A Zip Line consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on a slope. Its design enable cargo or a person propelled by gravity. Therefore it travels from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding on to or attached to the moving pulley. Described as a Tyrolean traverse that engages gravity to assist its speed of movement. Its use is not only to adventure sport, recreation, or tourism, but current usage tends to favour these meanings.
However, ropeways or aerial cables are the method of transport in some mountainous countries for more than 2,000 years. Starting in China, India and Japan as early as 250 BC, remaining in use in some remote areas in China. As late as 2015 before bridges replaced them. Not all of these structures need the help of gravity, so not all fitted the definition of the zip-line.
Various technological advances in Europe in the Middle Ages improved the ropeways, some of which were still assisted by gravity. The first recorded use of the zip-line as a form of entertainment was in 1739, when Robert Cadman, a steeplejack and ropeslider, descended from Shrewsbury’s St Mary’s Church.
Some sources attribute the development of zip-lines as a vacation activity to the Tyrolean traverses developed for mountaineering purposes. In the Australian outback, zip-lines were sometimes used for delivering necessities to people working. They may used it to be in conflicts by Australian troops to deliver food, mail and even ammunition to forward positions.
Take part in daredevil balancing acts from platform to platform and feel like a bird as you careen across sweeping breadths with the Zip Line Tour of Marysol Tours.
Feel your heart pumping on this zip line adventure on the north coast of the Dominican Republic with our mountains and valleys. After a short transfer, walk along to the Welcome Center. Following a brief orientation session, head to the platform for your leap of faith!
Gushing rivers, high altitudes, and tropical rainforests overlooking coastlines: ziplining takes on new meaning in the DR. Wherever you choose to stay, ziplining is a great way to take in a panoramic view of the DR’s splendid landscape. No experience required. Contrary to many other zip line parks you won’t be in any active breaking. Like using gloves for stopping. After this adventure, we take you back to your resort.