Asheville Zip Line Canopy Adventures Apr 2012

Here we are all geared up for our initial training.  Training included tips on proper techniques for starting, stopping and manual modes in case you stop too soon.  Our group composed of 10 people with two rangers, Joe and Charlotte as guides.  We practiced on short zip lines to learn the proper techniques.  Once complete, we headed for some enhanced training.  

We started from a mid-level deck off this tower to ease us into higher and longer zip lines.  Everything was just fine.

Our first real test was going from the main tower to this watch tower - a zip of 320 feet in length.  

Here's Kathy getting ready to leave the watch tower to a tree deck.  Notice the two yellow nylon cords that are on the left of the photo.  Everyone had two cords which were only touched by the rangers.  These cords were used to hook up and secure a rider during every phase of the operation.  We felt extremely secure.

Yes Mom, that's your daughter!  Crazy as a cat and having a great time.  Kathy had excellent technique as she zipped this 570 foot line.  It's not the speed that gets you, it's the sudden stop.  Everyone in our group performed as though we had done this prior to our visit.  Both rangers praised the groups techniques.

Here's an aerial view of the last zip line.  1200 feet in length with riders reaching speeds of 30-40 mph.  I think Kathy might have exceeded that during her zip.  I left the platform and was 15 feet in front of her.  When I stopped at the bottom and turned around she was already there.  A masterful feat of illusion.  

This final zip was a tandem zip, racer against racer.  Since Kathy and I zipped together, I had to take a photo of other people in the group to show you what the ride looked like.  We had a great time during the entire process and would love to do this again.  How about a zip line over the Grand Canyon? 

Click on photo to enlarge.

Asheville Zipline Canopy Adventures includes 3 sky bridges and 10 zipline sections from several hundred feet to 1,200 feet in length.  Fully Guided and Kathy & Dave approved!