The Top Safety Rules To Keep in Mind When Renting Out A Zipline for your Backyard

Offering a Zipline for your Backyard can take your rental property from ordinary to extraordinary. That’s because it can provide an exciting, adventurous experience for your guests.

But with the thrill of ziplines comes a lot of responsibility to ensure the safety of everyone who uses it. If you want to keep the experience enjoyable and accident-free, there are several essential safety rules to keep in mind. In this guide, we’ll walk you through them.

Weight and Age Restrictions

Establishing clear weight and age restrictions is a foundational step for ensuring the safety of everyone using your zipline. Different ziplines have specific limits on how much weight they can safely handle, and exceeding these limits can (naturally) lead to serious accidents or equipment failure.

You should always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on weight capacity to ensure the zipline is safe for every rider. Most backyard zipline kits are rated for weights between 200 to 350 pounds, but it’s ultimately your responsibility to double-check and make sure that you enforce these restrictions with your guests. It’s also a good idea to post visible signs near the zip line that indicates the maximum weight that is allowed.

In addition to weight limits, age restrictions are important. This is especially true if you’re renting out your zipline to families with children. Younger riders may not have the coordination or strength needed to safely ride the zipline. Most zip lines are suitable for riders aged 7 and up, but it’s important to evaluate the skill and comfort level of each child before letting them ride. Adult supervision is also a must for younger riders.

Safety Gear For Riders

Don’t assume that guests will just show up with their own safety equipment. It’s your responsibility to ensure that you have the proper safety gear in place for everyone:

Helmets

Helmets are absolutely mandatory for all riders, regardless of age or experience. They should be certified for outdoor sports and properly fitted to each rider’s head. Make sure the helmet is securely fastened under the chin and covers the forehead adequately, which will provide protection from head injuries in case of an impact or fall.

Harnesses

Riders must use either a full-body harness or a high-quality seat harness to stay securely attached to the zipline. The harness should be adjustable to fit a wide range of body types and ages. Double-check that the harness is snug but comfortable, with no loose straps that could pose a hazard. A properly fitted harness is critical in preventing riders from slipping or falling during the ride.

Gloves

Provide durable and well-fitting gloves for all riders to protect their hands from friction burns and to improve their grip on the trolley handles. Gloves should be made of tough material (such as leather or reinforced synthetic fabrics) and fit snugly enough that the rider can easily hold onto the trolley without their hands slipping. That’s why you should include gloves of varying sizes.

Padding

While it’s not always necessary, you should consider offering elbow and knee pads, especially for younger or less experienced riders. These can provide extra protection in case a rider loses balance or has a rough landing.

Closed-Toe Shoes

Riders should always wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes, such as sneakers or boots, to protect their feet. Open-toed shoes like sandals or flip-flops can slip off during the ride, increase the risk of injury when launching or landing, and provide little protection if the rider bumps into anything. It’s important for you to provide shoes (of varying sizes) yourself since it’s likely you’ll get at least some renters who show up wearing flip flops or sandals.

Landing Zones and Braking Systems

Setting up a safe and effective landing zone, along with a reliable braking system, will ensure that riders can come to a smooth stop, which will reduce the risk of injury.

Clear and Cushioned Landing Area

The landing zone must be free of obstacles and provide ample room for riders to slow down and safely exit the zipline.

Make sure the area is clear of rocks, branches, or other hazards, with a minimum of 15-20 feet of open space after the zipline’s stopping point.

It’s also a good idea to add soft, cushioned materials such as mulch, sand, or foam mats in the landing zone to help absorb any impact and reduce the risk of someone getting hurt during a dismount.

Reliable Braking System

A proper braking system will make sure that riders can come to a controlled stop, rather than relying on abrupt or sudden halts.

Spring Brakes
One of the most common options for a zipline braking system. Spring brakes are installed at the end of the line. As the rider approaches the end, the spring compresses and slows the trolley down smoothly.

Bungee Brakes
This system uses a bungee cord to absorb the rider’s momentum as they approach the end of the line. The elasticity of the bungee creates a gentle deceleration, which is particularly effective on longer ziplines.

Manual Braking

On some shorter ziplines, a rider can use a hand-operated brake or a padded block. However, this requires training the rider to control their stop safely, so it is less commonly recommended for beginners.

Additionally you should always have someone available near the landing zone to supervise dismounts and assist riders in safely exiting the zipline.

Conclusion

Renting out a backyard zipline can bring excitement and adventure to your property. But safety should always be your number one priority. Following these safety guidelines that we have established will not only help to prevent accidents. But will also enhance the overall experience for your guests by allowing them to enjoy the thrill of the ride with peace of mind.