I would like to make it clear that ziplinging is not for everyone. While it is a little nerve-wracking, and many people (including myself) find themselves shaking after the first line, if you are deathly afraid of heights and/or small areas, I would say give this one a pass.
As it turns out, there is a piece of metal attached to the cable, and connected to a rope which the guide at the bottom holds onto. Once you hit that, you slow right down. Amazing - and relieving - really!
The guides let us try some 'tricks' down some of the next lines, including going down backwards, which was actually pretty sweet, considering how dangerous it sounds. After about four lines, you have cross another longer suspension bridge. I've never been a big fan of bridges, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't the least bit sketched out. BUT, I will say that it wasn't as bad as I thought. Just keep looking forward!
After completing the course, you are offered a complimentary water bottle, as well as FINALLY being able to take off those harness. My brother, a competitive rock-climber, wears them all the time. I have a new respect for you, Sam!
Upon arriving at AdrenaLINE, a small building attached to a liquor store (how convenient), my two friends and I were given waivers to sign. Obviously, they instruct you to read everything closely. Unfortunately, I read the 'accidents' section a little TOO closely. I wish I hadn't. I would suggest skimming over this part, leaving most of it to your imagination, and just getting right to signing your name at the bottom.
After signing our lives away, my friends and I were grouped with seven other people (there are usually 10 to a group). Two guides were assigned to our group - one to send us off in fashion, and one to catch us. They showed us how to attach o
ur harnesses - uncomfortable as hell - and helmets.
ur harnesses - uncomfortable as hell - and helmets. After being strapped into our harnesses, the guides took us up onto the platform of the 'bunny line', and gave us a very thorough rundown of how exactly ziplining worked. They demonstrated how we would be attached to the cable above, and how to step off the platform, committing yourself to midair. At the time, I thought THIS was terrifying. Let me give you a little perspective: the line was 150 ft. long, and about 15 ft. off the ground and I was nervous. There are eight ziplines on the course, ranging from 250 - 1000 ft. long and 60 - 150 ft. high. Remember when I advised height-phobics against ziplining? That would be why.
One of the main things my friends and I were wondering was how do they catch us at the bottom? I mean, we were going to be sailing through the air...they couldn't just stand there and attempt to grab us could they? I was already envisioning myself knocking one of the guides out...potentially causing some sort of expensive lawsuit.
As it turns out, there is a piece of metal attached to the cable, and connected to a rope which the guide at the bottom holds onto. Once you hit that, you slow right down. Amazing - and relieving - really!After everyone has had a go at the practice line, the group is split into five and five. Each group is driven to the top of the course in an ATV. As one of our guides put it, "You'll be in the trees for the next hour and a half."
The guides stop a few times throughout the drive up to point out interesting enviromental landmarks...like the oldest tree in the forest, an old pipeline built in the early 20th century.
And then they tell you to look up. Waaaaay up. Directly above you is the longest zipline. We were told to watch and listen. Before we could see anything, we heard the distinctive screeching sound of a harness zipping down. Then, we saw the person go flying by. By this point, I was pretty excited, but I was also having a bit of trouble coping with the fact that later that day, that would be me! 
The first line, which you approach by walking up a short suspension bridge, is only 250 ft. long, but it was much higher up, and generally looked more menacing than the practice line. Each line has a name. This one was called 'Committment'. Why? Because once you zip this one, you are committed to the rest of the course.
As I found out, ziplining is really a lot more fun than it is scary! By the second line, I was enjoying myself, and waiting eagerly for the next lines, as opposed to feeling dread. Before sending you off, the guides would make conversation, which was definitely a good calm-down trick. After every single line, whichever guide was waiting at the bottom made sure I was ok.
The guides let us try some 'tricks' down some of the next lines, including going down backwards, which was actually pretty sweet, considering how dangerous it sounds. After about four lines, you have cross another longer suspension bridge. I've never been a big fan of bridges, and I would be lying if I said I wasn't the least bit sketched out. BUT, I will say that it wasn't as bad as I thought. Just keep looking forward!
After zipping a few more lines, we finally arrived at the big one! Let me remind you that you are flying through the air for a whole KILOMETRE! The guides predicted that we would be zipping for about 35 seconds. And I must say, this particular line was probably the most fun! It's definitely not the fastest line on the course, but it is by no means the slowest! There's great scenery all around the line, and your velocity often causes you to spin. It's actually quite handy, you don't even need yo turn your head to get the full-on effect of the surroundings! After coming in for a landing, water is offered (because after flying through the trees all afternoon, you're bound to be a little parched).
The last two lines are the fastest ones in the park: on the second last one (called 'The Flying Fox' in honour of ziplines in Australia), the guides challenge you to spin around twice, and touch a tree on your left and right...which is a lot harder than it sounds! If you succeed, you get to ring the cowbell at the end, which is definitely a bonus.
After completing the course, you are offered a complimentary water bottle, as well as FINALLY being able to take off those harness. My brother, a competitive rock-climber, wears them all the time. I have a new respect for you, Sam!
Afterwards, I heard nothing but good words about the ziplining experience from everyone in the group. It's definitely not something I thought I would be doing during my exam break, but boy am I glad I went!
Close-toed shoes, such as sneakers or hikers, are required for ziplining. I would also recomment comfortable pants, because after a while, that harness can really get to you! Girls with long hair are recommended to put their hair back as well, all in the name of avoiding a nasty accident, involving a caribeaner and some hair.
The staff at AdrenaLINE are great. The guides are personable, helpful, funny, and understanding of nerves! They are knowledgeable about the surrounding environment, and are not hesitant towards questions or concerns!
AdrenaLINE is open weekends only until April 30. After that, it's open daily. For youth (5 - 17) it costs $65 for two hours, and for adults (18+) it's $75. It sounds expensive, but considering the experience, I would say that it's worth every dime. In order to go zipping, you need to call and make a reservation. I'm sure I'll go back - maybe after a few paychecks.
Oh, one more thing: watch out for Sooke-squatch!
Questions? Comments? Criticisms? I'd love to hear them all! the-wanderingjew@hotmail.com
