Ziplining in Ketchikan..should you do it?

I've talked to several tourists this summer who have simply raved about the zipline (many of whom claimed they were scared of heights). But I must say, I'm not surprised that people who are scared of heights still enjoy the zipline. For one, you are always attached to a cable; even on the suspension bridges. And the cables are strong enough to hold a MAC truck! So if you're 20 pounds overweight, and think that the cables will snap because of a little (or a lot) of cottage cheese on your thighs, think again.

I got the chance to go ziplining several weeks ago. It was such an awesome experience. I went at the very beginning of the cruise ship season, so I got a discounted "local" rate which made the experience even better! I got there fairly early and had some of their complimentary hot chocolate. We hopped in the military style Mercedes 4x4's and drove up a really steep section of the woods. The crew showed us how to put on our gear and we did a practice "zip."

In order to zip, there are minimum and maximum weight requirements, but they are pretty flexible if you don't quite meet their specifications. It's not like the weight police shows up with a scale...they take you at your word. There were people of all ages, sizes, and weight in my group. There was a 13 year old boy who was there with his parents. There was also a group of friends celebrating someone's 50th birthday. My dad got the chance to zip when he came to visit (he is 61 and slightly overweight). I think he enjoyed it more than me!

If I remember correctly, we zipped across 6 lines and walked across 3 suspension bridges. At first I was taken back by how high off the ground I was. But after the first zip, I was completely comfortable standing on a wooden plank high in the treetops...it's not as scary as it sounds, I promise! After the final zip, I had a choice to either walk down stairs that led to the ground, or repel down a post to the ground. I chose to repel. Why not? I was a professional zipliner by this point!

I highly suggest the zipline for all ages, sizes, and weight. It's great fun and an awesome way to spend time with family and friends.