That Slackline Girl.: that slackline girl

Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Trident du Tacul Highline in Chamonix

One of the most challenging highline projects, and possibly the most beautiful highline I have ever set foot on. Immediately after the Girls Only Festival, I traveled to Berlin to submit a visa application, then picked up a rental car, drove back to Ostrov to fetch equipment, and subsequently drove directly to Chamonix to take a lift to 4000m. Along with Heather from One World Media, we camped on a glacier for a night, and I ascended 200+ meters two days in a row to give the beautiful 90m line a try. I was unable to send, but the experience was incredible. We de-rigged on my second day there, to my dismay. I hope to repeat this project in my lifetime, with more time. It was powerful and awe-inspiring! Thanks to the whole team for making it happen!

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

That Slackline Girl.

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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Trident du Tacul Highline in Chamonix

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

That Slackline Girl