Zip lines are incredibly fun, but can also be quite dangerous. When you learn how to build a zip line, be sure to also learn how to incorporate safety devices into your design as well. This will ensure the safety of all riders, and the longevity of the enjoyment you and your family will get out of your new toy.
First, consider the landing area. This is there are where your riders will come to a stop, and dismount the zip line. First, deciding how the rider will stop at the end is important. If the line is short and/or now very steep, then the rider will not build up much speed. If this is the case, the rider may simply be able to stop themselves with their feet when they get close enough to the ground. Another easy way to stop at the end of a zip line is to use the natural sagging that occurs. This might require you to adjust the slack using the turnbuckles on either end. The rider will naturally come to a stop at the bottom of the sag, and can dismount there. This method is best for long and fast zip lines where it’s not feasible for a rider to stop themselves. Your stopping and landing area should consist of loose dirt, sand, or wood chips to make sure the rider can safely come to a stop and dismount.
An additional precaution you can take to ensure the safety of your riders is to nail old tired around the tree at the stopping end of your zip line. This is just in case, for whatever reason, the rider goes too far, and will prevent them from hitting the tree directly. Another way to prevent this is to incorporate a large spring system at the end up the line. This should be far enough away from the tree that it doesn’t merely act as a pendulum point, allowing the rider to swing into the tree anyway.
If you are concerned about whether or not your riders will be able to hold onto the zip line for the duration of the ride, you can incorporate a safety line and harness into your system. Some zip lines will utilize such a system exclusively, rather than having the rider hang on at all. You will mostly find this in long-distance professional zip lines, but again, if you are concerned for your riders, it’s another precautionary measure you could take.
You will find many how to guides on the internet on how to build a zip line, but few fully cover the measure you should take to make it more safe. It’s terrible when someone gets injured on your zip line, and taking some of the measures above will allow everyone to have a safe and fun time using the device.