Rope Swing

Rope Swing was scary. About a third of the people stood in line only to chicken out. The rest of them were hesitant. I HAVE NEVER BEEN IN A MORE POLITE QUEUE OF PEOPLE. "No, you go ahead." "Are you before me?" "I think you're next."

The tree slants towards the water and it has muddy notches and boards to access the rope. The rope is tied off far out over the water. Then you reach high up the rope, high enough for the swing to drag you into the water. I closed my eyes and said, "This is insane!" and then just kinda leaned off my rung. I was hoping to miss the water and get a little loft before jumping in the river, but I was too chicken to grab a high enough spot on the rope. I plopped into the water. The real daredevils climb onto the very topmost rung and then get into "canonball" position. That makes them miss the water and then the rope carries them way out and way up. That's when they let go! They fall amongst the long tails of rope that allow the swing to hauled back up the shore. For a demonstration, go to STUPID VIDEOS and search, "Rope Swing." It's very similar.

I prefer a rope swing that allows you to swing from off the shore, and doesn't have coils of rope to avoid on the way down. Then, if you chicken out, you can ride the rope back to the safety of the shore. But safe isn't what we ride rope swings for, now is it?