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 14 destinationupnorth.com 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