Destination Up North UpNorth-Spring_19_NB | Page 14
Adventure Water Sports
The Brainerd Zip Line isn’t the only adventure
business capturing the attention of thrill seekers
in Central Minnesota. There are also some pretty
impressive thrills to be had on the water thanks
to Detroit Lakes based HydroFlight Lake Life,
owned and operated by Jeremy Walker, who
grew up on a lake in Southern Minnesota. He is
a self-proclaimed “adventure junkie” who started
Nordic skiing when he was just three-years-old.
Ever wonder what it would feel like to fly like a
bird or swim like a dolphin? Now you can find
out by booking an adventure with his company.
Since its founding in 2013, HydroFlight Lake Life
has been making it possible for people of all
experience levels to strap on a jetpack and glide
underwater, or blast into the sky like George
Jetson. Adventurers can also strap their feet
into a flyboard or hoverboard and soar over the
water.
Zip Liners take a moment to pose for a picture
Kerfoot says the first couple of zip lines are
shorter and slower. “We want to ease you
into the zip lining experience, and as the runs
progressively get longer and faster, then you
work your way down the hill.”
Most of the zip lines are set up between towers,
though the original intent was for guests to zip
from tree to tree. “In the Summer of 2015, a lot
of trees we had planned to use had either fallen
or were no longer safe due to a bad storm that
year. We were able to make two trees part of the
course. The rest of it goes from tower to tower
though,” says Kerfoot, who adds that the views
of the white pines, maples, cotton woods and
poplar trees mixed with the lakes and streams is
“just spectacular.”
“As adventurers make their way through the
course, there are beautiful views of Gull Lake
and the Brainerd Lakes area. On a clear day, you
can see as far as Pequot Lakes,” he says.
Jetpack. Photos by HydroFlight Lake Life
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The entire course is two-and-a-half hours long
from the time you put gear on until you get to
the end of the course. The season runs from
May through October. In May and October,
tours are offered five days a week between 9
a.m. and 4 p.m. From June through Sept., they
run seven days a week.
“The passion for flight is strong for me,” he says.
“When I started doing the business, I noted that
I was able to give this experience to others in a
safe manner,” says Walker.
The zip line rules are that you must be at
least 10-years old, weigh between 70 and 250
pounds, wear closed-toe shoes, sign a waiver,
and have a reservation. In addition, guests can’t
be pregnant or under the influence.
Cost is $75 per person during the week and $89
per person on weekends. Special discounted
pricing is offered for groups of ten or more. To
date, more than 12,000 people have gone on
the adventure.
More information can be found online at
Zipbrainerd.com, by calling 218-316-6861 or
sending an email to [email protected].
Flyboard. Photo by HydroFlight Lake Life