SUCCESSFUL SENDING
On long lines, like this one at CLIMB Works Keana Farms in Hawaii, visuals alone may not be sufficient to verify the zip line corridor is clear.
All-stop scripts. Scripts are also im- portant in communicating an all stop. If a staff member must perform a rescue, for example, it is crucial that they know what to say in that stress-filled moment. Leedom says that US NWC trains and uses specific verbiage during interven - tions, not only for clear communication, but also because you don’t know who is listening and what they may hear. All-stop communication should sound vastly different from “clear to zip” communication. Using the same words in radio calls (i.e., zip is clear, zip is not clear) can cause issues, as staff may make assumptions if only part of the message is heard. Trainees at the Summit are taught to ask for repetition during radio calls. “We teach that if you don’t understand, you ask for repetition,” says Brubaker. “It can be intimidating for new guides to ask a seasoned professional on the oth- er end. We always make sure they know that it is OK to ask for clarification.” At many operations, receiving staff are required to copy the call indicating they heard the message and understood. Visual miscommunication is possible as well. Leedom says the US NWC is specific with staff about what they can and cannot wear. “We say no bright colors on the landing decks, especially orange. We don’t want someone mov-
Kanepeo created the zipEYE system for the Saferoller continuous belay device. The zipEYE is a gated communication device in which a cable gate locks once a participant passes through the sending end and does not unlock until the participant has passed through the receiving end. It includes a control box that can communicate if a participant hasn’t left the corridor in the pre-pro- grammed time period. CLiC-iT offers the C-Pass Zip, an access control system that blocks zip line ac- cess if someone is already engaged. The system has different models to work with CLiC-iT or Kong Zaza 2 devices and communicates using RF wireless technology. A remote-control option allows operators to monitor the status of the in-box. Finally, Skyline Ziplines debuted its Safe Launch System, which utilizes an elec- tronic launch mechanism and magnetic gates for zip lines that do not allow the operator to send a participant until the required safety checks are confirmed, landing decks cleared, and the catch block reset.
munications is that what feels like the exception is often the rule: if a com- mand or signal can be misunderstood, at some point, it will be. This is where clear, concise, and redun- dant communication comes in. Having two methods to indicate a clear zip, or having a double-check included in the protocols, can counteract the potential for crossed wires. For verbal commands, most opera- tions utilize specific scripts to bake-in double checks and redundancy while also creating a sense of excitement and trust for guests. “It’s drawn out, but it’s exciting for participants to hear, almost like a rocket launch,” says Brubaker. “They get into it.” A script also conveys to guests a sense of professionalism, Brubaker adds, because it sounds the same every time. And the key to zip line communication lies in its consistency. “We make sure the language is clear, concise, and the same every time,” says Brubaker. A longer script allows guides the oppor- tunity to identify that each piece of the system is in place and ready to receive: At the Summit, says Brubaker, receiving staff state in their radio calls not only that the zip is clear, but which lines spe- cifically are in use as well as the status of the braking systems (e.g., Landing to launch: brakes are set.).
There is no doubt we will see more ad- vances in this area in the coming years.
ELIMINATING MISCOMMUNICATIONS
One of the most important things to consider when evaluating zip line com-
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