That Slackline Girl.: May 2014

Monday, May 19, 2014

J.R. Racine's Documentary "Life on the Line"

Enjoy this wonderful depiction of slacklife at it's finest. Grateful to be included!

Yosemite still scares me.

What is it about this place that invokes such fear? Such awareness that death is one slip away? I suppose it could be the thousands of feet of exposure and height all around, however there is something more about this place that harks such fright and demands such respect.

What is Slackline?

Slacklining is a sport that was developed by Climbers in Yosemite Valley, California during the late 1970's and early 1980's. When they were not climbing, they took flat nylon webbing and stretched it between two rocky outcroppings over a void, and then learned to walk and balance on this webbing. The sister sport of tightrope walking, slackline is different because the rope is dynamic; it moves with you whereas tightrope walking is on a wire or steel cable, and bends some to the weight but is not stretching with each movement. In this way, slackline requires different muscles and training then tightrope walking. The sport has evolved into different types: Longlines, which take great physical endurance as they are the most unsteady of lines. Highlines require the most mental strength, with the exposure of being so high up and having so much sky surrounding you, walking on 1" thick webbing is subconsciously frightening, even if you are attached with harness and leash to the line. Slacklining over the ground on shorter lengths can be similar to Yoga, in the slow movements and positions. Lastly, tricklining is a tangent of slacklining, involving jumping and even flips. Overall slackline has a different meaning to each and every individual who takes part; everyone finds some philosophy in a sport of balance. It is not only an activity but a way of life. For some, slackline can lead you to some of the most beautiful places on earth, where you experience your surroundings in a way most people could never imagine.

Terms:

OS = onsight, aka walked on the first try.

FM = full man, aka walked both directions.

FS = free solo, aka no security and no attachment to the line.

FA = first ascent, aka the first one to walk the line ever.

FFA = first female ascent, aka the first woman to walk the line

Chongo = the starting position where you sit on one heel on the line before standing up to begin walking.

Leashes:

Harness = climbing harness with leash
Swami belt = harness only around waist with leash
Belt loop swami = leash goes through pants belt loops

Leash Swami = leash tied around waist only
Ankle leash = leash is attached to ankle (dont fall)

Double ankle leash = leash tied under line, to both ankles

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Monday, May 19, 2014

J.R. Racine's Documentary "Life on the Line"

Yosemite still scares me.