Thrill-seeker BRANCHES OUT
l for many If the past 12 months has harnessed adventure trave rtunity to swing go-getters then this summer offered a fresh oppo into action as MANDY GUNDERSEN discovered. Zipping through the trees some 30 metres off the ground might not be everyone’s idea of fun but the flight path at Bombay’s Adrenalin Forest is certain to excite those who enjoy an adrenalin rush. Officially opened in December of 2019, this challenging ropes course, hidden in an old quarry, never really got off the ground (so to speak) – Covid-19 put a halt to that. Then, when the first lockdown was over and winter set in, it was decided to wait until spring before re-opening. As it turned out, a second lockdown proved that decision to be wise. By September last year the adventure playground was up and running so, come the Christmas school holidays, I, and my 11-yearold son, were dead keen to test the ‘high’ wires and see if we could make it through all six levels (plus two ‘b’ levels) within three hours – an ambitious task! Being quite a thrill-seeker without being a true daredevil, I love the mental challenge of overcoming fears and pushing physicals limits… as long as I’m in no real danger.
14 | eastlife | march 2021
This attitude seems to have rubbed off on my eldest son, Blake, who has become my partner in all things adventurous. Furthermore, because we had both completed similar clip and climb obstacle courses in the past, we didn’t anticipate any difficulty learning the ropes here. Subsequently, after a thorough rundown with safety instructions, we felt ready to conquer Adrenalin Forest. We were in for a shock. The course was high, and I quickly reassessed my expectations that this would be a straightforward clamber. Comprising six difficulty levels, as well as two alternative ‘b’ courses at levels two and three, I immediately realised that the top two levels would provide more than a decent test of ability, strength and courage. I was also impressed by how aesthetically unobtrusive it all seemed. The long and varied aerial course was set perfectly into its woodland setting, incorporating many natural climbing elements as well as excellent shade for
participants and spectators. Instructor, Tristan, was clearly knowledgeable and competently managed our group, which included three other young children. There was a knack to ‘clipping-on’ but ample opportunities to practice the technique. It was also reassuring to know that the first three levels could be completed using “quick connectors” if we struggled to clip-on. After assessing the obstacles, Blake and I were confident to make a start and had three hours to climb as far as we could. ‘Easy.’ I thought. But… not so easy! The first two levels were straightforward (ideal for beginners). However, we opted to also tackle levels 2B and 3B to ensure we were fully confident before progressing. In hindsight I might have skipped these two in order to maintain my strength for higher and more demanding levels. Importantly, the early obstacles were varied and interesting, requiring sufficient focus so that I quickly forgot I was up in the air.
Course 3 required more daring and we encountered some exciting and quite different obstacles such as the hanging rings by which we travelled ‘Tarzan style’ from one platform to a cargo net with only one foot braced in a small metal ring. As we progressed further, Blake had one minor fall, mid-obstacle. It was quickly dealt with by Tristan who had him back on the platform ready to continue in minutes. Afterwards, my son said that his little slip actually gave him confidence that the harness would hold if he fell again. It spurred him on. However, much as it pains me to admit, Adrenalin Forest got the better of me, physically. Having completed courses 1, 2, 2b, 3 and 3b I was starting to tire but was determined to go on. Level 4 (a leap up in difficulty) began with a cargo net climb. The net was free-swinging and reclipping was required every few rungs. On reaching the top my arms were done and after traversing this level’s sixth obstacle, the rope bridge, I knew I www.eastlife.co.nz
