Surviving the world's first tandem drop experience
The things I do for blogs content! I’m not the adrenalin junkie of the family, unlike my teenage son, Louis. I’m usually the one holding the bags or dogs at venues with fast rollercoasters or scary rides.
You may think I’m telling porkies about not enjoying white knuckle rides, given that I flew Velocity 2 at Zip World Penryn Quarry, Bethesda. Although I survived (obviously), I can assure you, without a doubt, that that image of me head first with arms and legs tied to my side is something I will never ever forget. Nor do I wish to go through it again. Indeed, I’ve been there, done that but [didn’t] buy the t-shirt.
So why I volunteered to be dropped from a 100ft height while strapped to said son, I seriously do not know. If you’re considering doing this, then read on for my experience on the Zip World Plummet Tandom Drop.
What is Plummet?
The world’s first tandem drop that’s equal parts thrilling and downright terrifying! Picture this: you’re 100 feet up on a tower, standing on a trapdoor that’s about to drop you into thin air. Feeling brave? You can take the plunge solo or bring a buddy along for twice the fun (or fear!). After a suspenseful countdown—or if you’re feeling extra bold, no countdown at all—the floor vanishes beneath you, and you’re in freefall.
This adrenaline-packed adventure is located in a lovely forest location at the gorgeous village of Betws-y-Coed, North Wales (details and map below), around 40 miles or so from Gwendon, so just over an hour’s drive away.
Ready for the climb
To be honest, I was a bit concerned over the climb up the tower, as I kind of assumed it would be literally 100ft from the ground up. However, I was relieved to find that there’s a bridge around half way up the tower, although I did find the spiral staircase a little breathtaking (alas, me being of the unfit kind).
Gearing up to fall
At the equipment hut located near the start of the bridge, we were kitted out with our harnesses, helmets and helmet cams (optional extra for around a fiver each) and then we were led out onto the bridge.
Despite there being no water beneath us, I couldn’t help but feel like we were walking the gang plank.
After negotiating the spiral stairs, we were finally at the summit of the tower! A quick pause to get my breath back. Even on a fair day, the tower was swaying and it was much windier without the shelter of the below forest. I most certainly wouldn’t have liked to have been up there on a very windy day, for sure.
Wow, what a view
Great views from the top of the tower, even if it was swaying a little! Neil was watching from down below, ready to take a video of us falling to our impending doom 😱.
We were tricked
As I’ve mentioned, you can elect to have a countdown to the trap door being released, or you can choose the element of surprise. Of course, my adrenelin junkie of a son chose NOT to have a countdown.
Safety briefing complete and all harnesses double/triple checked by our tower host. Phones secured safely away, we were told to link arms and step on to the trapdoor platform slowly and walk towards the feet marks in the middle of the platform.
Now as nice as the tower guy was, he reminded me of a hangman in my eyes, since he was the one to pull the lever, as it were.
I was absolutely petrified by this time and didn’t actually see the small step down, so I landed on the trapdoor with a THUD! This set off the emergency lock and the trapdoor abruptly ‘fell’ a few inches without opening. My heart was in my mouth. We had to step backwards back to the safety platform while it was reset.
“It’s safe, right?” I nervously squeaked. “Yeah, it should be… ” he said casually. Very reassuring.
This time, I tiptoed onto the platform while gripping Louis tightly. The trap door held firm this time. Mr Hangman told us to move further forward towards the feet marks on the floor, which obviously forced us to look down. At that precise moment, the door released, and we were in FREEFALL! Aarrrghhh!
Nice move to trick us into looking down. Well played, Zip World. Well played …
Pathetic Landing
Well, it happened so fast. Before we knew it, we were hurtling to the ground!
We were told to bend our knees as we approached the floor, but my brain was too busy processing what just happened. Despite Louis reminding me, my knees stubbornly didn’t bend and I abruptly fell backwards, dragging Louis with me as well. Our helmet cams were privvy to this very ungraceful landing.
I guess that didn’t matter as the relief of this terrifying experience being over made me start to involuntary laugh. Oh my days, how glad I was to be on solid ground.
What goes up has to come down, and back up again. The walk back up to the equipment hut was a fairly steep climb, something I hadn’t considered during our quick descent.
Summary
Like Velocity 2, I’m glad I’ve done The Plummet, and knowing what it’s all about now, I guess I could do it again.
The question is, would I do it again. And the answer is a definite NO. There are other, more tamer attractions at Zip World Fforest that I wouldn’t mind having a go at. The Fforest Coaster looks like a heap of fun. I’m not a fan of Go Ape type adventures, so the tree top activities don’t really float my boat.
Still, a very enjoyable day and the price was decent at around £35 for the two of us (at the time of writing).
Fforest Adventure Location
Location: Zip World Betws-y-Coed, A470, Betws-y-Coed LL24 0HX
Note that this is a cashless site, so they only accept card payments. There’s parking on site – fees apply, which is a bit of a bug-bear, given this is a dedicated Zip World car park and you’re already paying for the activities. You can pay for your parking at reception. It’s recently privately managed and on ANPR cameras and there’s some hefty fines if you forget to pay.
Why not plan your day with a visit to the gorgeous village of Betws-y-Coed, just down the road from Zip World? Lots of lovely walks and things to do in the area.
Obviously dogs aren’t allowed on any adventures, but they’re welcome in the public areas and licensed cafe/coffee shops, so bring your four-legged friends for a fun action-packed day out.
