Adventure Park Insider rounded up five new products for adventure park operators, aimed at boosting operational efficiency, pleasing guests, and providing a better all-around experience.
MOUNTAIN SLIDE
The completely redesigned ADG Mountain Slide sports several improvements. First, the track itself is now constructed of non-abrasive fiberglass. This material improves track performance and provides a smooth surface that heightens the sensation of speed, and helps reduce the type of injuries inherent with older, poured concrete slides. The redesigned track has deeper channels that improve maneuverability and rider control. New sections will integrate perfectly with existing tracks, so operators can easily upgrade older slides in phases. At the same time, ADG’s revamped mountain sled adds rear wheels that follow the curvature of the track and eliminate fishtailing, while a patented speed restrictor increases guest safety without negatively impacting rider enjoyment.
BACK STOP
The Back Stop is the latest device in Koala Equipment’s continuous belay system range. It can be used to control the Pouliz trolley when descending: Positioned at the top of stairs, the Back Stop prevents the Pouliz from unintentionally sliding backward on the continuous belay lifeline. Children must open the gate to let the Pouliz through. Also, placed at regular intervals on the stairs, the Back Stop will prevent the Pouliz from weighing children down on the stairs. To control the Pouliz when ascending: When positioned at regular intervals, it can help children climbing up stairs, and prevent them from being dragged down the stairs by the weight of the Pouliz. Also, when positioned at the beginning of the continuous belay system, it prevents the Pouliz from sliding backward off the lifeline and hitting a participant. Note that the Back Stop is not a safety device, and cannot replace a fall arrester.
INDIANA FULL HARNESS
Kong Italy, which has traditionally manufactured climbing and technical rescue harnesses, has entered the adventure park market. The Kong Indiana Full harness is designed specifically to meet the needs of adventure park operators. It has six separate adjusters, which allow the harness to easily fit a wide range of body types—both children and adults. Leg loops of contrasting colors and a single attachment point for the shoulder straps speed up the “harnessing” part of the orientation process. The Indiana Full carries the EN 12277 certification and is backed by the standard three-year Kong warranty. Other Kong harnesses for adventure parks include the Ektor for guides, and the Gogo for children up to 80 pounds.
AIRSURFER
Ride Entertainment and TAIT Towers have partnered to design and fabricate AirSurfer, said to be the first automated standing and turning zip line on the market. AirSurfer has the ability to automatically climb and descend hills, turn corners, and accelerate to speeds up to 34 mph on straightaways. Built in the USA, AirSurfer is fully adaptable to fit any site that is not suited for traditional zip lines. Its wireless control system maintains proper distance between vehicles and controls the speed of each vehicle. It’s available in three different vehicle models and offers custom-designed course layouts that fit any property. Ride Entertainment first announced the concept of the product at the 2014 IAAPA Exposition and began working with TAIT shortly thereafter. Over the next two years, the companies collaborated to re-conceptualize and redesign AirSurfer. The newest incarnation made its debut at the 2016 IAAPA Asian Attractions Expo in June.
BRAKE SHUTTLE
Bonsai Design has developed a Cal-OSHA approved brake shuttle for canopy tours and other field-fit dual-cable zip line systems. “[The brake] prevents the need to install huge, costly spring stacks, and the accompanying long decks that usually go with them,” says Bonsai Design CEO Thaddeus Shrader. The brake is designed to be an emergency back-up installed on the upper cable of a dual-cable system, allowing the primary braking system to operate independently. The redundant brake system is designed for use with three-eighth-inch jacketed cable and half-inch super swage cable. Its attachment points make it adaptable for use within a variety of brake systems, and can be designed with an automatic counterweighted return system, which requires no user input to reset.
