Having guided zipline tours for over five years, I know exactly who should and shouldn’t go ziplining. Ziplining is thrilling, and the majority of people can go ziplining no problem, but it’s not for everyone. My job as a zipline guide was to ensure the safety of our visitors and our tour guides.
The reason why someone shouldn’t go ziplining can depend on a few possibilities. These are usually health-related, but they can be based on an individual’s fears and personal choices. Let me explain each so you can determine if ziplining is an option for you and your pals.
1. If You are Over the Weight Limit
Ziplines have weight limits for safety reasons. These limits are not about the gear limitations, trst me. Ziplining gear can hold thousands of pounds, and the cables have a minimum breaking strength of 10K pound. The concern with weight is:
- You may not properly fit into a harness.
- If a tour guide needed to help you off a zipline (rescue you), it would be too challenging.
- Your weight can affect your speed; depending on the type of zipline, this can become a serious problem during landings.
Being too heavy, even if you’re in shape, can compromise the safety of your zip experience. Weight limits for ziplining range between 250 and 300lbs.
2. Must Meet Fitness Requirements
Ziplining does require some physical requirements. Many courses have zip participants engage in sometimes minor or moderate physical activities such as hiking on uneven terrain, climbing (ropes courses), or maintaining specific body positions during flight. Having a decent physical fitness makes the tour more enjoyable and safer for you.
Most ziplines will not deny you from going based on physical fitness but judge this accordingly so you do not hold up your group or get yourself injured. You don’t need to be a gym goer, but you should be capable of a small hike through some trails. If you are doing a ropes course as well, the physical demands are much higher.
3. If You Are Pregnant
Pregnancy is a time to avoid ziplining altogether. The harness, designed to ensure safety, can place pressure on the abdomen. Moreover, the jerks and jolts during ziplining could be very harmful to your baby. For the safety of the mother and the unborn baby, it’s recommended to postpone any ziplining plans until after the pregnancy. Just ask the doctor, I can bet I know what they would say.
4. People with Acrophobia (Fear of Heights)
A fear of heights, or acrophobia, can turn a thrilling zipline experience into a terrifying ordeal. There are different levels of “fear of heights”, and the ones that should not zipline due to heights are the ones that:
- Pass out due to heights
- Hyperventilate
- shake uncontrollably
- panic attacks
- lose the ability to focus on the task
The heights involved in ziplining can trigger panic attacks or severe anxiety, which compromises their ability to enjoy the activity and follow necessary safety instructions. Participants must be comfortable with heights to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone on the tour!
5. People with High Blood Pressure, Heart Condition, or Circulatory Condition
Individuals with heart conditions, high blood pressure, or circulatory issues should exercise caution before heading on a zipline tour. The adrenaline rush and the physical demands of ziplining can exacerbate these conditions, potentially leading to serious health risks. Consulting with a healthcare provider is absolutely required before deciding to go out on your ziplining adventure.
Please get a doctor’s note before to ensure the tour operator allows you to go if they are aware of your condition. Please do not go hiding the situation as this places your safety at extreme risk, it’s best to inform your guides for various reasons. I know we played tricks on people, just minor but for someone with a condition, it could cause serious health problems.
6. People Who Have a Neck or Back Injury (Or Any Recent Surgeries)
Ziplining can be strenuous on the body, particularly on the neck and back. The harness and the forces exerted during the ride can aggravate existing injuries or post-surgical conditions. To avoid further damage, those with neck or back issues or recent surgeries should avoid ziplining until they are fully recovered. Follow what your doctor says!
7. Seniors Who Are Out of Shape
Ziplining can be a great activity for seniors, but it’s crucial to assess physical condition before participating. If a senior is not physically fit, the exertion could be too much, potentially leading to injuries such as broken bones or torn muscles. It’s not really about age but about health and fitness level. I have taken people 80 years and up ziplining, but they were in great shape, helping with their safety during the tour.
Check out my detailed guide on ziplining safety for seniors here.
8. People Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
Alcohol or drugs impair judgment, coordination, and reaction time – all crucial for a safe ziplining experience. Being under the influence while ziplining is extremely dangerous, not just for the individual but also for others. Being fully alert and sober is required when taking on the lines of a zip course.
Also, do not smoke any substance in a harness. Your harness is made of nylon, if an ember lands on your harness and melts through, you put yourself at risk of equipment malfunction.
9. Toddlers and Children Under Requirements
Safety in ziplining also depends on age and size, particularly in terms of fitting into the harness correctly. Toddlers and young children often do not meet these requirements, making it unsafe for them to participate. Before planning a ziplining trip for children, check the age, weight, and height requirements to ensure they can participate.
Where I worked, Marble Zip Tours, the age requirement is 6 years old and 60lbs. Individual companies list their own requirements.
10. Bad Listeners (Too Cocky)
Ziplining requires attentiveness and adherence to instructions. Overconfidence can lead to ignoring safety guidelines, which can lead to extreme consequences. Examples include tampering with the gear or not adopting the correct landing posture, leading to accidents or injuries. Good listening skills and respect for the rules are non-negotiable for safe ziplining. Please listen to your guides!
Can A Ziplining Company Deny Me from Going?
Yes, they can. Ziplining companies prioritize safety above all. They reserve the right to refuse participation to anyone who doesn’t meet the safety criteria. This is not only for the individual’s safety but also for the safety of the group and tour guides. It’s very important to respect these guidelines for a safe and enjoyable ziplining experience.
As a guide, I’ve seen how following these guidelines can make the difference between a memorable experience and a risky situation. Stay informed, stay safe, and enjoy the thrill of ziplining!
For more insights into the safety aspects of ziplining, don’t forget to check out our ziplining safety guide here.
Jamie is the founder of Action Sporter. He is the chief zipline writer and the lead editor. He has 5 years of zipline experience being a tour guide in Newfoundland. Most of the time you can find Jamie adventure traveling, hiking, skiing, skateboarding, or anything action related!