black plus size women zip lining adventure

Zip lining as a Plus Size Women

Tightrope Ziplining

YES, I said it! I WENT TIGHTROPE ZIP LINING! I’m #ActivelyLIVING while #LivingACTIVELY

Okay, ladies and gentleman, enough with the shouting. However, I JUST CAN’T CONTAIN MY EXCITEMENT! This has been an activity that I’ve wanted to do for over three years and I’ve finally done it and may have potentially found a new annual hobby (just like kayaking).

Zip-Lining, can you believe it? yes!

I always considered myself an active and adventurous person. When people would ask me define yourself. I would boldly profess “I’m an active/adventurous person” well as much as I was saying it, life had a way of declining the level of adventure I would have while keeping up with my busy life. So in early 2014, I decided to get over my 1 year slump and get back to #LivingActively and #ActivelyLiving my life, especially in various areas in my life. So I began by reflecting on how outdoorsy I used to be, where it stop (to avoid that from happening again) and what can I do moving forward. I found myself making a list (something I enjoy doing) and praying. Praying for the strength to do this and change my mindset of the rut I felt I was in. Praying that that bold person inside stepped up to the challenge. As the phrase says “let go and let God”…. so I did and set some plans in motion.

I went to Adventure Park located in CT and it was a wonderful experience. I attended with three other females, all of which are different shapes,sizes and ages. Adventure Park has several courses, ranging from novice to advanced.This place serves all; from families, church groups, to dates and a girls trips! its a great bonding and relationship building opportunity. We started our day with signing our waivers,paying and receiving a thorough and I do mean thorough training on how to correctly use the equipment along with safety procedures.  We started on the yellow course (beginner/intermediate for adults) then moved on to their green level. The staff there had great customer service, on site assistance at every trail; in case of emergency. As brave as I am, I was nervous since I was the first one to actually zip line from one course to the next.

“Courage is not the absence of fear, it is the ability to act in the presence of fear”  by Bruce Lee

My sister and two friends cheered me on, with words of encouragement. So I said a quick prayer, counted 1,2,3 and I went…fast, my feet touched the landing post and bounced back. I instantly went backwards and was stuck suspended in the air at the middle of the cable.  I was a bit freaked out and had no upper body strength at that moment, it was as if it left my body. My hands were sore from the attempt to follow procedure and bring myself to the end. After feeling the pain on my fingers (even with the gloves), I gave up and called for help. Help came immediately. A young lady whose a worker there came to my rescue. With ease from the ground she climbed  up the tree which was well over 15 feet in the air, hooked herself to the cable and pulled both me and her to the platform in under 5 minutes. I was ASTONISHED! astonished at how quick she came, her strength to climb the tree and pull both me and her to the post.

I was inspired! After that happened I felt like that was my one oops and the rest of the day will be great. As a plus size female remember “hiccups may happen but don’t give up you’re trying something new.  I figured it happened and got another boost of adrenaline and wanted to go, go ,go. Which I did and in that process so did my cellphone from about 20-30 feet in the air it fell on a tree stump. Splat! another worker held my phone until I was finished. I continued on with my course enjoyed the rest of my time there and dealt with my phone later on.

Reflection

Being out your comfort zone has a way of allowing light bulbs to go off or in this case, let my flame blaze a bit brighter. I am one who believes that many times, God uses that voice inside of you to confirm who you are and the different traits you have. The feeling of being challenged and exhilarated. I wanted more– my passion was there; and with every obstacle I reached, I wanted to challenge myself even more. All because of knowing I could conquer it no matter how difficult it was.

Here’s a few thing to consider as a first time plus size zip liner

1: Research the establishment.
Safety: This is important, a lot of the time, places like these have you sign a liability waiver. If your location gives you the options to sign it online. READ IT! no really READ IT! This will give you time to gather any questions you may have and call them to get it answered.
Location: Are you going with a group of people? do they have vehicles? is transit near by? does the company have a shuttle bus? These are all important questions you need answers to. In my case, there were two cars and only one was used to drive to and from the location. This is especially good to know if you have guest(s) who don’t drive or coming from out-of-town.
Prepare: Find out weight restrictions, especially if your on the plus size side,like me. That was one of the main things I checked when I was putting this event together. Consider the shapes and sizes of all in your party and share that information.

Reviews: I also looked up reviews online and looked at YouTube videos to help me to understand what I was really getting myself into. Make sure it the right place for you and your guest(s).

2. Prepping for the day:

1. Dress comfortably
2. Wear proper sneakers
3. Drink A LOT of water (we had a water station)
4. HAVE FUN!
5. Be OPEN MINDED to try a level that might seem hard or intimidating.

“Everybody dies, but not everybody lives” by Drake

LIVE!

Remember ladies and gentleman, don’t allow your size to determine how far you go on an adventure, this also includes this adventure called LIFE. Explore what it has and join me on my journey in #LIVINGActively  while #ACTIVELYLiving. Don’t forget to follow me on Twitter and comment below. Lets chat

 

No Comments

  • Reply naysvoice November 12, 2015 at 4:35 pm

    Thank you for reading. Let me know of any adventures you are interested in doing.

  • Reply Jo November 13, 2015 at 7:34 am

    I soooo want to zip line!

  • Reply Reginia Cordell March 9, 2016 at 11:59 am

    Zip lining looks like quite the adventure.

  • Reply staciesayzso March 10, 2016 at 11:04 am

    Glad you were able to do this sis! I don’t think it’s for me, but you did awesome.

  • Reply Mimi Green March 10, 2016 at 11:12 am

    I love to zip line, we go to a tree tops course right outside of the DC area. It is so liberating to me. Kudos for stepping outside of your comfort zone. I’ve not fallen but I’m sure I would be freaked out.

  • Reply Jay | relaxedthairapy.com March 10, 2016 at 8:51 pm

    I just posted this very thing somewhere else — I’m one of those who want to do the cool things like this but always too chicken to go through with it. I hate that about me. Wish I could just get over my fears. — This statement fits this situation too.

  • Reply Kim March 10, 2016 at 8:57 pm

    You are brave. Both my husband and sister love zip lining. I am too scared.

  • Reply MUAKimPorter March 10, 2016 at 8:57 pm

    Both my husband and sister love to zip line. I just don’t have it in me.

  • Reply heyitskaysways March 10, 2016 at 10:18 pm

    Yaz! Gotta love a Drake quote 😉 I’m not very adventurous but zip lining is definitely on my to do list.

  • Reply Kiwi March 11, 2016 at 2:00 am

    I have yet to zipline. I have had so many opportunities but I will maybe this year!

  • Reply Katherine G March 11, 2016 at 6:14 am

    This sounds like an amazing experience. I am wanting to explore my adventurous side as well. It is so much fun and exciting.

  • Reply Valerie Robinson March 11, 2016 at 6:25 am

    You are so brave! Would love to try but am terrified of heights!

  • Reply naetorious March 11, 2016 at 6:32 am

    This is something I’m definitely going to try this year! Sounds like you had a Blast!

  • Reply Tyra March 11, 2016 at 10:39 am

    I had so much fun ziplining in Costa Rica. I would definitely do it again! It’s such a great time.

  • Reply Rebecca Smith March 11, 2016 at 4:08 pm

    This seems like it is so much fun. I want to do it but I have chickened out so many times. I need to try it after reading this!

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