Let me start by saying this: I am not an adrenaline junkie. The thought of rollercoasters, with their gut-wrenching drops and dizzying speeds, makes me queasy. But give me an activity in nature, and suddenly, a lot of that anxiety fades away. There’s something about being surrounded by the great outdoors, taking in the splendour of our natural world, that just puts me at ease. So when the world’s longest over-ocean zipline opened in Mossel Bay, South Africa, I was thrilled to try it out—not as an adrenaline rush, but as a unique way to connect with nature.
This zipline isn’t just any zipline. Stretching 1100 meters (3608 feet) across the ocean and soaring 90 meters (295 feet) above the sea, it’s a jaw-dropping experience. And yet, despite its size and scope, what really sold me was the fact that I could control my own speed. Rollercoasters might be the bane of my existence, but the idea of gently gliding above the ocean? Now that’s something I could get behind.
Signing Up for the Adventure
The journey begins at the bottom office, where the zipline ends. Here, I signed up, went through a safety briefing, and was asked to leave all loose items behind. This includes phones, hats, and even those trusty flip-flops—because let’s face it, no one wants to see their belongings take a dip in the ocean. Sneakers or trainers are a must, and a jacket that zips or buttons up securely is your best friend. If you have essentials like a wallet or car keys, it’s wise to leave them with a non-ziplining friend, lest they end up joining the fish below.
After gearing up, I hopped into a taxi for a quick five-minute drive up the cliffs to the starting point. From there, it’s a short walk to the platform where the real fun begins. The instructors, with their charming South African humor, made sure I was all set, securing my harness, handing me gloves, and walking me through the process one more time. My biggest concern? Managing my speed and keeping straight as the crosswinds over the ocean can sway you a bit. Thankfully, those gloves are your secret weapon—just press down on the cable, and you can slow to a more leisurely pace.
Taking the Leap
And then came the moment of truth. Sitting in the harness, feet crossed, I waited for the gentle nudge off the platform. In an instant, I was off, the wind rushing against my face as I soared over the rocks. But the real magic happened about ten seconds in, when I found myself gliding over the beautiful blue ocean. Waves crashed below, sending a fine mist up toward me, and the sheer beauty of the scene took my breath away.
Sure, there were some crosswinds, but I found it easy to adjust my position and speed as needed. With that sorted, all that was left was to take in the stunning views around and beneath me. When the end of the line came into sight, I began watching the instructors for the signal to slow down. A few big arm movements later, I pressed down on the line with my glove, and just like that, my speed eased. The instructors were ready and waiting to catch me at the bottom.
Now, I must admit, there was one tiny challenge: getting unhooked from the harness. Standing at a towering 1.58 meters (5’2″), I had to stand on my tiptoes to release the tension. But rest assured, there’s plenty of space for those of you who are vertically gifted!
The Final Verdict
In conclusion, my experience with the Mossel Bay Zipline taught me that this unique adventure, being that it’s the longest over-ocean zipline in the world, offers an unparalleled thrill. While no special skills are required to participate, having full use of your arms and a strong grip is essential for safety. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the height and weight restrictions before taking on this exhilarating challenge. Whether you’re an adrenaline seeker or just looking to push your boundaries like I do, this zipline provides a memorable way to connect with nature in an extraordinary setting.
Scoring:
– Value for Money: 3/5
While the experience is thrilling and unique, the cost might seem a bit steep for what you get, especially given the short duration of the actual ziplining time.
– Ease of Doing: 5/5
The activity is straightforward and requires no special skills, making it accessible to most people. As long as you meet the physical requirements, it’s an easy and enjoyable adventure.
– Learning Value: 2/5
Though it’s an exhilarating experience, there isn’t much to learn beyond the thrill itself. It’s more about the adrenaline and less about acquiring new knowledge or skills.
Total: 3.3/5
Overall, the Mossel Bay Zipline offers a good mix of fun and ease, but its value and learning potential could be improved. It’s an activity worth trying for the experience, but it may not be for everyone.