Ziplining may or may not be something you’ve tried, but it’s certainly established its place in popular culture by now.
We see it in movies all the time, if in a largely very unrealistic way!
But out here in the real world, what exactly is ziplining?
Let’s find out.
Ziplining is the process of riding down a pulley system suspended on a stainless-steel cable, usually suspended over a large drop. It is suspended on a slope so that gravity can be the force that pulls the person or the cargo down the line. It is considered an adventure sport, though this is not the limit of its use.
If you’re not familiar with ziplining, it is a really fun activity if you’re inclined towards that sort of thing.
It might be a bit much for anyone with a serious aversion to heights—but it could also be what helps you surmount your fear!
In any case, let’s find out more about ziplining.
What is the purpose of a zipline?
Well, that’s somewhat of a difficult question.
Taking it first, purely, in the case of the activity for people to do, it’s just meant to be done for fun.
Flying down a zipline at high speeds is an incredible rush and can make you feel as though you are literally flying through the air.
That’s the purpose of it, for the most part—it’s just fun!
It can also be used for practical purposes, though.
You can use ziplines to transport cargo quickly from one place to another without the need for any kind of motor system—you just let gravity do the work.
The same principle can also apply for people needing to be moved in a work environment.
Having a zipline can be a really efficient way of moving workers around.
The zipline itself is defined as the cable that is suspended on an incline, and you are attached to it with a harness and a pulley.
As I said, gravity is then employed to pull you down at an accelerating speed to the other end of the zipline.
The primary purpose, then, of ziplines today is indeed as recreation for tourists.
They are used in some professional environments, but to a much lesser extent.
There are definitely more efficient ways for moving things around, and they are only applicable in a few limited scenarios.
So, ziplines are used for entertainment and pleasure—that’s their purpose!
What kind of activity is ziplining?
Ziplining is a recreational activity in the vast majority of case.
Whether it counts as an extreme sport is really up for debate.
It’s certainly a pretty extreme activity, and I would not wish to downplay things like a fear of heights which could make ziplining an extremely uncomfortable activity for many.
To them, it would certainly be extreme.
But there are competitive ziplining scenes and even those who do it as their whole job.
Mostly, the way it is made competitive is through style points.
Zipliners compete to see who can score the most points for the tricks they can do during the descent, which are then judged.
It is much like something like figure skating, in that sense.
That might be called an extreme sport, although the risk usually isn’t all that high.
Modern ziplines are incredibly strong and well built, and the chances of anything happening to you are really low.
But, again, it’s entirely reasonable to see it as an extreme sport if only because of the context in which it is practiced.
That is, suspended sometimes dozens of meters from the ground.
Rates of injury are very low, but obviously, those injuries can be quite serious—around 46% of injuries result in broken bones.
So, what are the benefits of ziplining?
What are the benefits of ziplining?
Well, again, the main benefit is just that it’s really fun!
People go on ziplines because the views are a spectacle to behold while you’re up there, and it’s perhaps your only chance to feel as though you’re flying.
But there are also some health benefits, supposedly.
It can improve your eyesight, it definitely burns calories, and it can help reduce stress.
The adrenaline rush can also be really good for you and can help with your perspective.
It’s definitely worth giving ziplining a try, then, if you haven’t before—it may be for you!
Is ziplining safe?
Yes, by and large, ziplining is completely safe.
You’re only slightly more at risk from ziplining than you are from rides at amusement parks.
The chances of sustaining any kind of serious injury, or indeed any injury at all, while ziplining are really quite low.
As with many similar activities, the problem is that when something does go wrong, it can go really wrong.
It’s important to be sure you are going with a reputable company with a reputation for safety.
As long as you keep this in mind, you’re really at very little risk from ziplining.
Ziplining is almost like the bread and butter of extreme sports.
It doesn’t really require any strength or prowess in order to be able to do it, and it’s extremely fun if you can get over the frightening factor.
And some ziplines are in some of the most beautiful and stunning locations in the world, and for many, that’s all the draw they really need!
Give it a try if you get the chance.
