Dragonfly: Kids Cross the Bridge Between Fear and Thrill

There was a turning point. I probably would have missed it if not for the guide, perceptively tuned into our son, when, in a sliver of a second, he let go of the thin line of steel that carried him, as he dangled at around 30 feet, down to the next platform.

(Ziplining... with one dropped shoe!)

The guide heralded that moment with an imperceptible cheer – nothing too overkill. He offered just enough celebratory acknowledgement to let it be known that this 10-year-old rookie had crossed that thin barrier that hovers between fear and exhilaration. This is a skill the guides at the Dragonfly Zipline, the latest new park at Hocking Hill’s Canopy Tours, have acquired since opening in July.

There is a delicate balance when it comes to kids and fear – and these guides have it mastered. The Dragonfly is designed for kids ages 5-12 years of age, with a weight minimum of 35 pounds to a maximum 140 pounds.

As a parent, you want all the details about the safety features to be outlined upfront. So, here they are:  On solid ground, the guides suit up the kids into the full zipline outfit,

complete with safety harness, hat and gloves.  The entire course is professionally built and maintained, and Dragonfly is the first U.S. zipline to use the brand new Swiss-designed continuous roller belay system technology.

Kids are hitched onto the Dragonfly once, as the system allows continuous movement through the 139-foot course, without any need to detach and re-hitch throughout eight zips, three sky bridges and a tunnel.

Let me be clear -- while Dragonfly is safe – there is nothing “baby” about this zipline. Your kids will experience all the same free-fall-electrifying excitement they crave: The sky bridge sways, they will swing like Tarzan,

and they will reach breathtaking heights at around 30 feet. Kids are free to let their imaginations soar – believing they are teetering on the brink of terror as they step off the platform each time.

Your $29 admission gives your child two tours through the course. On the first round, the guide leads the way, giving tips on landing, encouraging free falling, twists, and pointing out where to look for the best views of the forest. There is a spot where you can look far across the trees to see the 75-foot high SuperZip (for the big kids).

The second time through, your child, still supervised, but much more proficient, will move around the course at their own pace.

Some tips worth sharing:

• Wear sunscreen. While all of the other ziplines at Hocking Hills Canopy tours are under the canopy of the forest, the Dragonfly is exposed, using poles, rather than trees as the foundation for the zips.

• If your child is old enough to handle a camera, give them one, with a strap. They’ll be able to take pictures as they fly from zip to zip. 
• Parents, you’ll have a clear view from earth, as your child flies from zip to zip. Use your cellphone to get some great shots from below. 

Click here to make your reservations, or call 1-740-385-9477. 

Comments

[Cebu Professional Photography]

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