La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline

For my birthday this year, I knew I had to do something a little crazy (per usual). The inspiration? My speech therapist, Tessa, who went ziplining in Costa Rica a month before my big day. When I saw her videos, my eyes practically popped out, I knew it was finally time for me to try it too. As a birthday gift to myself (because let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger), I booked my first-ever zipline adventure in San Diego.

With the help of my support staff, we made sure everything was planned so I could focus on the fun while still having my accessibility needs met. We even emailed the La Jolla Zip Zoom Zipline about providing an interpreter, but… no reply.

Next came transportation. I thought, “It’s my birthday, I don’t want to stress with an hour-and-a-half drive, why not Uber it and call it my limo for the day?” Great plan, until the GPS cut out about 8 minutes from the destination. Suddenly, my silent Uber driver and I were lost in the wilderness. Luckily, we stumbled across Fox Fire Center where the kind staff pointed us back in the right direction. Crisis averted!

Finally, I arrived at the entrance. When I introduced myself, a young woman smiled and said, “Oh, I’m going to be your interpreter today!” My jaw dropped…so they did read my email. I instantly felt like a VIP (minus the red carpet, LOL).

After safety instructions, it was time for the real thrill: three ziplines. Standing at the first platform, butterflies fluttered in my stomach, but excitement quickly won over. When the countdown hit “3,2,1,” I leapt and within seconds, I was soaring through the air. The rush was unreal, the mountains stretched endlessly around me, and I felt like I was flying through pure freedom. By the second line, I didn’t just want to go again, I wanted to go faster.

What made the day even more special was the crew. Though none of them were fluent in ASL, every single person made the effort to communicate with me. They spoke directly to me, checked that I understood the instructions, and supported me with patience and respect as I climbed and geared up. They didn’t coddle me or make me feel different; they treated me as part of the adventure. The group I zipped with, complete strangers, also welcomed me in, laughed at my jokes, and called me “crazy” in the best way possible. That sense of belonging made the whole experience unforgettable.

By the end of all three ziplines, I had only one thought: I want to do this all over again.

I even asked the staff if they’d consider creating adaptive equipment so others with disabilities could share this experience. They said they’ve been asked before and are open to looking into it. This is a great start.

So, here’s my challenge to you: Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to try something bold. Book the trip. Jump off the platform. Soar into your own adventure. Because the best birthday gift you can ever give yourself is the reminder that you are braver, and freer, than you think.

My next goal: to find another zip lining opportunity with more lines, longer lines, and faster lines. Please tell me about your best zip lining experience. I’m all ears.