Empowerment….what does it mean to you? The standard definition is to invest with power or to supply with an ability. Or it could be defined as developing confidence in your own capability. For me, last month, empowerment meant standing on a platform 70 feet high, attached to a zip line and having the courage to step off!
Befittingly named, Empower Leadership Sports and Adventure Center in Middletown is the place to go if you want to test your confidence and experience a thrilling adventure. Zip lines, sky bridges, tree climbs, and scavenger hunts are what you’ll be exposed to during a two-hour adventure designed to test even the strongest of wills. Since they opened in 2009, Empower has facilitated adventures for thousands of families, co-workers, friends and couples from ages 6 to 86. Without a doubt, they motivate you to achieve more, empower you to take on new challenges and provide you with a thrilling, but safe experience that you will not soon forget.
Founded by Joe and Maureen DeRing, Empower Leadership Sports was created because they felt the world needs more positive leadership. “We want to do our part by developing leaders, sharing our powerful adventures, and inspiring people to find the very best in themselves at every interaction,” said Joe. “We teach teams how to become a team and to achieve better results through clear communication and interaction.” Finding the best in yourself is exactly what will happen once you’re out on this course.
It all begins with your guide greeting you and providing training to make sure you understand proper safety during the tour. Yes, we had to wear helmets and the harness that straps around your legs and waist, although a bit snug, actually made me feel safer. Then, accompanied the entire way by your guide, it’s off to 5 zip lines and 2 adventure sky bridges, 2 optional climbing elements and 9 stations. Along the way you will discover emotions and attitudes that will help you change the way you think. While the experience takes place as you fly through tree tops from zip line to zip line and over the adventure sky bridges and climbing elements, the real power of this expedition will occur inside you. Can you think of a better setting for identifying new goals, changing behavior and improving self confidence? Every time I started to get fearful about whether or not I could do something on the tour, I somehow found this voice inside of me that kept saying, “You can do this…You can do this..” And to my surprise, I actually could. Almost everyone I’ve told about this adventure asked me if I was afraid of heights, and while the answer is yes, somewhat – I didn’t see it as a reason to avoid the challenge. In fact, I was so focused on getting from platform to platform that I don’t even remember looking down or realizing how high up I was!
Some frequently asked questions about the adventure:
1. How long does it take to complete a Canopy Tour Adventure? Canopy Plus Adventure?
Plan to spend 2 hours. The zip line canopy tour is approximately 1.5 hours in length plus additional time for check in, orientation, training, etc. The Canopy Plus programs both take about 4 hours to complete.
2. What if I am afraid of heights?
It is not uncommon to have a fear of heights. Many people who have a fear of heights are still able to enjoy the zip line tour. You will be safely secured to a steel cable at all times when you are off the ground. The professional guides are thoroughly trained in zip line course procedures, and will be with you throughout the entire course to answer all your questions and provide support.
3. How high will I be off the ground?
During the tour you will be anywhere from 10 to 70 feet off the ground.
4. What should I wear?
You will need to wear close-toed shoes (such as tennis shoes). Wear comfortable clothing, but avoid loose clothing (no scarves, etc.). Long hair needs to be tied back. Women should not wear skirts. Dress for the weather forecasted. Do not wear any dangling jewelry. Also, remove all things from your pockets, such as cell phones and wallets.
5. How safe is it?
All adventure activities done above the ground carry certain inherent risks. The course was built to exceed ACCT professional building standards. The guides are professionally trained and the equipment is very high quality. The course and equipment are inspected daily.
6. How long is the zip line course?
The zip line course is nearly a 1/2 mile long, consisting of 5 zip lines, 2 adventure sky bridges, a multi-vine traverse and a cargo net obstacle. There are 9 stations in all. NEW for 2011 – Zip line 4 and zip line 5 are brand new!!! Both zip lines measure over 600 feet long each!
7. Who can and cannot zip?
The zip line canopy tour is designed for use by participants of average mobility and strength, and who are in reasonably good health. No children weighing less than 58 pounds will be allowed to participate in the zip line tour. Children between the ages of 8 -15 must be accompanied to the facility by an adult. Approximate weight range for all participants is between 58 to 285 pounds.
Assisted by our guide, Dan Jaskot, my partner, Chris, and I experienced many challenges in navigating the course. From the initial fear of stepping off the first platform of the zip line to having to swing from one tree to the next on the tree climb, it was absolutely a mental and physical test. Dan was an amazing guide, encouraging and cheering us on the entire time – even when I was glued to one of the trees and panicking about having to jump off and swing about 20 feet to a platform on a tree across from me. But in the end, I can’t explain the feeling of satisfaction that I had actually done this, conquered my fears (of heights and falling) and completed the course. You could say I left there…Empowered!