Reverse Zipline

[SumoClimber]

Recently in a thread in video a type of winch was brought up. Designed for wakeskating and skimboarding, some of these winches are capable of pulling a sizable rider at significant speeds. The specs for this winch Grinch Winch
state it can pull a 250 lb rider at 30mph, and the spool can hold up to 2000' of high strength line. Here's a link to a video of a pro using a similar winch. Ben Horan's backyard pool

My crazy idea is... What if one of these winches was at the top of a zip line? Haul somebody up to the platform at a decent clip, then put the winch on free-spool and wave bye-bye.

There's even the possibility of putting some sort of brake on the winch system, to stop the rider, but that would involve some modification, or most likely a new design and having to build it from ground up. Probably a task-specific design, as the brake might be considered life support.

Well, there's tonight's crazy idea. Thought I'd post it, share the insanity. At least this way the buzzers get some amusement out of my insomnia, eh?

 

[easyphloem]

I like it, Sumo. Pulling up the zip line can be as exhilarating as going down!

BTW, that video of the wakeboarding was sweet.

SZ

 

[boreality]

Yes indeed sweet. I wanted to do a tiered dug out set up for permaculture purposes but the ducks might have to put up with a little action.

For the winching highline, you could look at the history of mining cable pots which evolved into ski lifts. A couple bull wheels, a drive motor and quick attach system for branches or people. I wouldn't go with the high speed for this one. And if it's for people it should have the safety gate shut down.

I was joking around with the first suggestion. That grinch winch hit's planing speed which is just short of flying speed. Pretty well need snow or water to make it safe.