The Grand Strand, the 60-mile stretch of coastline that surrounds Myrtle Beach, has more than its fair share of watersports opportunities. From parasailing to paddleboarding and from jet skis to jet packs, guests have plenty of options for getting wet and wild.
But now, outdoors enthusiasts have a new way to get in touch with their inner primate at the Go Ape Treetop Adventure course in North Myrtle Beach, which held its grand opening on Sept. 1. The 40-obstacle course, carved from the dense hardwood forest that surrounds the North Myrtle Beach Sports and Recreation Park, lets guests play Tarzan for a day.
Play Tarzan or Jane at Go Ape Treetop Adventure — Photo courtesy of Tyler Watkins / Grand Strand Sports Report
The latest addition to the Go Ape international chain of outdoor adventure outfitters features a multi-faceted treetop course that is unique to the Myrtle Beach area. Although there are other more established zip lines and repelling outfitters on the Grand Strand, there is nothing as grand as this new five-station adventure course.
Go Ape allows patrons the rare chance to ride a 600-foot zip line across a crystal-clear lake, perform a classic Tarzan swing through the trees before dropping into a large cargo netting and maintain their balance on a series of suspended cables and logs. The course begins slowly but ramps up in intensity through each of the five stations.
"There’s the Tibetan bridge, the magic carpet, the zig-zag crossing, the Tarzan swing, the jungle crossing and we have the spider's web,” Go Ape Manager Carmen Sanders says. “It’s a challenging experience, but the zip line is the reward for making it through.
The two- to three-hour experience begins with a detailed safety and training course before participants are allowed to venture out on their own. As the adventure increases in intensity, guests are allowed to choose between more difficult or extreme challenges. Each series of obstacles brings a payoff for completion, as well as an adrenaline rush.
Don't look down! — Photo courtesy of Tyler Watkins / Grand Strand Sports Report
As the course climbs higher into the treetop canopy, the zip lines increase in length. Participants can choose between a 600-foot or 900-foot zip line that completes the final two sections. The course spans over six acres and features 2,440 feet of ropework.
Despite the heights and speeds, Go Ape officials site an impressive safety record that they credit to the rigorous training session, skilled guides, high safety standards and modern harness equipment that is rated for guests weighing less than 285 pounds. Ages 10 and over can play, as long as they are at least 4-foot-7 and accompanied by an adult.
