Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Go Ape - Have I badly misjudged this?

100 replies

edwinbear · 07/04/2022 12:45

I have a week off work next week and was idly looking for something to do with DC (10 & 12). Managed to book a fabulous looking (and discounted) glamping tent at Leeds Castle - marvellous. Had a look at what else is available to do there and stumbled across Go Ape. I've never been, DC are fit and active, so in a moment of sheer madness, I checked DC's ages and heights are allowed, showed them the pictures of the massive looking, hardest, most terrifying 'Treetop Challenge' course and booked us all on.

And then I looked at the detail and read the Tripadvisor reviews. On the 'Challenge' course, you're not permanently clipped onto the safety wires, we're all responsible for unclipping and clipping ourselves between obstacles, before hurling ourselves off platforms 13m off the ground and praying we've done it correctly. This seems like a recipe for disaster to me. I'm sure DC will have a grand old time, but surely all I have to look forward to is 3hrs of gut wrenching panic, being responsible for constantly trusting they've clipped themselves on correctly and double checking it - I mean there is zero margin for error on this.

Has anyone done this? How difficult would it actually be for me, or more importantly DC, to mess up the clips and die?

OP posts:
jytdtysrht · 07/04/2022 12:47

I mean you could mess them up and die. The child needs to be sensible and make sure the clips are properly done.

jytdtysrht · 07/04/2022 12:48

You wouldn’t mess them up yourself I wouldn’t thinj

Tiredoftiers · 07/04/2022 12:48

It’ll be fine. You are double clipped, they will get it and love it.

Lynnthesearesexnotgenderpeople · 07/04/2022 12:48

You are permanently clipped on I think - you have two clips and you only unclip one at a time. I have never done it mind, sod that!!!

jytdtysrht · 07/04/2022 12:49

IIRC it’s 2 clips. When you move the clips from section to section you do one at a time so youre always attached. I have seen better systems abroad where one clip unlocks the other. But I believe go ape have independent clips

underneaththeash · 07/04/2022 12:49

If you've not done it before, I'd call up and swap to the adventure plus.

ilovebencooper · 07/04/2022 12:50

I've done it. I'd say you have 0 to worry about. They clip you in safely and take no chances, especially with kids. I didn't enjoy it but never once felt unsafe.

girlmom21 · 07/04/2022 12:50

They're really simple, basic clips and you'll be given a safety talk first.

When was the last tie you heard about someone dying at Go Ape?

ApolloandDaphne · 07/04/2022 12:50

I have been to Go Ape and , yes, you are responsible for clipping and unclipping yourself between obstacles. It was long while ago now but it think they really make sure you understand you need to do this properly. You will have the gut wrenching panic for sure - mostly related to your own fear you cannot make the next set of obstacles! I recall it as being both terrifying and exhilarating all at once! Your DC will love it.

DorotheaFrazil · 07/04/2022 12:50

You are always attached via your trolley. The bit you unclip and reclip onto the way is the extra safety wire should your trolley fail. At no point are you able to remove the trolley whilst up on the trees - you can't get it off until you reach the ground at the other end of the course.

DuchessofAnkh22 · 07/04/2022 12:50

Don't worry it's really simple. You have two secure clips and one is always attached. They train you how to do it and watch you over a low course, then over the first bit of the higher course. They stop you if you don't / can't do it. I think you will be fine.

spiderlight · 07/04/2022 12:51

My son and his friend did it when they were 11. You go round a low training course with an instructor first and are shown exactly how to clip and unclip, and I think there's a system where you clip yourself onto the new bit before unclipping from the old bit. They were a bit scared at first but loved they it and went round twice.

DockOTheBay · 07/04/2022 12:51

If you do it right, you're always clipped on. You have two clips and move one, then the other, so at least one is always attached.
You're trained up on this in advance. I guess it depends if you trust your kids to follow the instructions- you will be there to check.

I did do it a few years ago and there were a few kids and their dad doing it, all of them were completely unclipped at various times during the course. The man was unclipped at the top of the highest point - I didn't want to shout to warn him in case it made him startle and fall!

MrsWooster · 07/04/2022 12:51

They’re pretty safe-you generally have two lines and so one is clipped on to the old line while the other goes round the obstacle onto the new line then repeat.
They are VERY keen not to have clients plummeting from the trees like overripe fruit so assume the best!

Xpologog · 07/04/2022 12:51

How many people have plunged to their deaths doing this?
You’ll be fine, it’s pause, clip, check, go. You’ll have a great time.

Original poster
edwinbear · 07/04/2022 12:51

DC are sensible, and from what I've read, the instruction is good, they obviously take safety very seriously and you have to do a practice course with an instructor before you are allowed to go on the main course. I'm just so very conscious that a single error has probably fatal consequences.

Then my sensible head says they wouldn't allow 10yr olds to take part if they thought there was any question that they couldn't safely deal with the equipment.

OP posts:
ricketybeauty · 07/04/2022 12:51

@edwinbear I have been to a Go Ape on two occasions and never done it. Because I am scared I’ll mess up the clips and die. Follow my example and send them on it while sunbathing somewhere on site.

OhSoStranger · 07/04/2022 12:51

You get to practice first. It's all pretty simple really and great fun.

mnahmnah · 07/04/2022 12:52

It’s really straight forward to do and very safe. They give you a full safety briefing first and you have a practise on a course just off the ground. You’ll all have a great time!

DockOTheBay · 07/04/2022 12:52

@DorotheaFrazil

You are always attached via your trolley. The bit you unclip and reclip onto the way is the extra safety wire should your trolley fail. At no point are you able to remove the trolley whilst up on the trees - you can't get it off until you reach the ground at the other end of the course.
Not on any of the three go ape courses I've ever done....
Lagattolove · 07/04/2022 12:52

Two clips. One safety that’s permanently attached the other is to get you to the next obstacles. Really safe.

Lynnthesearesexnotgenderpeople · 07/04/2022 12:53

I would say 10 is a bit young for the proper one. My kids did the junior one and the top level of that was hiiiiiggghhhhhh! And that one you don't unclip yourself at all.

Lynnthesearesexnotgenderpeople · 07/04/2022 12:55

@DorotheaFrazil

You are always attached via your trolley. The bit you unclip and reclip onto the way is the extra safety wire should your trolley fail. At no point are you able to remove the trolley whilst up on the trees - you can't get it off until you reach the ground at the other end of the course.
That's the junior one isn't it?
HomeHomeInTheRange · 07/04/2022 12:56

Dial down your hysteria.

A wide range of public with differing levels of intelligence and practical skills have survived.

You cannot die.

As PP have explained.

Worry more about packing for camping in the freezing cold.

Etinoxaurus · 07/04/2022 12:57

Flashbacks to looking up to 20m high son standing on a ledge holding a clip in each hand 🤢
Honestly, it’s hard work with flashes of panic and fun.
Bit like motherhood. Enjoy! 😂