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Ziplining Tips for Beginners: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Go Ape Zipline & Adventure Park

Wednesday January 22, 2025

So, you’re ready to swing through the trees and experience the thrill of ziplining? Awesome! But before you embark on your aerial adventure, we have some must-know ziplining tips and aerial course advice for first timers. Let’s answer some frequently asked questions to ensure a smooth and unforgettable experience: 

Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions: 

How do you stop on a zipline? 

You stop on a zipline using the natural slope of the landing area by dragging your heels when landing sideways and backwards or “running it out” when facing forward. You land at about a walking-to-running pace, so landing is a breeze! 

How to not be afraid on the zipline? 

Take deep breaths, trust your harness, and focus on the fun ahead instead of the height. Utilize the buddy system too! Bring an adventurous, empathetic friend that can push you out of your comfort zone and give you a distraction when you need it. 

Can you take your phone while ziplining? 

Yes, but it must be secured in a zippered pocket or attachment. We sell phone holders at check-in to provide a secure place to hold your device and take photos and videos. 

What should I wear when ziplining? 

Wear athletic clothing, closed-toe shoes, and avoid loose items. Long hair should be tied back, and any jewelry, such as dangle/hoop earrings and necklaces, should be removed or securely stored to prevent them from snagging or falling off. Go Ape is an all-weather adventure, so check the forecast and dress for the day! We recommend keeping hats, sunglasses, and other items that are not securely attached to yourself at home or in your car. 

How do I prepare for a ropes course? 

Stay hydrated, dress appropriately, eat beforehand to prepare for a physically challenging activity, and arrive with a readiness to enjoy an active adventure! If you want to do some light stretching first, great, but you’ll also get a chance to stretch around on the course. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions or injuries, inform staff at check-in so they can best take care of you. 

What happens when you get stuck on a zipline? 

Our trained instructors will assist you promptly to ensure your safety and get you back on course. But don’t worry: if you follow the safety rules of participation and use your gear as trained, the likelihood of getting “stuck” is very low. 

What holds you on a zipline? 

A secure harness attached to a steel cable via carabiners, safety lanyards, and pulleys. 

Do you need gloves for Go Ape? 

Gloves are required for your safety and comfort. You can either bring your own gloves or purchase them at check-in for convenience. 

Can you go ape when pregnant? 

We recommend consulting your doctor for personalized advice regarding participation based on your specific health conditions. 

Can adults do Go Ape? 

Absolutely! Go Ape is for adventurers of all ages. If you’re looking for a more advanced activity, check out the Treetop Adventure zipline and high-ropes course. 

Can you do Go Ape in shorts? 

Yes, but we recommend longer shorts or athletic pants for comfort with the harness. 

Can you do Go Ape in the rain? 

Yes, we operate rain or shine. Rain adds to the adventure! 

Can you do Go Ape with acrylic nails? 

Yes, but at your own risk. We recommend utilizing full-finger gloves. 

Can you do Go Ape without an adult? 

Some yes, and some no. Each Go Ape’s supervision requirements vary by location and activity. Find your preferred Go Ape course here to see what requirements are needed. 

Can children do Go Ape? 

Yes! We have age-appropriate courses for kids as young as four years old. 

Can you do Go Ape in the dark? 

Yes, during special nighttime events like “Frights at Height” and “Nights at Height.” Check out our booking funnel to see hours and availability. 

How long does Go Ape take? 

Treetop Journey courses are a 1-hour timed experience. Other Treetop Adventure courses typically take 2-3 hours to complete. Axe Throwing and Forest Escape are 1-hour activities, and Treetop Nets has 1-hour and 2-hour options.  

How high is Go Ape? 

Treetop Adventure courses vary, but they can reach heights of up to 50 feet, and Treetop Journey can reach as high as 25 feet. 

Where are Go Ape locations? 

Check out all locations here! 

How safe is Go Ape? Is ziplining safe? 

We’ve safely helped well over a million people adventure safely in the trees with us! We take the safety of our guests very seriously, and we ensure that everyone who comes to Go Ape has the training and skills to participate. 

 

Detailed Answers: 

How do you stop on a zipline? Stopping on a zipline is designed to be intuitive. Most Go Ape ziplines end on a natural downward slope that slows you down gradually. To assist with stopping, you can extend your legs forward and use your feet to brake gently on the mulch or grass landing area. Our instructors will explain the process during the safety training. 

How to not be afraid on the zipline? It’s normal to feel nervous, especially if it’s your first time! Trusting your harness is key—it’s designed to hold much more than your body weight. Take a few deep breaths, remind yourself of the safety measures in place, and focus on the thrill of the experience. Our team is there to support you every step of the way. 

Can you take your phone while ziplining? Phones are allowed as long as they are securely stored. Zippered pockets, lanyards, or phone holders are great options. Be mindful that you’ll need both hands free for climbing and ziplining, so secure storage is essential. 

What should I wear when ziplining? Choose comfortable, athletic clothing that allows you to move freely. Closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must. Avoid scarves, dangling jewelry, or loose clothing that could get caught. If you’re unsure, think of what you’d wear for a light hike or outdoor workout. Go Ape is an all-weather adventure, so check the forecast and dress for the day! If it’s hot and sunny, remember to wear sunscreen. Though the trees provide ample shade – a great place to be on a hot day! – it’s still a great idea to be prepared. On colder days, wear layers. You’ll be physically active and will warm up quickly, so start with a jacket that you’re prepared to remove. We recommend keeping hats, sunglasses, and other items that are not securely attached to yourself at home or in your car. 

How do I prepare for a ropes course? Preparation starts with the right mindset! Wear suitable clothing, stay hydrated, and get ready to enjoy a day of fun. The day before your adventure, make sure you’re hydrating and eating well. Eating before your adventure is important as well – you’ll be completing a physically active journey! Read through your booking confirmation for any specific instructions. Arriving early ensures you’ll have time for the safety briefing and harness fitting. 

What happens when you get stuck on a zipline? Although rare, if you don’t make it to the landing area, our trained instructors will help you safely. They’ll use a retrieval system to bring you to the platform or guide you back to solid ground. Your safety is always our top priority. 

What holds you on a zipline? Your safety is ensured by a high-quality harness, carabiners, safety lanyards and a pulley system connected to a durable steel cable. Our equipment undergoes regular safety checks to meet rigorous standards, including inspections before and after every use. 

Do you need gloves for Go Ape? Gloves are required for all participants. They ensure the safety of your hands from blisters, pinches, and more while also enabling you to do more – they’re that much more comfortable! You’re welcome to bring your own or purchase on-site. If you choose to bring your own, find a pair of non-latex gloves, such as athletic gloves, gardening gloves, biking gloves – not single-use gloves. If you choose to purchase when you arrive, they make great gloves to kayaking, weightlifting, and more – and they’re yours to keep for all your future adventures. 

Can you Go Ape when pregnant? For safety reasons, we do not recommend participating in Go Ape Treetop Adventure while pregnant, but we defer to the advice of your physician. Please speak with your doctor before participating in a Go Ape treetop activity.  Go Ape Axe Throwing, Forest Escape, Gorilla Golf, and Treetop Nets are all suitable and safe options for expectant mothers. 

Can adults do Go Ape? Go Ape is an adventure for everyone, not just kids! Adults often find the courses just as exhilarating, whether it’s a solo challenge or a group outing. If you’re looking for a more advanced option, our Treetop Adventure course takes you higher, faster, and farther than any other. Zip Trek and Zip Express add-on options are great if you’re looking for big ziplines. If you’re a little nervous or scared of heights, Treetop Journey is a great place to start. 

Can you do Go Ape in shorts? Yes, but keep in mind the harness fits snugly and may cause discomfort if your shorts are too short. Athletic pants or long shorts are ideal. 

Can you do Go Ape in the rain? Rain adds an extra layer of fun to the adventure! As long as weather conditions are safe, the course remains open. Wear moisture-wicking clothes and shoes with good grip for the best experience. 

Can you do Go Ape with acrylic nails? You can participate but be cautious to avoid breaking your nails on rope obstacles or zipline equipment. Shorter or reinforced nails are less likely to snag. Full-finger gloves will likely reduce the risk of breaking. 

Can you do Go Ape without an adult? Some yes, and some no. Each Go Ape’s supervision requirements vary by location and activity. Find your preferred Go Ape course here to see what requirements are needed. 

Can children do Go Ape? Yes, kids can join the fun! Our Treetop Journey course is designed for introductory zipliners or those that are a little nervous, ensuring a safe and enjoyable adventure while you’re getting your feet off the ground. As long as kids are at least 3’3” (typically around 4 years old), they can Go Ape! 

Can you do Go Ape in the dark? Yes, special events like “Nights at Height” and “Frights at Height” offer nighttime adventures with unique lighting, themes, and ambiance. Check our booking funnel to see hours and availability. 

How long does Go Ape take? The Treetop Journey course is a timed 1-hour experience, as are Axe Throwing and Forest Escape. Treetop Adventure is typically a self-paced adventure. Plan for 2-3 hours to complete a Go Ape Treetop Adventure, depending on the activity and group size. This includes the safety briefing and time to navigate all sections. If you’re looking to finish faster, we recommend booking a morning session before many others are on the course. Weekdays also provide less busy opportunities for adventure. We encourage “golf course etiquette”: those who want to take their time and enjoy their natural surroundings allow those looking to get a good work out in to go in front of them. Our staff is available to aid in moving groups around to minimize waits on busy days. 

How high is Go Ape? Though heights vary by activity, location, and section, our courses reach thrilling heights of up to 50 feet, offering incredible views and exciting challenges for adventurers. Some locations, like those in Arlington Texas, zip over incredible rivers. If water is low, you’ll feel even higher! Our Treetop Journey courses range to a maximum of about 25 feet. But don’t worry: you begin no more than 6 feet off the ground while you’re learning the ropes. 

How safe is Go Ape? Is ziplining safe? We’ve safely helped well over a million people adventure safely in the trees with us! We take the safety of our guests very seriously, and we ensure that everyone who comes to Go Ape has the training and skills to complete a treetop activity or throw an axe without putting themselves or anyone else in danger. For the safety of everyone, we require all participants to read and sign our waiver before you Go Ape. If you follow the Safety Rules of Participation, you will be safe. 

About Go Ape

In a world dominated by screens and fleeting connections, Go Ape offers an antidote: a place where joy is tangible, adventure is primal, and connections are authentic.

Whether you’re a parent wanting to create meaningful family memories, a thrill seeking adult, a leader building stronger teams, or an educator inspiring growth outside the classroom, we provide an unparalleled experience that blends physical challenge, emotional connection, and the beauty of nature. We believe in creating spaces where people of all ages can escape the ordinary, rediscover their courage, and embrace the thrill of discovery. Here, in the treetops or along scenic paths, lifelong bonds are forged, confidence is renewed, and laughter echoes through the canopy.

Go Ape isn’t just an activity—it’s a movement to reconnect with what truly matters: people, place, and purpose. Let’s rise above together. Visit goape.com.