Try Something Fun: Go Zipping!

Imagine flying through the air like Superman, swinging on ropes like Tarzan, and traversing rope webs like Spiderman. You can be your own superhero by bringing a can-do attitude with you when visiting the Empower Leadership Sports and Adventure Center in Middletown.

"We are the only zip line canopy tour (flying, bridging, and climbing through the treetops for one and a half to two hours) in the state of Connecticut. We have around 10,000 people visit our facility each year," said Dan Jaskot, General Manager of Empower.

The facility has been featured on several Connecticut television news shows.

To personally experience it, my friend, Dan Carter, and I went on a zip line canopy tour on a windy 60 degree Sunday afternoon in November. The blustery wind made our adventures even more interesting than we expected.

While I was nervous at first, I found out that the zip line operates a lot slower and is much closer to the ground than a typical roller coaster. Additionally, the safety harness and helmet provide a great deal of protection to zip line riders. Participants are strapped in securely at all times whether on the zip line, at a platform, or doing any activity.

For those unfamiliar with zip lining, the activity allows riders to zip along a pulley system suspended on a high mounted cable. Riders are in a safety harness attached to a removable trolley. They are able to steer themselves through a metal carabineer at the top of the rope.

OUR TWO INSTRUCTORS, Erin and Mike, oriented us to the half-mile-long tour which consisted of five zip lines along with a choice to navigate two suspension sky bridges or two climbing elements. The bridges included steps and handrails attached to overhead ropes. A cargo net and a multi-vine traverse were the climbing components.

There were 12 participants, of varying ages. Some were experienced, while others, like me, were first-timers.

During the tour, we were about 70 feet to 90 feet (four to seven stories) above the ground for approximately two hours. We enjoyed panoramic views of the 20-acre Laurel Brook Forest.

The zip lines varied in length from 125 feet to 600 feet. Depending on our individual weights and the wind, we traveled between 20 mph and 25 mph.

At the end of each zip line, a landing ramp helped us slow down but Mike ensured that each rider safely came to a stop. We stood on a wooden platform surrounding the trunk of a large tree while watching the others.

After three zip lines, it was decision time. On a previous visit, Dan had gone over the bridges and this time, he opted for the climbing portion, and I followed his lead.

A few in our group picked the bridges while most chose the climbing.

Several participants and I found the cargo net to be the most challenging. We had to use our hands and feet to go from one end of large net webbing to the other.

Dan and a few other people found the multi-vine traverse to be the most difficult part. We started by sitting on a platform, oriented our feet on a cable and then slid our feet across it, one foot at a time, while grabbing ropes from above.

"The bridges were easier," Dan said.

THE 12 OF US regrouped at the next platform where we went across two 600-foot zip lines.

The final zip line was a gradual descent that brought us back to the ground.

Tree climbing, scavenger hunts, and school and group outing activities are also available.

To remember our visit, Erin and Mike took group and individual photos which were posted online and can be downloaded through Photobucket for free.

Zip lining is a lot of fun and anyone looking to try something new and exciting should check it out.Reservations are required.

Don't forget their specials and holiday gift certificate deals.

ANYONE WHO WANTS to be a hero could consider a donation to the Empower Food and Coat Driverunning through Dec. 23. Empower is located at 2011 South Main Street in Middletown and can be reached at 860-622-8726 and don't forget to like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.