May 2024

so they require inspections and need permits to operate. They also have additional requirements for harnesses, braking systems and lines installed in trees. The Association for Challenge Course Technology is a trade organization that has its own set of standards for inspecting and building that are recognized in the United States, and “We try to follow their standards,” says Ferguson. He reports that Challenge Works, an ACCT Professional Member Vendor that specializes in equipment for aerial adventures, built the platforms and is involved in inspection and maintenance as well as training, certification and course design. He explains that a Professional Vendor Member inspects ziplines, platforms and equipment once a year. An arborist inspects the trees annually, and the six treehouses also

into doing something that’s not their choice. He’s even seen people arrive at the site with a group, completely unaware that they’re going to be ziplining and less than enthusiastic. He reports that the company started a training program and created an 80-page training manual that’s a manual on the 40-hourse course from start to finish, which regularly undergoes revision. In addition, some staff members attend an annual conference and learn about the latest trends. Business matters As a business, zipline operators must follow regulations at the federal, state and county level. They fall into the same category as amusement park rides and are similarly regulated,

require inspections. Meanwhile, “In- house we do an inspection once a month,” he says, and the staff inspects lines and equipment daily to make sure everything is in good working order. Challenge Sonoma also follows ACCT standards, and Rhoten explains that ziplining is a self-regulated industry, and ACCT sets its standards higher than OSHA or the state. An ACCT vendor built Challenge Sonoma’s course, and it undergoes inspection twice a year. In addition, “I’m a qualified person to train,” she says, and she has 37 years of experience and goes to conferences to keep her skills up to date and make sure the facilities are state of the art. Getting started To get ready for a zipline tour, make sure you meet the course’s requirements. The minimum age at Sonoma Zipline Adventures is 10, and age doesn’t have an upper limit. Carmen Taylor of Santa Rosa tried it for the first time last year at the age of 90. “It was on her bucket list,” says Ferguson. The weight range is 70 to 250 pounds, and zipliners are strapped into a harness, so clothing should be comfortable and take into consideration the weather, because it can feel hotter on hot days and cooler on cold days. Shoes should have closed toes—no flipflops, which could easily slip off—and Sonoma Zipline Adventures collects valuables for safekeeping so that people don’t risk having items fall from their pockets to the forest floor. Challenge Sonoma allows mobile phones for taking photographs, but, otherwise, “The goal is zero technology,” says Rhoten. She recalls teachers taking

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Jack Sporer, of Magnolia Wine Services. [All photos for this story by Duncan Garrett Photography, except where noted.]

50 NorthBaybiz

May 2024

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