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I said YES to zip lining in Costa Rica! Donnie nudged Nacho and pointed at me.  Their laughter built slowly until they were both doubled over.  I laughed too.  So did Marvin, the lead zip-line tour guide.  It WAS pretty funny!

Me standing there after having completed my first of 12 zip lines, with this wide grin on my face and my legs shaking so hard that my knees were knocking together.  Actually, my whole body was trembling and I had Marvin’s arm in a death grip. Having grabbed onto him after being unhooked from the line, I didn’t realize I was still holding on to him. 

I must have been digging my nails into his bicep because along with his laughter were grimaces of pain as he attempted to loosen my grip by pulling my fingers back.

We all had a good laugh on the platform that day.  After prying my fingers loose, Marvin guided me to sit down on the platform until I could stop shaking.  Marvin, Nacho, and Donnie sat and chatted with me until I was ready to go to the next platform.  The moment was magical.  I couldn’t help but think of how saying YES had brought me to this moment.

How did I get here?

“I want to do all the things!” is what I said to a friend of mine.   That’s how being 50 plus has me feeling…like I want to do ALL THE THINGS!  There’s a sense of urgency that wasn’t there before. A zest for life where I want to see more, do more, and experience more.

So, I’ve been saying yes more!  Things that I’m afraid of…YES! Foods I’m not accustomed to…YES! Wild adventure…still YES! New opportunities…why of course, YES! New ways of thinking…absolutely, YES!! It was this openness to all that a YES brings that had me, a 50-plus black woman, sitting on a platform 150 feet in the air on a Costa Rican zip line tour with three young men, having the time of my life. 

Adventures in Costa Rica

Two days before, as the end of my trip to Costa Rica neared, I wanted to do one more “BIG” thing.  Something outside of my comfort zone. Zip-lining. It had been on my bucket list for a while. Way down at the bottom. Only used as a placemark for something that scared me. I wasn’t sure when I placed it there that I would really go through with it. Honestly, I knew that I probably wouldn’t.  I put it there anyway.   Years later, in Costa Rica, I said yes to this bucket list item. Want to know how to make the most of your Costa Rican vacation? Then check out my Costa Rica Travel Guide for first-time visitors.

Zip Lining Through A Rainforest

I was the only one who showed up…

It was cloudy and raining lightly the morning the driver picked me up to be taken to Colinas del Poas in Alajuela where I’d meet Marvin, Nacho, and Donnie.   As fate, luck, providence, or whatever you want to call it would have it I was the only person there that morning to go zip lining. A private tour.  YES!!!! This is a good thing, I thought. Surely, this is a sign. 

Marvin fitted me with the safety equipment (helmet, safety harness, and leather gloves) and went over the instructions.  Brief instructions. Too brief for my liking. I made him go over them three more times. Your girl was scared!!! 

Is this really happening…

Hooked to the main wire. Check. Hands in position. Check. Reminder instructions. Check. I could hear Marvin talking to me, but he sounded far away. Far away like Charlie Brown’s teacher, “wah wah wah wah wah wah”. I slipped ever so slowly into the twilight zone.  Everything slowed way down.

Nacho went before me to meet me at the other platform. As he sailed seamlessly across the double steel-cable, I started to sweat.  It was my turn. I hesitated. Breathed deeply. Looked into Marvin’s eyes for reassurance. He nodded with a half- crooked smile, then pulled me back a couple of steps and pushed me off the platform. I WAS NOT READY!

What a wild ride

I screamed the whole way!  Your girl was zip lining in Costa Rica! I called on Jesus, my momma, a couple of disciples and said a few words that an upright Christian woman ought not to say.  It was the thrill of a lifetime.  Once I reached the other side I was grinning like a fool and shaking like a leaf!  Adrenaline rush in full effect!!!!

The butterflies in my stomach, the adrenaline, the wind against my skin, the speed, and the view of the treetops, all combined for one of the most exhilarating moments of my life.  And to think there were 11 more lines to go.  But first I had to sit down on that platform with Marvin, Nacho, and Donne until I stopped shaking.  

What To Know Before You Go

If you’re thinking of giving zip-lining a try and I certainly think you should, here are some tips to ensure that you get the most out of your experience:

Do your research—Checking the reviews of the zip-lining companies and comparing them is a must.  Some companies are better than others so safety should be your primary requirement.  TripAdvisor & Google reviews are a good place to start.  In addition, you can also check Facebook to see if they have a page to see what people are saying about the company in order to get additional reviews.  You will also want to compare the type of tour each company offers.  The company I used offered 12 lines and there were considerable hikes between each platform.  We stopped several times to rest. Know what you’re getting into.  Pick the company/tour that best suits your needs.

Wear Proper Clothing—I would recommend long pants, capris or leggings for this activity.  No short shorts or dresses.  The way you will be situated in the full-body harness may cause the straps to pull up your shorts or dress in a compromising way or rub against your skin and cause an abrasion.  So you’ll want to have a layer of clothes between the skin and straps as a barrier.  In cooler temperatures and rainy seasons or just a cloudy day be sure to bring a jacket or sweater.

Wear Sunscreen—In Costa Rica sunscreen is a must.  Period.  Even more so, while zipping through treetops inches away from the sun (not really but you know what I mean). Lather up.

Empty Your Pockets—I’ve read story after story of people losing their phones while zip-lining.  Don’t be that person!  If they have a locker use it.  You can also use a small backpack (that’s what I did) or a fanny pack to store your things like phone, keys, money, credit cards, etc.  The way you’re positioned back in the harness is a recipe for disaster if you’ve simply placed your valuables in your pocket. I used my lightweight backpack to keep my valuables WITH ME and safe.

Wear Proper Shoes—Closed-toe shoes are a must.  Most companies require them.  You’ll be doing a lot of walking and/or hiking so make sure your shoes are comfortable.  Plus you want to ensure that they stay on during the ride.  Another reason for closed-toe, secure shoes is the landing.  Coming in safely to the landing platform requires a sure footing.  Flip flops and slides do not fit the bill.

Pay attention to safety instructions—The safety instructions and demonstrations are often quick and brief.  Listen carefully.  They will cover, how to sit in the harness, how to slow down, how to brake, how to come into the landing platform, hand gesture signals and hand placement on the cable. 

Keep your eyes open—If you’re afraid of heights like I am, you’re first instinct will be to close your eyes.  So you have to be intentional about keeping your eyes open.  Scream, yes but don’t close your eyes.  Cuss if you must but don’t close your eyes.  You will be flying across the tree-tops in the middle of the jungle, living your best life.  You don’t want to miss that.  Keep your eyes open.  That sounded so inspirational, right???? And I meant it but you also need to be able to see when you’re getting close to the landing platform to see the hand signal of the tour guide to slow down and stop. 

Check out Viator for the Top Costa Rica Zip Line Tours and their prices.

Have you ever gone zip-lining?  What was your first time like?  If you’ve never been, do you think you might try it?  I’d love to hear your thoughts. Comment below and let me know.

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