Prices from: £6,000
Description
Zip wires are always popular! In theory the only limitation to a length of a zip wire is the topography over which it is to be built. On level ground and when constructed from standard length poles the maximum practical length is approximately 200 metres. A greater elevation at the start and finish, compared to that in the middle, will enable a longer Zip Wire to be built - given the same structural supports at either end. The longest Zip Wire to date is over 2km!
The first consideration in designing a zip wire is to establish the required through-put. If a turnover of more than 15 people an hour is important then consideration needs to be given to the means of access and egress.
The simplest option is for participants to be belayed up a tree or pole to a launching platform. This process can be speeded up by dispatching participants from a purpose built tower with an internal staircase from the side of, or from the top of, an existing building. Fast access to the start makes a big difference to the through-put but fast egress is equally important. This can be achieved by having two cables from one dispatching platform and this system does not require any increase in staff.
In terms of egress the normal method used at outdoor centres is for participants to end at about 3-5 metres high and then, under the control of an instructor (who holds the bottom of their attachment rope) to release their belay device and slide to the ground. An alternative method is to use a releasable bungee and this enables participants to slide forward to the ground and be unclipped. The trolley can be removed at the same time if necessary and this method is ideal when the zip wire goes over rough terrain or water and dragging the trolley back to the start is not a viable option. A number of trolleys stacked on the cable at the start of the session can ensure a rapid through-put.
The final method is for the participant to have a running landing on the ground; they then take the trolley off the wire and return it to the start point.
There are a number of other dismounting systems ranging from hydraulic platforms to mechanical winches but the cost of these will need to be balanced against the through-put.
We can also design and develop bespoke recreational zip wires for commercial use.
| Costs based on 100m zip wire | |
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Example illustration of a Zip wire from a tower
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Example photo of a Zip wire from a tower
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