Bradley R.
Ziplining with Extremo was incredible. High flying lines with several LONG sections, allowing me and my family to feel freedom and thrill high above the tree canopies!
The staff didn't speak much English but they were still able to communicate the necessary components to ensure safety and protocols. We were put into solid, full-body harnesses with helmets and big leather gloves with super-thick padding on the palms, which served as the brake for most sections. The staff would signal by raising a hand as you approach to indicate if you should apply more brake (applying downforce on the zipline with your palm). In our case, it was very misty and rained the latter half of the event, making it difficult to see the guide at the far end until we came pretty close. Fortunately, they had a backup "catch" system that was another brake system if you came in too hot. My wife flew in one time way too fast and their backup brake system caught her just fine (I have a hilarious video of this).
Even though it was rainy and slightly chilly (June - rainy season in Monteverde), the staff had positive attitudes and took the time to make sure everyone made it across safely before sending the next person/pair across. If you braked too much and didn't quite make it to the very end, a staff member would come out to you and help pull you in the rest of the way. This took a little time but was comforting knowing they had your back. They would always have a receiving guide and a sending guide before anyone was sent over, and they would communicate with each other.
For the final two ziplines, they asked us if we would like to be repositioned to the Superman position (facedown, horizontal body, with each foot in a sling). My older son (18 years old) and I did this and loved the added thrill! My wife and younger son (15) preferred the standard position and also had plenty of fun.
Then at the very end, they offered the Tarzan Swing. This thing is no joke. You walk up a ton of stairs to a high platform, walk out probably 40 feet, then they strap you in safely for the drop. It is a gigantic swing system where you hang from your harness and free fall for a couple seconds before swinging outward (it was surprisingly smooth!), then swinging back and forth a few times before they collect you and bring you down safely. They got footage of the event which I will keep forever. What a blast! I would say 1/3 of the participants of our group (5 of 15, or so) actually did the Tarzan Swing, while the others cheered for us from the ground. Personally I think they missed out. :)