Thrill-seekers have local options to get their adrenaline rush while working up a sweat
By Daniel Meyer
Anyone searching for a unique adventure that provides plenty of thrills while also offering a recreational exercise option for people of all ages may be intrigued by the growing popularity of zip lining.
Utilizing a suspended inclined cable pulley system, zip lining entertains and exerts everyone from children to senior citizens.
The cardiovascular workout gets your blood pumping from having to use various muscles as you seek to meet the adrenaline rush that each journey from one point to another provides.
There are a handful of different destinations locally that offering zip lining, with most of the locations preferring you make reservations as a group. The team concept helps allow for people to work together and meet the challenge that zip lining offers participants in a scenic environment that gives everyone a chance to exercise while enjoying the great outdoors.
What a rush
Participants who have taken the plunge to enjoy the recreational ride offered from zip lining almost always reference the adrenaline rush they experience.
“It’s maybe hard for some people to understand, but that rush and the thrill and pure excitement I get from zip lining is like nothing else I’ve experienced,” said Annette Harrison, a 22-year-old from Buffalo. “It’s awesome! I think the views you get before, during and after also play into your adrenaline because it’s something that I find heightens my sense of sight and I better appreciate the world around me as I’m doing it and then for a few hours afterwards.”
Peter Bishop was someone who previously believed he was afraid of heights, meaning he regularly avoided riding roller coasters or any other amusement park rides or any recreational activities that involved elevated experiences. His recent zip lining experience in Buffalo changed all of that.
“I was deathly afraid of pretty much anything that meant my feet were not firmly planted on the ground,” said Bishop, a 32-year-old resident of Lancaster. “But some co-workers told me about the zip lining they did earlier this year at Buffalo Riverworks and I figured if they wanted to do it again that I would suck it up and give it a try. I’m so glad I did! I quietly conquered my fear of heights because zip lining is safe and just gives you a tremendous thrill. I plan on becoming a regular there and there are some other zip lining courses I can’t wait to try out with my wife and our son.”
Get your blood pumping
Sky High Adventure Park in Ellicottville allows adventure seekers to have fun while experiencing a decent workout as zip liners navigate a creative combination of ladders, ropes, bridges and tightropes before safely securing themselves for a zip lining ride to another section of the park.
“Make no mistake about it, it’s a really good time and you can work up a pretty good sweat while doing it,” said Dawn King, a 47-year-old from Lockport. “There’re different skill levels and I was pretty impressed with myself going from the beginner course to one of the more advanced courses this year. I’ve only done it five times; I think I’m pretty good. I love that you can take your time and go at your own pace to help build up your confidence.”
The self-guided experience offered at Peek’N Peak Mountain Adventures in Clymer allows participants to climb cargo nets and rope ladders as they strategically navigate various zip lines over the course of three hours.
“It’s really something else and probably the most fun I’ve ever had while getting my blood pumping,” said Jim Kennedy, a 55-year-old resident of Cheektowaga. “I used to run marathons and half-marathons, but some injuries over the last few years put an end to that. Zip lining gives me a chance to get moving and exercise and it’s just a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors and spend some quality time with my friends.”
The views are spectacular
Buffalo Riverworks, Sky High Adventure Park, Peek’N Peak Mountain Adventures and Niagara Zipper all provide their own special glances at Mother Nature, granting zip liners of all ages the opportunity to avoid the hustle-and-bustle of normal everyday life and truly appreciate the world around you.
“You really haven’t lived if you haven’t been able to take the time to soak up the spectacular view of the Erie Canal basin gorge,” said Harrison. “I’m only in my early 20s and while I’ve already done a lot of traveling around the country for someone my age, the visuals you see as you glide about 40 miles an hour over that section of the gorge on the Niagara Zipper are something that is truly extraordinary. I highly recommend zip lining at any of the local outdoor courses and just soaking up everything you see along the way.”
“When you are about 100 feet in the air and zipping in between those historic silo mills at Buffalo Riverworks you almost have a moment of tranquility where everything in life is paused,” said Bishop. “Plus they have that really cool Indiana Jones inspired rope-bridge that makes you think you are actually a character in that movie and then later on you zip right into the mouth of the shark painted on the one silo. It’s just an incredible experience and it’s kind of a shame more people don’t know about zip lining or haven’t taken the time to make reservations and actually done it. It really is the ultimate adventure for anyone no matter what your age is or what kind of shape you are in.”