One attraction I have barely talked about is Figure 8 at the US National Whitewater Center. I've never really heard anyone talk about it online, but it deserves more people talking about it.
Figure 8 was significant to me for 2 reasons. First off, since it consists of 2 ziplines, it included my first ever zipline. The more significant thing for me, though, was how it got me to overcome my fear of heights. Before this trip, I liked the idea of Roller Coasters, but I was terrified of the larger rides. Because of that fear, I mostly rode the family attractions along with Volcano up until then when I visited Kennywood.
Since not many people talk about it, I want to give some information on what this attraction even is. It starts with a massive climb up a ton of stairs. I believe it is around 300 feet tall. After the stairs, you get onto a zipline. This zipline leads you to another platform. On this platform, you start a ropes course that I believe is around 100 feet off the ground. After around 10 courses, you get to the 3rd platform. You go through another zipline and end at the 4th platform. You then take a walk back towards the entrance of Figure 8 to take off your safety equipment and get to go free.
In my experience, I was terrified. This was my first Zipline, but I actually really liked the Ziplines. Despite how high above the ground I was, I felt completely safe on the ziplines. This was when I was still afraid of Phantom's Revenge, but I wasn't afraid on here. I don't know why it wasn't scaring me, but I still enjoyed the Ziplines, so that was good. Ever since then, I have taken every chance I've gotten to use a zipline again. That was one other time and I've already reviewed that zipline.
For me, the terrifying thing was the ropes course. I had never done an actual ropes course before then. Even though the ropes course was really just made up of rope bridges and ladders, I was still terrified. I was completely inexperienced and was not ready for it.
One thing I want to touch on is the setting. The Whitewater Center did a fantastic job on picking the setting. The first zipline gives some views of the Center, but it feels somewhat remote. The Ropes Course doesn't even feel like it's in the Whitewater Center. The ropes course is high above a forest and you are right by a bunch of trees that are sometimes around the same height as the ropes course. You end with a zipline that gives a fantastic view of the Whitewater Center for a few minutes before going back into the forest area you started in. Then, there is a small, scenic hike back.
Finally, I want to give it a score. I would say that this attraction, while it is terrifying, is worth visiting. Overall, I do recommend the US National Whitewater Center. If you're going to Charlotte for Carowinds, I think that it would be worth also spending some time at the Whitewater Center. I'm going to give this attraction a 9/10. It is definitely thrilling, it is a lot of fun, and it is good for beginners, I would say. I haven't done any ropes courses since then, but I can say that this was a massive step towards getting rid of my fear of amusement rides.
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