The reviews are in and they’re awesome! Here are just a few words the four of us are using to describe our experience at Go Ape North Myrtle Beach.
Naturey (she’s known to make up words), adventurous, exhilarating, and a rush!
This past weekend my two daughters, husband, and I had the opportunity to experience the Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure and wow! Located in the North Myrtle Beach Parks & Sports Complex off Robert Edge Parkway, Go Ape North Myrtle Beach is one of the area’s newest attractions and it’s exciting!
You may be familiar with ropes courses. It’s where you strap into a safety harness and traverse obstacles off the ground. I’ve done several and I thought was prepared for Go Ape. “Thought” is the key word. This is a ropes course and so much more, including zip lines and Tarzan swings.
Safety first at Go Ape North Myrtle Beach
When we arrived, we were given a thorough lesson is safety and procedures. Participants wear a harness that’s connected with some heavy-duty carabiners. I won’t try to describe their system because it’s best you hear it directly from the professionals during your training, but their motto is, “Always stay attached.” That means that you’re never free-standing, even if you’re 12 inches off the ground.
Once you’ve been cleared through the training, which includes a low ropes crossing and small zip line, you proceed to the first of three centers, each containing several crossings and a zip line. Your first steps are up a rope ladder, which is its own test of endurance! Then up next is the first of two Tarzan swings. I’ll fully admit to having some trouble with this one because it’s an immediate gut check. Let me share two things about that particular obstacle. 1. It’s over in a literal two seconds before you’re in the cargo net and climbing safety to the platform. 2. The safety personnel are very kind and encouraging when you have a small issue with it. (Thanks, everyone! My level would embarrassment would have been much higher if not for you and your patience.)
This brings me to my next point. Throughout the course are “lifeguards” for lack of a better term. They have walkie-talkies. They’ll answer your questions. They’re looking out for your safety. If you have any issue, they’re there to help.
The course
Through the next centers you’ll be challenged with obstacles of varying levels of difficulty. The good news is that you’ve tested out the fact that your harsh will securely hold you during the training mission, so the fear of falling doesn’t exist. It’s not possible. Now it’s time to take a deep breath, press the pause button, and enjoy the view. There are lovely pines in every direction and a beautiful lake. The property is gorgeous and your vantage point while up on the course is amazing!
The course takes 2-3 hours. We were there for almost three, so if you’re going with kids, it might take a bit longer. Speaking of kids, there are some limitations at the North Myrtle Beach course. The minimum age is 10 and the child must be 4 feet 7 inches. or taller. My younger daughter is 10 years-old, 4 feet 10 inches, and she did well. For the grown-ups, the maximum weight is 285 lbs, depending on the fit of the harness. You learn more about this and so much more in the Go Ape FAQs.
When we finished, I felt so many things. First, what a great time! Second, while doing this course, you’re so focused on balance, strength, and courage that there’s no way you can be preoccupied with work, school, or anything else that’s stressing you. Third, you’ll leave both exhausted and but almost on a runner’s high!
You can do it, even if…
I won’t lie. I’m not the most athletic gal at the beach. Far from it, actually. Regardless, I had this moment of soaring self-esteem at Go Ape. I looked around at the other participants and started to feel slow and self-conscious. That’s when I looked down and saw the other moms – on the ground, taking pictures. No disrespect to them, at all. But I was up there, doing this course, with my kids. It doesn’t matter how fast, or how gracefully. It was happening and we were all having a fantastic time. I’ll never forget that! I don’t think the kids will either.
I know you’ll love Go Ape North Myrtle Beach.
[Editor’s note: This post originally appeared with a giveaway that has expired, though we’re hopeful we can offer another soon!]
You can connect with Go Ape on their website, Facebook, and Twitter. You’ll also want to check out Go Ape North Myrtle Beach on Facebook and Twitter.
Want to read more? Check out the latest on the Myrtle Beach for Families blog.
