Highline News · Zipline beginner's guide
How to Prepare for Your First Zipline Experience: A Complete Beginner's GuideWhat to wear, what to eat, what to expect when you clip in — and why the nerves disappear seconds after launch.
Booking your first zipline tour is easy. Knowing what to actually do beforehand — what to wear, what to eat, how to settle the nerves, what happens when you clip in — is the part most first-timers skip, and it's the part that turns a nervous morning into a great day. Whether you're flying over wine country for the first time or checking "zipline" off a bucket list, a little preparation goes a long way from the moment you arrive at Highline Adventures in the hills south of Buellton and Solvang.
The short version
First-timer facts for the Highline Adventures zipline tour
This guide walks through everything a beginner needs to know before a first zipline experience — from booking to boarding — so the only thing you have to think about on tour day is enjoying the ride. The numbers that matter:
Step 1
Book the Right Tour for a First-Timer
Not every zipline experience is built the same, and picking the right one matters more for first-timers than for seasoned flyers. At Highline Adventures, the core Zipline Tour takes about 2 hours on course with a full group of 8 guests (plan for at least 2.5 hours total) and starts with a 4×4 Humvee ride up the ranch — over 1,000 feet of vertical — giving new flyers time to take in the Santa Ynez Valley and settle their nerves before the first launch. Tours are priced from $139 per person and vary by date. A few booking tips for beginners:
- Book an earlier time slot if you're prone to nerves — mornings tend to be cooler, and the summit is calmer before the afternoon heat
- Tell your guide it's your first time when you check in; guides tailor their pacing and instructions for first-timers
- Read the FAQ ahead of time so you're not learning the rules on the spot
- If heights make you nervous, start with the harness-free Skynet Playground or the Adventure Park treetop course, then work up to the full zipline tour on a future visit
Step 2
What to Wear on Your First Zipline Tour
Comfort and practicality beat fashion on zipline day. You'll be wearing a full-body harness, so dress as if you were going for a hike — clothing and gear choices directly affect how comfortable the harness feels and how confident you feel in it.
- Closed-toe athletic shoes — sneakers or hiking shoes with a secure fit; no sandals, flip-flops or heels
- Fitted, comfortable clothing — athletic wear or jeans work well; avoid long, loose skirts or dresses that can interfere with a harness
- Hair tied back — ponytails or buns keep hair clear of straps and helmet
- Sunglasses with a strap, or none at all — loose glasses can blow off at 50 mph
- Light layers — temperatures at Basecamp can differ from home; bring layers and make the final call when you arrive. Most of the course is in full sun, so sunscreen is recommended in summer
Leave jewelry, loose scarves and anything that could dangle or snag at home or in the car. Our gloves don't work with phone screens, so lock phones and valuables in your vehicle — your guides carry a camera and start snapping photos after the first zip.
Step 3
Eat Light, Hydrate Well
A zipline tour is physically engaging — you're climbing in and out of a harness, walking between platforms, and riding at speeds up to 50+ mph with real wind force. A heavy meal right before can leave you queasy, especially combined with adrenaline and heights. The better approach:
- Eat a light, balanced meal 1–2 hours before your tour — something with protein and carbs, not a huge greasy portion
- Drink water steadily in the hours leading up to your tour, especially in the warmer months
- Save the wine tasting for after the tour — you want your balance and reaction time sharp on the platforms
- Bring a water bottle for Basecamp; there's shaded waiting space, and a little downtime between groups
Step 4
Check the Age and Weight Requirements Before You Arrive
Every zipline course has weight limits built into the engineering of the harness and braking equipment — they exist for safety, not as an arbitrary barrier. At Highline Adventures the requirements are simple, and showing up without checking them is the one beginner mistake that's entirely avoidable with five minutes of homework during booking:
- Suggested minimum age is 10 years old
- All participants must weigh between 75 and 275 lb — guests are discreetly weighed at check-in, and those outside the range can't participate and aren't eligible for a refund
- Everyone signs a participant agreement before going on course; under 18s need a parent or legal guardian to sign too
- Pregnant guests can't zip at any stage — but the deck and lawn overlook the third and final zipline and the Adventure Park
Not sure you qualify?
Spectators are welcome on the lawn at Basecamp — you can watch ground school and see the group fly the final zip back into camp. Groups of more than 8 can book privately through the group tours page.
Step 5
Mentally Preparing: It's Normal to Be Nervous
Almost everyone who has never ziplined before feels some nervous energy beforehand — that's completely normal, and guides see it every day. A few things that help:
- Trust the course: it was designed and constructed by Skyline Ziplines Ltd., runs a redundantly fail-safe brake system and a solar-powered launching mechanism, and every guide passes in-house training plus CPR and First Aid certification before leading a tour
- Watch the what-to-expect video below so the first launch platform doesn't feel completely unfamiliar
- Talk to your guide — the 15-minute ground school covers everything, there's a second briefing before the first platform, and nobody launches until they're clipped in and ready
- Focus on the view, not the ground — most first-time flyers say the fear disappears within seconds of launching, replaced by adrenaline and a very big grin
Step 6
What Actually Happens on Tour Day
Knowing the sequence removes most first-timer anxiety. At Highline Adventures, a first tour looks like this:
- Check in at BasecampArrive 10–15 minutes early, sign your waiver (or do it from the link in your confirmation email), and meet your guides.
- Gear upYour guides fit your harness and helmet and check your eligibility.
- 15-minute ground schoolA full orientation on body position, braking and what to expect at each platform — then a second debrief before the first launch.
- The 4×4 Humvee rideUp the ranch over 1,000 feet of vertical — your first taste of the terrain, with time to take in the valley and a few photos at the top.
- Clip inAt the first launch platform your guide connects your harness to the cable and confirms every connection before you go.
- FlyThree dual ziplines, each one faster than the last, over a mile and a half of cable above the protea fields at speeds up to 50+ mph.
- Land and celebrateThe final zip brings you back into Basecamp, where your photos are loaded into a slideshow — and most first-timers immediately want to go again.
Hooked?
After Your First Flight: What's Next
Plenty of first-time zipliners come back wanting more. If your first run leaves you hooked, there are several ways to build on it — all on the same ranch.
Adventure Park
A harnessed treetop course in the old-growth oaks: two levels, four routes from easy to very hard, 60+ elements.
Explore the park →
Moonlight Zipline
The same three lines under a very different sky — tours run on the nights around the full moon.
See the dates →
Hike & Fly
Earn the view: just over 2 miles and 1,100 feet of climbing on foot, then the zipline descent.
Hike up, fly down →
Protea Walking Tour
A slower-paced walk through 8 acres of prehistoric protea flowers — the fields you just flew over.
Walk the fields →First-timer FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I've never zipped before?
That’s okay! Most of our guests have never experienced the thrill of a Zipline tour adventure before. That’s why our guides make sure that they give a complete orientation session during the 15 minute ground school, plus another debriefing before launching from the first zipline platform. The knowledgeable and experienced guides will do everything they can to make sure you feel comfortable about your adventure. Our program is designed for intergenerational participants. That’s what we love about this Zipline tour, just about everyone can do it. Please read our requirements prior to booking your tour.
What should I wear?
We suggest that you dress as if you were going for a hike. You’ll be wearing a full body harness so dress for comfort. The temperatures can be different at the basecamp so we suggest bringing layers and making the final decision once you arrive. During the hot summer months sunscreen is recommended. We have shaded waiting areas but most of the course is exposed to full sun. Please be prepared accordingly.
What are the age and weight requirements?
Our suggested minimum age is 10 years old, and all participants must weigh between 75-275lbs. Guests are discretely weighed at check-in. Those not meeting our requirements may not be able to participate and are ineligible for a refund.
How long does it take to complete the course?
From departure time our course takes 2 hours to complete with a fully booked trip of 8 participants, smaller groups may move through the course more quickly. We ask that you plan for at least 2.5 hours total.
What is included in the Zipline Tour?
During your experience at Highline Adventures you’ll check in at our basecamp, meet your guides, and have a 15 minute ground school. Once your guides have properly fitted your harness you’ll take a thrilling 4×4 ride in one of our humvees to the top of the course. At the top you’ll get to enjoy the view and take a few photos then fly above the beautiful Santa Ynez Valley on over a mile and a half of cable covering 3 zip lines. You will wear a safety harness connected to the zip line cables, allowing you to travel from platform to platform. Each tour is led by knowledgeable and experienced guides.
Do I have to sign a waiver?
Yes, all participants are required to sign a participant agreement before being allowed on course. If under 18: A parent or legal guardian must also sign the waiver.
What if it rains?
Our Zipline tours will run in light rain. If heavy rain, high wind or lightning interfere with operational safety we will cancel the tour for safety concerns. The course manager on duty will determine tour cancellations and guests may be notified at any time regarding cancellation. In the event that your tour is canceled by Highline Adventures, you will receive a refund or a rain check voucher depending on the circumstances. We reserve the right to postpone or ‘pause’ a tour for up to one hour to wait out inclement weather and resume normal operations. Rain gear is not provided and you are expected to dress appropriately for the weather. Synthetic clothing is recommended when wet weather is expected.
Do the guides take photos?
Yes they do, SMILE! The guides will carry a camera throughout the course. Getting comfortable on the lines is first priority, so they will start snapping photos after the first zip. If you have a special request for a photo, the guides will do their best to provide it but please remember that safety comes before the photos. Once back to the outpost, your photos will be loaded into a slideshow for you to view. If you like what you see, let the retail staff know and they can start transferring them onto a Highline USB. Check-in and ‘like us’ on our Facebook page for a photo discount. Note: Our gloves don’t work with cell phone screens. Please leave cell phones and other valuables locked in your vehicle.
If I am pregnant, can I still zip?
For the safety of the mother and the baby, we do not allow women who are pregnant at any stage to participate in the zip-lines. We have a beautiful deck and lawn area that can view the 3rd and final zipline as well as overlook the adventure park.
What is your cancellation policy?
All sales are final. Cancellations made at least 48 hours in advance are eligible to be rescheduled or receive store credit for a future booking. Bookings can be transferable. For more info please visit our cancellation policy page.
More answers on the full FAQ page · Is ziplining safe for kids? · directions to the ranch.
Ready for your first flight
Book the tour, dress for the harness, trust your guide.
The best first zipline experience comes down to a few simple habits: book the right tour, dress for the harness, eat and hydrate sensibly, check the requirements ahead of time, and trust the equipment and your guide once you're clipped in. Check directions to the ranch, review the FAQ, and book your zipline tour at Highline Adventures — the biggest and fastest ziplines in California, and one of the best possible ways to try flying for the first time.