Lifespan Kids Woomera Flying Fox Zip Line with Seat

A backyard flying fox (zip line) kit with a 29m galvanised steel main cable, a trolley with handles and sealed ball bearing pulleys, and a removable red disc seat on a height adjustable rope. You can ride holding the trolley handles or sitting on the seat. A stainless steel spring brake on the cable slows the trolley at the end of the run. The kit is rated to 113kg, takes one rider at a time and is not recommended for children under 8.

What you need

Two live, healthy trees at least 31cm in diameter (92cm around the trunk), with a clear run between them. The trees should be less than 29m apart, because the main cable is 29m long and wraps around the finish tree (more under Distance and heights below). No posts are included. The manual says not to fix the cable to anything else without the opinion of a qualified engineer, and to ask an arborist if you are unsure about a tree.

Distance and heights

The main cable is 29m long and wraps around the finish tree, with its end held by the three clamps, so the trees need to be less than 29m apart. Thicker trees take more cable. The manual's own example is a 27m course.

The start is fixed higher than the finish so the trolley rolls. The manual works out the heights like this, on level ground:

• Finish height: the tallest rider's height plus at least 61cm. For a 1.5m rider, about 2.1m.
• Drop: the course length times 8%. A 20m course needs a 1.6m drop, and a 27m course about 2.2m.
• Start height: the finish height plus the drop. For a 1.5m rider on a 20m course, about 3.7m.

The cable sags under the rider, so the trolley slows from about two thirds of the way along, and the spring brake stops it before the finish clamps. If it reaches the clamps, lower the start or raise the finish slightly.

You also need a stable launch platform that does not rock and is tall enough for the shortest rider to reach the trolley (not included), an adjustable spanner, pliers, and a couple of helpers with brooms to hold the cable up while you take out the slack.

Setting up

An adult must set it up and test it before anyone rides. The manual has you hang 113kg from the trolley to check the cable and its fixings, and run a weight down the line to check the brake. Run the line over grass that is clear of bushes, rocks and anything else a rider could hit. If the grass packs down hard over time, move the line to softer ground. Keep other people at least 7.62m from the line while it is in use, and do not use it when it is wet, windy or raining. Adult supervision is required at all times. The kit has small parts, so keep children under 3 away while you assemble it.

Riding Safely

• Before each ride: Check the trolley, cable, rope, knot, clamps and trees for wear, fraying or anything loose. Replace worn parts with Lifespan parts only.
• Clothing: Wear closed shoes and close-fitting clothes. No scarves, loose clothing or jewellery, and keep long hair away from the trolley.
• No helmets: The manual says not to wear a helmet, because it can tangle in the rope.
• Seat height: Adjust the rope so the rider's head is well below the trolley.
• Riding: Hold the trolley handles tightly, and wait until you have stopped completely before letting go or getting off.
• Brake: The trolley should stop before it reaches the clamps at the finish. If it reaches them, lower the start or raise the finish slightly.
• Clamps: Retighten the cable clamps after the first ride. Check them again after half an hour of use, and regularly after that.
• Load test: Repeat the 113kg load test often, not only when you first set up.
• Cold weather: Bring the rope and seat inside when it drops below 0°C.

Lifespan Kids Standards

Standards met for this kit:

• EN 71-8:2018, the European safety standard for activity toys for home use

Lifespan Warranty Details

This is the Lifespan Kids warranty, and claims go through us. Parts are covered for 1 year. The warranty has maintenance requirements, which are outlined in the manual. A faulty part is repaired or replaced, and the warranty applies to the original buyer only. It does not cover:

• Ordinary wear and tear: scratches, dents, fading, wear to the paint or finish, and sun damage to fabric parts.
• Rust on steel parts, unless a manufacturing fault caused it, and any rust on a kit within 1.5km of salt water or exposed to ocean spray.
• Kits that have not had the maintenance in the manual, including treating rust spots.
• Use outside a family home, such as schools, childcare centres and play centres.
• Kits that have been modified or fitted with another brand's parts or accessories, and faults caused by incorrect assembly, misuse or the weather.
• Assembly, installation and call-outs.

Check the contents when the kit arrives and email us if a part is missing or damaged. Lifespan Kids does not accept those claims more than 3 months after delivery, and says not to use the kit while any part is missing. For any claim, email us photos and your order number.

Note for NT: Delivery to the NT outside Darwin is not possible for this item. Email us if you want to check your address.