These can be found in the upscale resorts, adventure camps, where they are considered to be an element of challenge for the participants.

The sport might look easy but aren't in reality. It can be dangerous if safety measures are not maintained properly. Thus, to make a person learn there are professional courses available helping people to master the sport.
This is an outdoor adventure activity and contrary to flying foxes they are operated at a much faster speed. The courses cover longer distances. Sometimes these are carried out at considerable heights too.
A learner is attached to the cable physically with the help of a harness. This whole thing is attached to a removable trolley. Learners are always required to wear a helmet for the purpose of safety.
The cables can be of varying height starting from very high to medium. It can travel well over 460 meters. It is common for a zip line cable to have a little sag. It is very important to maintain proper tensioning. This helps in tuning the zip line ride.
If you are desiring to learn the process you should first know the means to stop yourself. The typical mechanisms for that are:

           Creating friction between pulley against the cable
           Having a mat or net at the lower end of the incline
           Thick leather gloves designed to serve special purpose
           Carrying a passive arrester system made of pulleys, springs, bungee cord, tire counterweights, or other such devices, which helps to slow down and stop the trolley's motion
           In case of a gravity stop, you have to exploit the cable sag. The cable belly is always lower than the point of termination. The uphills on a zip line help to control the speed at which a user arrives a termination point.

A user of the zip line can also be stopped using a hand brake. They are a common way to help participants return to the ground at the completion of ropes adventure course. If you are having the right knowledge and training zip lines would never seem to be dangerous or difficult for you. A proper maintenance makes the lines safer.