Zip Lines that Serve a Practical Purpose

Captain Zipline and the Lost Canyon Zipline Tour in Salida, Colorado

Oct

2009

Zip Lines that Serve a Practical Purpose

Written by Michael R. Smith

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Mother and son use zip line to cross river in Sichuan Province, China

Before zip lines became a source a recreation and entertainment... before they were used for scientific study in the trpoical forests of Central America... zip lines served the very practical purpose of transporting goods and people across gorges, canyons, waterways, and vessels.

Following the Earthquate in May of 2008, residents in the Sichuan Province use a zip line to cross a bridge that had failed.

[WSJ - photo: San Lang/European Pressphoto Agency]

Last modified on Saturday, 06 February 2010 06:42

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Michael R. Smith

Michael Smith is the President and Owner of AdventureSmith, Inc. and the principal moderator for Zipline Nirvana and Zipline Guru (coming soon). He currently works as a part-time consultant for S.T.E.P.S., Inc. and is in the process of launching a new company, ArborTrek, with tour locations planned throughout North America.

With more than 15 years of experience in the field of Adventure Education, Michael has worked as a ropes course facilitator, corporate trainer, challenge course and canopy tour designer and installer, ropes course and canopy tour trainer, and mountaineer. His field experience includes 15 years as a builder, trainer, and facilitator/guide for Challenge Course and Canopy Tour Builder S.T.E.P.S., Inc. and 6 years as an instructor at the Pacific Crest Outward Bound School (now Outward Bound Wilderness).

In addition to his work in the field, Michael has extensive expereince in marketing, web design, business consulting, and operations management. He has authored and self-published A Climber's Guide to Prescott Arizona , A Facilitator's Guide to Adventure Challenge Programming, and A Guide's Guide to Canopy Tours. The later two volumes are available as customized program manuals through S.T.E.P.S., Inc.

Academically, Michael holds a bachelor degree in Wilderness Leadership from Prescott College and a Master of Training and Development from Oakland University.