At first glance, the new 32-foot-high red, blue and yellow climbing rig at the Sega Republic in The Dubai Mall looks like child’s play.
It certainly doesn’t resemble something set up to test your fear of heights – but Rope Rush, the latest addition to the indoor theme park, offers a challenge that can petrify the most daring of adults, even if they are tightly strapped into safety gear.
The attraction features a 230-metre network of metal ropes (combi-cables) and poles, with 44 obstacles and eight inclines that vary in difficulty.
It is open to anyone over the age of seven, although children below the height of 120 centimetres must be accompanied by an adult.
Before a friend and I took on the Rope Rush last weekend, we noticed a boy complete the tightrope obstacle effortlessly. I confidently thought to myself, “Well, if he can do it, how hard can it be?”
How wrong I was. It turns out some children have an indestructible attitude that makes them numb to danger and fright – while adults have a tougher battle against fear. People with health concerns, such as heart problems or high blood pressure, or an immobilising fear of heights, may want to sit this one out.
The attendant took us through a safety check before swiping us through to the challenge zone.
We placed our belongings in a locker and were strapped into a body harness that was clipped to the rig. The attraction is divided into two levels: the lower one is about six metres off the ground, while the second is about 3.5 metres higher. Tightly fastened to my safety harness, I was confident I could overcome most of the obstacles without breaking a sweat. That did not last long.
We took a flight of steps up to the first level and from there we had a decision to make: take the easier route or test your balancing skills on the trickier option. The decision determines how many calories you burn – the activity certainly worked up an appetite too.
I decided on the latter. It was best to start slowly and build up my courage by attempting the wider ramps and bridges first, including a two-line lumber rope bridge, rap beam and lily-pad crossing.
Those were, indeed, easy to navigate, but when it came to the cargo net, zigzag ropes and swinging steps, I was holding on to my harness straps for my life.
My friend somehow convinced me that the real challenge would be to let go of the straps, while trying to maintain the balance as we crossed the rickety bridges. That made me stop in my tracks.
“Don’t look down,” he advised. And, of course, that was the first thing I did, which caused me to subconsciously hang on to the harness even tighter.
I finally mustered the courage to inch across a rope bridge, arms out wide and heart pounding like a hammer.
My friend, on the other hand, employed the alternative tactic of tiptoeing across in a hurry as if he was walking on hot coals. In hindsight, that was the better strategy.
There is no time limit to complete the obstacles and you can stay on the rig as long as you like. However, the maximum number of users is 40 and only one person can attempt an obstacle at a time. It is best to attempt Rope Rush with friends, who can egg you on and dare you to walk across the ropes and planks without holding on to the harness to help with your balance. That’s often what provokes the most hearty laughs.
• Rope Rush at Sega Republic in The Dubai Mall costs Dh35. For more details, visit www.segarepublic.com
aahmed@thenational.ae
