Tuesday Travels: Zipline Utah

I received a birthday gift this month that I never expected: a voucher to go zip lining at Zipline Utah. I am so thankful that my children view me as adventurous and willing to try things that are outside my comfort zone. Zip lining fit the bill perfectly. 😃

John and I drove up Provo Canyon on Friday. We couldn't have asked for a nicer day; the sun was shining and the temperature was near 70. We wanted to go before the weather turned more winter-like (though Zipline Utah is open year-round).

When we arrived, there was another couple signed up to go on the course (The Screaming Falcon) at the same time as us. We were all suited up, then were driven to the platform, high on the hill. We could barely see where the zip line ended, 3900 feet across Deer Creek Reservoir. 

Photo: A zipline stretches 3900 feet across a reservoir, to a platform that is barely visible in the picture

The staff did an excellent job explaining how to position yourself, how to keep from twisting in the wind, and how (and when) to brake. We were told we would be traveling between 55-65 mph, and were told how to figure our speed during the course by counting how quickly we moved between some orange markers. We would each have a chance to get hooked up to the zip line and try the braking system before the staff would let us go, and gravity would propel us forward.

Photo: The instructor holds onto my harness, as I step on the stool and prepare to test out the brakes on the zipline

All too soon, it was time to go. We insisted the young couple go first. Then it was my turn. I got up in position and tested out the brake. I just couldn't bring myself to allow the employee to let go. I wasted a bunch of time trying to muster my courage, then I got down and let John go ahead of me. I knew I had to go--How could I not accept a birthday gift?--but I just didn't know how I could possibly do it.

The staff member was so patient, kind, and encouraging. She told me she wouldn't let go until I was ready. I held her to that promise, threatening her with a bad online review if she tricked me. (I'm not proud of that; but it is indicative of just how nervous I was.) Finally, I was able to say "OK" to her letting go. I couldn't say "Yes" to the question, "Are you ready?" but she questioned me several times, and several times I gave my OK, so I think she realized she was not going to get a bad review if she let go then. 

It wasn't hard to stay facing the right way, though there was a tiny bit of a cross-breeze. When I reached the orange markers, I really didn't want to know how fast I was going, so I didn't bother to count. Soon, I saw the staff member on the destination platform waving the orange flag, which was my signal to start braking. I don't think I braked hard enough, fast enough, but I did all right. It was a relief to have my feet on a wooden platform again. 

I think that zip lining is one of those things that if you think you will love it, you will. If you are nervous about it, you could probably learn not to be, if you had multiple exposures to the activity. I'm sure I wouldn't take so long to actually go if I were to do it again, but I'm also fairly certain I haven't discovered my newest hobby. However, I am thankful to have had the experience. 

Check out the video below to see me zipline for the first time!

Are you a zipline aficionado? When have you faced your fears?

(I know it's not Tuesday yet, but I didn't post anything yet today, and I can't wait to publish this post, so a "Tuesday Travels" is posting on a Monday.)