Your First Flight Over Paradise

Your First Time Ziplining: What to Expect

I get it, it can be scary! That first look down from the platform can make your knees wobbly. I've seen it a hundred times. It's totally normal! But I promise you, after that first zip, it all turns into pure fun. To help calm those nerves, let me walk you through exactly what to expect.

Step 1: Arrival and Check-in

Your adventure begins the moment you pull up. You'll be greeted by friendly staff who will get you checked in. You'll sign a waiver (standard for any adventure activity) and step on a scale for a quick, private weigh-in. Don't stress about the scale. It's purely for safety to make sure the equipment and braking systems are balanced correctly for your ride.

Step 2: Gearing Up

Next, it's time to get into your gear. The guides will help you into a harness, which will feel snug around your waist and legs. That's a good thing! It's what holds you securely and comfortably during the flight. They'll fit you with a helmet and likely some gloves. The guides are pros and will check and double-check every strap and buckle to make sure you're perfectly secure.

Step 3: Ground School

Before you go anywhere near a high platform, every tour starts with "ground school." Here, on a short, low-to-the-ground practice line, your guides will give you a full safety briefing. This is your chance to get a feel for the equipment. You'll learn how to sit back in the harness, how to hold the handles (if any), and what it feels like to land. It takes all the mystery and a lot of the fear out of the process.

Step 4: The First Platform

Now it's time to head to the first platform. This might involve a short hike or a fun off-road vehicle ride. As you climb the stairs to the platform, you'll start to feel the height. But look closely at your guides. You'll notice they are always clipped into a safety line with multiple, redundant clips. You will be too. You'll hear a lot of 'click-clack' sounds of carabiners. That's the sound of safety—your guides clipping and unclipping you with at least two points of contact at all times.

Step 5: The Leap of Faith

This is the moment. You're clipped into the main zipline, your toes are at the edge of the platform, and your heart is pounding. My best advice? Don't look down at the last step. Look out at the incredible view in front of you. Trust your gear, trust your guides, take a deep breath, and just... let go.

Step 6: The Ride and Landing

You're flying! Feel the wind, take in the scenery, and let out a good yell! Your only job is to enjoy the ride. This is the time to really look around. Notice how different the forest looks from above. See if you can spot native birds or wildlife below. Listen to the sounds of the wind and the distant waterfalls.

The sensation of speed is incredible, but you're actually traveling at a pretty reasonable pace. Most zips top out around 25-35 mph, though the longest ones can hit 50+ mph. It feels much faster because you're suspended in the air with nothing around you.