"
The 32 acre Eagle Ranch Resort is the first in Malaysia to construct its rope challenge course using concrete poles offering 19 High and 18 Low rope elements."
At first glance of the Eagle Ranch Rope Course Challenge circuit which had the maximum height of 10 meters, I smiled to myself and thought, “Hah, that’s child’s play!”
The Rope Course Challenge consisted of what looked like high totem poles, constructed using concrete and ropes, cables and wood. The 32 acre Eagle Ranch Resort is the first in Malaysia to construct its rope challenge course using concrete poles offering 19 High and 18 Low rope elements.
The Eagle Ranch Rope Course Challenge
According to Managing Director, Jimmy Tee, the Rope Course Challenge adds a rugged appeal to Port Dickson which is already a popular beach lovers’ getaway.
“We want to introduce this sport to the locals especially to those who are into extreme sports,” he said.
MD, Jimmy Tee in a cowboy getup, in line with the resort's theme
With planks, tyres, cables and knotted ropes, it promises oodles of fun in the sky that everyone can do. I thought it looked like a piece of cake.
I was wrong.
The very next morning, I found myself hanging onto the cargo net with dear life. My arms felt incredibly strained and tired, so I rested them on the ropes and hugged them closer to me.
“Come on, Ariel! You can do it!!!” my team members encouraged me 10 meters below.
Hanging on for dear life
Feeling euphoric after finishing a challenge!
It began to dawn upon me that the Rope Course Challenge is a whole different ballgame compared to Skytrex. Sure, the challenges take place at higher than normal heights. They both require a healthy dose of self-confidence, physical fitness and a determination to conquer height phobia (if any).
But that’s where the similarities end. With Skytrex, it is possible to sail through all the challenges alone and complete them all within a couple of hours.
It's Team Work All The Way
At the Rope Course Challenge, one needs to work well with the team to complete the obstacles. The safety of the person performing the challenges depends upon the team members who are belaying you.
“It can take up to three days to complete all the challenges depending on the group size and abilities of the team members, “said B. Kumaren who is the Resident Manager and coach for the rope challenge course.
These rope challenges require trust, confidence, cooperation, commitment, encouragement, and some risk taking.
For me, I had difficulties getting from one end of the cargo net to the other because it did not cross my mind to rest upon the belay rope and calmly walk my way through. Instead, I used up all the strength in my arms to support my whole body weight and hence, was exhausted half way through. I realised that I did not trust my team members enough to lean upon them. I am very sure that if given the chance to do it again, my ability to trust them would grow.
Also, by passing on the insights we learned after we completed the challenge to our other team members, we will be helping them overcome it better, and is part and parcel of great team work.
Some of the challenges include:
The Cargo Net challenge
The Leap of Faith
High Balance Beam or "Cat Walk"
Safety First
Before they put anyone to the challenge, Kumaren and team would first make sure that the participants are equipped with a few basic skills to be absolutely safe on these challenges. Belaying (ensuring safety support) is a mutual responsibility among participants and everybody would take turns doing that. If the group is large, the extra team members will be assigned the task of encouraging and cheering the participant on.
“Encouragers are important as the belayers cannot clap their hands as they need to use both hands to lengthen or tighten the rope,” smiled Kumaren.
Kumaren briefing the participants
Good communication between the team members is essential. Before the participant embarks on the high rope challenge, they need to ask their team members if they can trust them and if they are ready. Throughout the challenge, the participant will call out for the ropes to be loosened or tightened as they move.
 If you are worried that you might forget the code sentences or how to belay correctly, fret not. The instructor will be on hand to monitor this coordination between the participant and the belayers.
When asked if there were any cases of participants getting stuck up there due to height phobia, Kumaren replied, “That rarely happens. Usually the participant is able to listen to instructions and be safely belayed down by his team mates.”
In extreme cases, however, a participant would freeze up and not be able to respond to encouragements and instructions. In short, their minds and senses have shut down.
“Should that happen, our rescue team will go up there and bring the petrified person down together with them,” said Kumaren.
The harnesses and ropes are able to support up to 500 kg, which means literally everyone in all shapes and sizes are able to participate. So, if you are looking for an adrenaline rush of a different kind in Port Dickson or seeking to improve your team’s morale and spirit, the Eagle Ranch Rope Course Challenge might be your very cup of tea.
About Eagle Ranch Resort
 Eagle Ranch is a cosy cowboy town themed resort located at 14th mile, Jalan Pantai, Port Dickson. There is a variety of comfortable accommodation to choose from ranging from kampung houses (with unique open roof top showers), log cabins, paddock chalets, tepees and dormitories. All rooms are fully air-conditioned and equipped with fans. Kampung houses, log cabins, paddock chalets and tepees also have ensuite bathrooms and come with colour TV, fridge (not available for tepees), cofee and tea making facilities.
A resort with a difference, it is specially designed to cater for guests with a thirst for adventure and team bonding. Besides the Rope Course Challenge, guests can enjoy sports such as paintball, horse riding, go-karting, flying fox, abseiling, sea rafting, jungle trekking, archery, canoeing and more.
Last viewed - May 21, 2012
|
