The latest experience for thrill seekers looks deceptively easy discovers ZOE CHRISTODOULIDES
Monday morning in the office usually follows a familiar pattern. There are heaps of emails to sort through, calls to be made, and plenty of planning for the week ahead. But this Monday things have taken a dramatically different turn as I find myself suspended 11 metres above the ground and my legs turning to jelly.
Far ahead of me lies the vast expanse of the Santa Marina Retreat in Limassol. There are horses grazing in the green fields and people busying themselves with various fun activities around the grounds. But what lies in the distance no longer counts; it’s what’s directly beneath me that has worked me into a sweat as I try to muster the mental courage to walk across what can best be likened to a tight rope up in the sky. My fear is ridiculous really; I’m strapped in to a harness and I’m assured its totally safe. When I was on the ground, I thought it looked like a piece of cake. But looks can be incredibly deceiving.
Slowly, my timid feet take one step and then another, and before I know it the trained instructors are firmly applauding. But this is stage one and stage two looms ahead (or perhaps I should say, above). I suppose there’s nothing like a dose of adrenaline to kick start the week.
“Come on, you can do it!” shouts Christian Onoufriou, owner of the Santa Marina Retreat and certified Skytrail instructor. Having invited a bunch of journalists to try out the retreat’s newest activity, Christian is keen on everyone completing the Skytrail to get a real taste of how much fun it can be. Logically speaking, I really shouldn’t be so timid in my approach given that any kid over the age of five is capable of completing the activity.
Ever since the new attraction opened in September, kids and adults of all ages have been embracing the fun, keen to try out the first two level High Ropes course in Cyprus. “We’ve had primary schools come try it out, we’ve had business executives and we’ve had groups of friends of all ages,” says Christian.
With some perhaps familiar with similar activities around the UK, this particular Skytrail is 11 metres off the ground, with two different levels, featuring 14 challenges in total. While kids always enjoy the activity, adults seem seemed to be even more thrilled by the challenge as the fear factor kicks in. “Many adults have already pre-determined that they are scared of heights so they really feel victorious when they complete the course.”
Things start off pretty easy on level one, although trying to keep balance is harder than I imagined it would be. “What if I fall off?” I ask. “You can’t possibly fall off,” he says, you are after all strapped on.
Skytrail is licensed by the HSE UK (Health and Safety Executive UK) and there have been no reported injuries. Making use of a continuous belay system, the harness and rope attached to the individual’s body are held up by a puck that’s lodged into a metal channel. As the body moves forward, the rope and puck continue along with you. “Wherever you go, the rope won’t let you hit the ground,” explains Christian. If you do lose your balance, you’ll drop twenty centimetres; a position that easily allows you to pull yourself back onto the rope or bar. And if you do happen to get panicky, a supervisor will always be at hand.
One of my teammates rushes off ahead of me having taken to the activity like a duck to water, while one brave cameraman somehow manages to juggle a hefty camera in one hand, balancing on the rope by stretching out the other arm into the air. Soon enough, a cold wind starts to blow and by the time I’ve reached level two I realise my inhibitions have gotten the better of me.
Although I hate to admit it, I only manage to complete half of the challenges on level two before being absolutely resolute that I just want to get my feet firmly on the ground. A couple of the men in the group are still going and having a blast, each trying to see who’ll get to complete the activity first. “From what I’ve seen, groups seem to really enjoy this the most, it’s a bonding experience in the outdoors,” points out Christian.
Those who might want to make a day of it at the Santa Marina Retreat can also enjoy a whole host of activities that include rock climbing, target archery, mountain biking and wall climbing. Particularly proud of the horses, the venue is home to the largest horse farm in Cyprus with over 200 roaming around the area. Not just about horse riding lessons when you get to the farm, you can also take horses for walks in nature as kids are given the chance to learn all sorts of trivia while finding out about the history of horses in Cyprus. As for me, my feet are still a little jittery after a rather unusual out of office Monday morning balancing act.
Skytrail
€15 for one person. €25 for two persons. €10 per person for three or more. Skytrail is also available at special rates for school children. Available to fun seekers over five years and minimum height restriction 1.1m. Santa Marina Retreat, Parekklisia, Limassol. Tel: 99-545454. www.santamarinaretreat.com
