We had five adventurous zipliners in our party, aged 70 down to age 12, and all of their expectations were met or exceeded. Blake clearly explained and demonstrated how to guide ourselves on the zipline cable. He and his cohort Kylie helped each of us get into a harness securely and don gloves and helmets. They let us practice guiding and slowing ourselves in the harness hooked to the practice zipline. We were ready to zipline!
With leather gloves, helmets, and harnesses secured, all parties gathered at the first of 6 ziplines across the canyonland. Of course, the first zipline was relatively easy, so newbies like us could gain some experience and build our courage for each successive and increasingly challenging zipline. Blake and Kylie guided and protected us all the way, one guiding and the other taking up the rear of 4 - 5 parties of novice zipliners. Kylie and Blake were patient, caring, and helpful each step of the way.
Between zips we hiked to higher ground for the next challenge. The hiking was moderately difficult, but the trails were well maintained and easy enough to follow. Each successive zipline was more thrilling than the one before. Ziplining with the help of our guides built my confidence as each zipline became "scarier" (greater distance and height above the canyon far below) and more challenging.
This ziplining experience was quite different from the zipline experience that my other family members, who posted photos and videos of themselves "ziplining" across the Royal Gorge, experienced. Rather than being in harnesses similar to those technical mountain climbers wear, they sat in the comfort of a molded plastic "chair." They did not need to guide their bodies or their chairs. So, even though they rode across a much higher canyon, which is quite scary and thrilling in itself, they were secured on the zipline as on an amusement park ride.
Compared to their experience, ours was more thrilling because we really had to guide our positions on the zipline, a cable we could and had to reach, and be ready to slow ourselves as we approached the end of each zipline. Fortunately for us, Kylie or Blake was there to "catch" us if we "fell." No one fell or needed to be caught, of course, but we were assured a safe landing with our guides at the top release point and at the lower platform at the end of each zipline. If any readers want to experience the "real deal," Captain Zipline can handle a true ziplining experience. Ours was a BLAST!