The zip line will have a cushioned block with a length of bungee rope connected if it has a bungee brake mechanism. This elastic rope will go with the rider until it tightens enough to reduce their pace before retracting and returning the rider to the zip line's lowest point.
Bungee brakes were first invented by Tom Sims in 1991. He also invented the first motorized bungee jump in 1993. Today, they are used in many sports including skiing, snowboarding, and surfing. The bungee cord must be replaced regularly because it wears out over time.
Have you ever been on a zip line ride?
At its most basic, a zip line is a wire that begins higher than it ends. A person or freight can move down the wire on a pulley system that minimizes friction to assist the rider speed using the natural decrease of the slope. When the zip line reaches the end, it swings back up into the starting point where another rider can take their turn.
There are two types of zip lines: single and double. On a single line, only one passenger can go at a time. With double lines, two passengers can ride simultaneously. This is useful if you are trying to make friends in foreign countries where there may be language barriers!
Zip lining is not for everyone. You have to be comfortable with heights and enjoy being out in nature to even consider doing this activity. The ground near the line can feel very thin during your ride depending on the type of terrain so wearing loose fitting clothes that don't restrict movement is important.
Once you're ready to go zip lining, you need to find a reputable company that will take care of all the details for you. Make sure they have plenty of experience operating within your country's safety standards. Also be sure to ask any questions you have about the process before you sign up for a tour.
Now that you know how zip lining works, we can talk about where you might want to try this activity.
Ziplines are, at their most basic, wires strung between two locations that slope downward. Passengers use a body harness that connects to the rope via a pulley. These pulleys are meant to minimize friction, allowing the rider to accelerate at grin-inducing speeds down the line. The concept is similar to that of a swing ride, except that instead of moving forward like on a swing ride, the body moves back and forth from side to side as it swings along.
The first modern-style zipline was built in California in 1991. In recent years, many new ziplines have been installed around the world, often in remote areas where other forms of entertainment are few and far between.
There are several different types of ziplines: standing, seated, double, triple, and quadruple. On all but the standing type, riders sit in special seats that are attached to the wire with a safety belt or strap. On standing ziplines, passengers walk or run along the wire while holding on for dear life. There are also aerial tramways, which are like ziplines but they use steel cables instead of wood. These are usually only found in parks and resorts.
A person going up a zipline is called a "rider". When you go down one, you're "zipping". If someone else is going up and down with you, you're "lining".
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