Pasargad Company, designer, builder, and executor of zip line (in unique recreational experiences)
A zip line is a type of transport system consisting of a pulley suspended on a stainless steel cable, which, through the use of gravity and incline, allows a person or cargo to travel from a higher point to a lower one. While typically used for recreation, tourism, and adventure sports, its application extends beyond these areas.
Zip lining is one of the most thrilling and absorbing activities that everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime. It allows you to swiftly traverse between trees, akin to the iconic moves of Tarzan.
Zip lining is an adrenaline-pumping activity that challenges thrill-seekers who love speed and heights. To fully enjoy the experience, you’ll need to put your fears aside.
Zip lining, a high-adrenaline adventure
For many, the idea of tourism goes hand-in-hand with adventure and excitement. Adding a thrilling experience to a trip or even a day’s outing can be incredibly refreshing. Among the various options, zip lining has earned a unique place of popularity among thrill seekers. Around the world, the race to offer the best recreational services has spurred great advancements in modern sports and entertainment facilities.
In recent years, our country has also seen significant progress in promoting eco-tourism and developing tourist activities across various regions. Zip lining has gained a strong fan base in Iran, with many enthusiasts frequently participating in its various forms.
The sensation of gliding at high speeds between two points, suspended in mid-air, is indescribable unless personally encountered. Essentially, zip lining is an exhilarating sport that entails traversing between two elevated points via a sturdy cable and specialized equipment such as pulleys. To illustrate, zip lines resemble cable cars, albeit with the exhilarating distinction of flying through the air on a robust cable.
The installation of zip line on a tower
Today, numerous individuals, particularly adventure enthusiasts, are drawn to zip lining. But what precisely is a zip line, and how did it originate? This is the question we aim to answer as we delve into the history of zip lining, tracing its evolution from a recreational pursuit to a heart-pounding adventure that sends adrenaline coursing through your veins.
High-adrenaline moments on zip line
What is zip line?
Zip lining falls under the category of extreme sports, and it’s a thrilling activity that can be experienced in numerous natural or man-made settings. While the concept of hanging onto a cable and sliding through the air may seem mundane on paper, zip lining is anything but boring in practice. It’s an incredibly exhilarating and engaging experience that can truly get your adrenaline pumping.
Capturing the suspended thrill of the zip line
For a clearer understanding of the zip line, let’s break it down: it’s all about connecting a cable, rope, or specialized straps between two points to make this exciting activity possible. The participant straps into a harness and, using a pulley system attached with specialized straps and carabiners, glides from one end of the line to the other. And here’s the fun part—there are different ways to experience it: lying down, hanging, or sitting.
Superhero zip line
Suspended zip line
Seated zip line
The zip line at Arenal Volcano in Costa Rica, passing over the volcano’s crater; the Waiheke Island Ecozip Park in New Zealand with two parallel zip lines; the Toro Verde Adventure Park in Puerto Rico with a 1.5-mile (approximately 4.2 kilometers) zip line spanning four seasons; the Labadee Dragon’s Breath zip line in Haiti at an altitude of 500 feet above sea level; the Stowe Mountain Resort zip line in the United States; the Jaguar zip line in Belize, Central America, passing through a cave of the same name; the Eiffel Tower zip line in France; the Icy Strait Point or Alaska’s Inside Passage zip line over mountain ranges and natural glaciers; the Dubai zip line as the world’s tallest urban zip line; and the Simatai zip line in China, as the only zip line in the world passing over one of the Seven Wonders of the World, offering stunning views of the Great Wall of China, are among the most unique and famous zip lines in the world.
In Iran, there are several notable zip lines, such as the Meshkinshahr zip line near the tallest and longest cable-stayed bridge in the Middle East, the Sofeh mountain or Bam Isfahan zip line, the Namak Abroud zip line, the Varzaneh desert zip line, and the Khara desert zip line in Isfahan. Additionally, there’s the Einali mountain zip line and the Dagh Goli artificial lake zip line in Tabriz, which boasts the country’s first round-trip zip line and the longest one near Ardabil’s Shurabil Lake. Other noteworthy zip lines include the Chalidarreh zip line in Mashhad, the Hezar Pele Forest Park zip line in Ramsar, the Tehran Commando zip line offering stunning views of Tehran’s Water and Fire Park, and the Tochal and Milad Tower zip lines in Tehran. Furthermore, there’s the Yazd Quran Gate zip line, among others, adding to the variety of zip line experiences across the country.
Zip line equipment
Zip line equipment typically includes towline turnbuckles, malleable cable, and a pulley for installation. Individuals wishing to use the zip line must be equipped with specialized attire, including a harness, carabiner, gloves, and a safety helmet, which are provided by the zip line operator.
Basic Zip Line
A luxurious and exhilarating adventure for nature enthusiasts and thrill-seekers. The equipment includes a trolley, steel cable, cable pulling hook, anchor cables, essential clips, and brake clamps, making it ideal for use in villages, tourist spots, parks, and other recreational or sports venues.
Cable Car Zip Line (Teleferic)
In many zip line projects, especially longer ones or those that pass over natural obstacles like lakes and rivers, one of the key questions is how to bring riders back to the starting point or motivate them to climb up for another ride. At times, a cable car system seems like the perfect solution.
Cable car zip line equipment
The cable winch could be the ideal answer. You can add a motorized transport system to your zip line structure, set at least 2 meters away from the main cable.
This system operates at speeds between 1 and 5 meters per second and can accommodate various capacities, solving the issue of passenger reluctance.
Eagle Zip Line
The Eagle Zip, or Flying Eagle, is a zip line variant that stands out for its unique execution system.
Eagle Zip or Flying Eagle
The excitement of this ride comes from imitating the dive of an eagle hunting its prey. It requires a short, steep route, typically 50 to 100 meters in length with a slope greater than 23 degrees. To control speed and ensure safety, a high-speed winch and zip-stop braking system bring riders to a full stop. The structure is similar to traditional zip lines, and it’s ideal for mountainous areas or locations with breathtaking views.
Zip line end brake and active stop
Managing speed at the end of a zip line is a challenge for both investors and users. For various technical reasons, the final speed can’t always be considered safe. Sometimes spring or rubber stoppers are used, but they don’t guarantee full reliability.
End-line brake and spring
Introducing a safe braking system:
This system features a damper that gradually reduces high speed, preventing any hard impact at the end of the line. The elastic cable works similarly to the way airplanes are slowed down on short runways.
Advanced end-line brake and spring
This device is installed on a column at the end of the line, providing a fast and safe stop for the rider.
Zip line equipment return system
One of the key factors in a zip line’s profitability is the number of rides per hour. During peak times, waiting for equipment like trolleys and harnesses to return from the end of the line can result in fewer customers.
To compensate for this drawback, either a large number of equipment must be used—which is only practical on peak demand days and entails significant costs for the investor—or, assuming this approach is adopted, the difficulty of returning the equipment to its place by human labor and transportation remains a challenge.
Zip line equipment return machine
As shown in the image, the solution is a dual-cable winch. This separate line for equipment return allows you to quickly send gear back to the starting platform without losing time, reducing the need for manual labor or vehicles.
Trolley (Zip Line Pulley)
The zip line trolley is the most crucial piece of equipment. Also called a roller or pulley, it consists of simple yet essential components that ensure rider safety.
Trolley, also known as zip line pulley
This device features rubber grips for users, wear-resistant metal pulleys, and a sturdy metal body with a corrosion-resistant finish.
Zip Line Winch
For those familiar with standard zip lines, the winch may seem unfamiliar. This device transforms a regular zip line into a unique experience that appeals to many users.
For lighter users or setups with less incline, the winch adds excitement by ensuring a safe yet thrilling ride. It also covers a range of different preferences, offering safe speeds, secure stops, and meeting many varied expectations.
Zip line winch
This system turns your zip line into a mini cable car, providing a safe and smooth ride for all users.
Advantages of the Zip Line Winch
Custom Speed Control: This feature allows users to select their speed, regardless of weight or incline. Even lighter individuals can reach maximum speed. The winch also simulates acceleration at the start for a realistic experience.
Smooth Stop: With the winch, no additional braking system is needed. The device provides a soft stop, eliminating sudden jerks or impacts.
Return Function: The winch eliminates the need for an end platform, bringing riders back to the starting point. This reduces the need for multiple trolleys, harnesses, and increases the zip line’s capacity, while offering a slower return ride for scenic enjoyment and photography, creating opportunities for additional revenue.
Emergency Stop: In case of any issues, the winch can stop a rider at any point and bring them back to the starting platform.
Zip line, an added value for eco-tourism
Tourism plays a significant role in generating wealth and creating jobs in the country’s economic future. Iran, with its unspoiled natural landscapes, has the potential to be a major tourist destination. Modern tourists seek not just nature, but also unique activities, accommodations, and services that make their trips memorable.
Eco-tourism is one of the most promising areas where Iran can attract both local and international visitors.
Zip line, an added value for eco-tourism
Even for Iranians, many of the country’s untouched areas are fascinating. The key is finding suitable locations for zip lines that are both easily accessible and visually appealing, with enough elevation difference for excitement.
The next steps include building starting and ending platforms, installing cables and motion equipment, and ensuring safety and braking systems.
Safety Tips
Every zip line has specific height and weight restrictions. Be sure you and your children fall within these limits and consider your physical condition before riding.
Zip lining is not recommended for individuals with heart conditions, nerve disorders, epilepsy, high blood pressure, or for pregnant women, as it can have serious consequences.
If you have any spinal issues or a history of significant bone injuries, inform the operators before using the zip line and follow their instructions.
Zip line capacity
Zip line capacity varies, ranging from single to multiple lines, accommodating several parties simultaneously. The number of lanes available for this exhilarating activity is contingent upon the size and tourism potential of the installation area.
Four lines allow for the simultaneous movement of four people on the zip line.
History of zip line
Before ziplines evolved into their modern form, zip wires were prevalent. They served as a mode of transportation in regions like the Alps and Himalayas for many years. In certain remote areas of China, such as the Nujiang Valley or Salvin in Yunnan Province, zip wires were employed for river crossings. However, due to safety concerns and the risks associated with zip wires, they became obsolete by 2015, and bridges replaced them. Nevertheless, this device still sees use worldwide, particularly in remote villages and mountainous regions where cable cars with structures akin to zip wires are commonly utilized.
Utilizing zip wires in the past
There is no definitive source to pinpoint the history of zip line usage, but some believe that biologists popularized its use. They sought ways to traverse dense vegetation and explore unfamiliar environments further. It is said that it was here that the zip line took shape, inspired by the same suspended cable systems and zip wires. Researchers utilized this tool for transporting tools, food, and more in valleys and rivers. According to some reports, Australian forces employed zip lines for transporting ammunition, supplies, and more during military conflicts.
Climbers historically utilized a technique known as the “Tyrolean traverse” to navigate challenging terrain. This method, still employed today albeit with enhanced safety measures, involves anchoring two distant points and connecting them with a specialized rope. Climbers then suspend themselves from the rope and traverse between the points. This technique has long been instrumental in aiding climbers in reaching their objectives.
H.G. Wells, the science fiction writer, mentioned something similar to a zip line in his 1897 novel “The Invisible Man.” This device was located in a lush village and operated with a pulley. Meanwhile, a century before the publication of this novel, Robert Cadman was known for using something akin to a zip line; he had to ascend structures and buildings for his work and used a special rope for this purpose. He tragically fell to his death while working due to the rope breaking from the top of St. Mary’s Church in England.
The recreational use of zip lines first gained attention in the 1970s, with tours organized in this regard. Despite all the uncertainties, it is said that biologists were the ones who discovered and understood the recreational use of zip lines, recognizing the thrill enthusiasts had for it. Over time, this device expanded, becoming an exhilarating recreational activity and readily accessible to individuals.
As life becomes increasingly consumed with concerns and worries, people are seeking more exhilarating forms of entertainment to recharge. Zip lines offer an ideal opportunity for such individuals and can provide them with unforgettable experiences.
The prospect of soaring between earth and sky, suspended by one’s hands like a bird, is undeniably thrilling. This sensation is heightened when one finds themselves above a valley or amidst a dense forest of trees. For tourists or nature enthusiasts seeking novel experiences, zip lining offers an exhilarating and enchanting adventure.
Fortunately, nowadays, the opportunity to enjoy this thrilling recreation is available in various locations across Iran. Interestingly, some zip lines are situated over lakes, others over forests, and some even over deserts, providing tourists with a unique flying experience. Aria Gostar Pasargad Khavaran Company, as the leading engineering firm in the execution of innovative recreational, tourism, and tourist projects, designs and implements exhilarating zip lines in various parts of the country. We invite esteemed investors to join us in creating this special and lucrative recreational venture.
Pasargad Company stands at the forefront of the industry, specializing in the design, structural calculations, construction, and implementation of zip lines. Our approach hinges on engineering expertise and adherence to global standards.
In the following section, you’ll find stunning videos showcasing the zip line experience.
Selecting any of the green options will navigate you to the corresponding sub-pages of the website.
