Slackline.com - Leading the Balance Sport Revolution

Slacklife: Made in Humboldt

2008-05-21T18:11:51Z

Andy and Shaun, hailing from Humboldt, have completed their newest video: Slacklife

The epicness is unlimited!

Moab, UT: A Highlining Trip Report

2008-03-31T01:21:03Z

By Scott Rogers

If any of my adventures on this site have the properties befitting of the word "wild", this trip was probably one of the most apropos. Leaving Boulder last Friday (March 21st) and returning Wednesday (March 26th), we were in Moab for quite some time. The trip was prepared meticulously, making certain that everyone who was going had accurate directions to the obscure destination, and that all the requisite gear would be there at the start of the trip. Mary and I drove out to Moab, meeting Joe, Dave, Josh, Jesse, Lindon, Nathan, Dylan, Greg, Josh, Kale, Deon, Terry, Larry, Chris, and a few others at the designated pulloff. Thats right, we had more than 16 people all setting up and crushing highlines at different times during the weekend/week.

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The "Fruit Bowl", our ultimate destination, was discovered by Terry on Google Earth one day last year as he was dreaming of highlining while trapped in the poor winter weather. A promising prospect, Terry went to scout out the area and discovered some incredible potential. After a crew bolted the area and established the anchor points over the weekend of the 15th-16th, three different lines were ready to walk, a 47' line, a 62' line, and an 88' line. On the 22nd we went and rigged the 47' line and the 88' line, and everyone had their fix of highlining fun. Many people cruised the 47' line, named by Terry as the "Chickita Line", doing tricks and such, but it was a really hard line to learn on, and no first-timers were able to make it all the way across (although Mary and Greg got half way on many occasions).

During these two days, we bolted the 130' highline in the same spot, and prepared the bolting locations for the 92' line. Also, Dean Potter came and established a 110' line adjacent to the fruit bowl, and rigged that today. He will be base jumping off of that line in the coming weeks. For more information about Dean's basejumping escapades, see the following link: Dean's Baseline

We stayed at the Fruit Bowl until Monday, making the 1.5 mile pilgrimage back to the cars as infrequently as possible. Many people were able to walk the lines, and it was a really fun time.

On Tuesday we traveled to the Gemini Bridges area of Moab and set up two highlines: the 35 foot birthday gap, and the 80 foot dog hole gap, the former being about 200 feet above the ground and the latter being about 100 feet above the ground. We all walked the birthday gap dozens of times, with hands behind my back, while surfing, etc., but the doghole was a bigger challenge. The 80 foot line was quite heavy, and heavy, long lines are really hard to control. You would get halfway out onto the line, where the exposure was undoubtedly the greatest, and the line would start shaking. You try to keep your fear in check, but this usually means tensing up your body, and without being able to relax, your body amplifies these wobbles in the line until it starts to feel like you cant stand on it anymore. (Imagine walking across a log over a creek or something, and your friend decides that it would be fun to start moving the log back and forth while you are trying to walk across it; the chances that you fall are very high). Anyway, you really had to fight it to get across, and because I don't weigh much compared to the other highliners, it seemed harder for me. Anyway, I managed to make it across and was really excited (This was after Terry and Dylan cross the gap almost effortlessly). After that we focused on helping Mary to walk the birthday gap.

Mary had a really weird method of walking, which consisted of attempting to walk the whole line backward. Apparently it is easier to start walking the line while walking backward, as it doesn't feel exposed at all. I didn't think it was possible, but Mary pleasantly proved us wrong, crossing the line with grace and confidence. As this was her first successful highline, naturally she was ecstatic. We were all pleased too, because from what we can gather, less than a handful of women in the entire world have ever walked a highline, and Mary just recently joined that elite rank. Awesome! Joe also managed to send the line right before sundown, marking his first highline as well. It was a successful trip for everyone!

In the future we plan on having a bigger highline party at the Fruit Bowl, as it is now the highest concentration of highlines in one place, in the world. It was fun to be a part of the beginning phases of its establishment, and I'm excited to see where the sport goes in the future. All in all, it was another successful adventure!

Line Locker: Eliminate All Knots

2008-03-30T19:47:08Z

Edited by Scott Rogers

With a Line Locker, it is possible to set up a slackline with no knots. Furthermore it will be perfectly flat with no twisting whatsoever. This method is just as easy to do as tying a knot (if not easier) and comes undone with little to no effort when you’re ready to take down your line. It consists of no more than a single link from a high strength chain. The material should be approximately 5000 pound working load high strength 3/8” chain. You can find this at any hardware store in most cities. Buy 1 foot of the chain and either cut every other link with a hack saw or beg the worker at your local hardware store to do it for you. Obviously you have to cut half (every other) of the links to get the other half free. You’ll get about 5-6 Line Lockers per foot of chain. We recommend painting them so they won’t rust. The following is a step by step guide on how to tie a Line Locker:

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Step 1: Push a loop of webbing through the Line Locker where you would normally tie your knot.

Step 2a: Bring the loop up and back around and push it through again right on top of itself.

Step 2b: It goes though in the same direction it went through on the first pass. Open the inner loop so it’s easy to clip.

Step 3: Clip a carabiner though both loops.

Step 4: Cinch it tight and you’re ready to go. The loose end of the line should be coming off the bottom so it’s out of the way.

Line Lockers have been pull tested in a slackline setup, and have reached up to 85% of the normal working load of webbing without a knot. For reference, the breaking point of webbing with a clove hitch is less than 60% of the normal working load of the webbing without a knot. The Line Locker is easier, safer, and a good choice for your slacklining needs.

Elements - A Slackline Adventure and Documentary

2008-03-13T22:51:17Z

Check out the first full length slackline and highline documentary! For more information on the film, and to purchase a DVD check out http://www.elements-film.de/

Slackline Masters 2008 - Fort William, Scotland

2008-03-11T03:04:07Z

2008 Competition Results

Best UK: Jon Ritson (Lakes) - £500
2nd UK: Frank Kroner (Glasgow) - £300
3rd UK: Andrew Marshall (Belfast) - £200
Best effort UK: Rupert Oellinger (Edinburgh) – Slackline kit

Best international: Andy Lewis (USA) - £500
2nd international: Michael Aschaber (Austria) - £300
3rd international: Damian Cooksey (USA) - £200
Best effort international: Nils Diamer (Germany) – Slackline tightening system

The Fort William Mountain Festival hosted a historic coming together of some of the world's most devoted and skilled slackliners. These "slackers" gathered in Scotland to compete for the title of International Slack Master of 2008. Along with the title came the promise of over $3000 worth of cash and prizes to ensure a sizzling competitive fire. With the continuously progressive evolution of slackline style and frequent updates of the purposed physical limits of the sport-- no one knew what types of talent to expect.

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Just a few days before the competition was to be held, there were -- not surprisingly—some logistical issues standing between the competitors, over the purposed definitions of slackline as a competitive sport. Far before the competition was even thought about, Scott Balcom (one of the fathers of slackline) can be quoted from his book, Walk the Line, writing, "I cringe at the thought of competitive slackline." Setting definitions to fairly and properly judge skill levels in the sport of slackline seemed almost impossible, and Balcom went as far to say "what's the point?."

The point of the slackline competition is to congratulate creativity, innovation, and amplify the passion of each competitor's determination and commitment to the sport. It is not simply about the fact of who can do the best trick. The competition rewards unbroken focus, continuous balance, and mastering the consistency of exceptionally difficult movements without fail. Competition brings out and glorifies the best of every competitor's unique style, finesse, and ideas they have added to the sport of slackline themselves.

That is why seemingly small details such as the style of the thread and width of webbing, the competition height and length of the lines, and most notably the differing preferences in line tension, were the first of the debated issues to come to rise. Michelangelo once said "trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle." He couldn't have been more spot-on. Understandably, everyone wanted their preferred slackline trifles. Every slacker has spent uncountable hours rigging, walking, and learning to love a few specific set-up's.

An agreement was quickly made between slackers from around the world. It was to be a simple compromise. The competition would be held with a choice of lines. One line would be set with the European standard 1" flat webbing (static line), and another line would be set using the American standard 1" tubular webbing (dynamic line). The only other question that was still on the competitor's minds was, "how is this competition going to be judged?"

The only people that seemed to be qualified enough to be able take note of each slackliner's unique subtle finesse, and accurately judge the differences of difficulty between certain tricks; were the competitors. In light of this, the competition rules were revised once again to allow competitors the power of determining who was to be reined the International Slack Master. The only thing left was to host the epic international slack off!

From flips to splits, and signature tricks, huge airs and hard falls, the slack off was filled with awe inspiring displays of slackline mastery. The first qualifying round offered competitor's two slackline runs, each a maximum length of 2 minutes. After every competitor had completed their runs, votes were cast (by the competitors). The top five competitors who had the most votes were directly entered in the Slack Masters Final round.

The final round consisted of only one slackline run for each competitor, demanding supreme consistency and focus. However this round was intensified by an additional minute added to the maximum length of the run. The purpose of this was to allow the competitor a longer period of time in order to display a wider variety of their most skillful slackline talents.

The camera's rolled and flashing white lights zipped across the ceiling like ghosts trying to clear a room. The entire recreation hall reverberated to the beat of techno which blended with the cheers of the crowd, creating an atmosphere of intense pressure. Each participant was aiming to impress the huge crowd of onlookers, and most important of all, the previously fallen competitors. They were waiting for someone to prove to them that he was the one who deserved the title of International Slack Master.

After a truly inspiring display of skill and originality from all of the final competitors, the feeling of solidarity within the slackline community was nothing less than incredible. Everyone was smiling from ear to ear, tremendously satisfied from a truly epic day of slacklining. When the MC's voice returned, the crowd cheered and the final competitors anxiously awaited to hear the results! Nils Diamer, a German slacker, placed forth in the competition; after only 7 months of slacklining experience. Damian Cooksey, a Californian slacker, placed 3rd internationally; still entirely fatigued and weakened from the Scottish stomach flu. Michael Aschaber, an Austrian slacker, placed 2nd internationally; not letting even snow, cold, or fatigue get in the way of his practices. Finally, Andy Lewis, another Californian slacker, was titled the International Slack Master of 2008! The four international finalists then lined up with their arms around each other and thanked one another for their energy, friendship, and communal inspirations. This is the definition of competitive slackline. Hope to see you all next year!

First Woman to Cross Lost Arrow Spire

2008-03-06T06:07:30Z

On July 13, 1985, Scott Balcom became the first man in the world to walk across the Lost Arrow Spire Highline. A towering 2890 feet (880 meters), above the valley floor. 22 years and 3 days later, Libby Sauter became the first woman to cross the lost arrow spire highline. This has become the most coveted highline in the world. Congratulations to Libby!

Click here to read more and see photos in our community slackline forum!

The History of Slacklining

2008-03-04T04:57:50Z

By Scott Rogers

To say that slacklining was invented would be difficult, almost as difficult as crediting an individual person with its creation. The truth is that slacklining is an ongoing innovation to the already popular practices of balancing. From the balancing beam in gymnastics, to tightrope walks in the circus, balancing has been a small part of the athletic community. But recently, slacklining has exploded in popularity as more and more people are trying it, and more and more lines can be found in city parks and campgrounds alike. How exactly did this activity emerge, and what spawned the incredible growth in the recent years? Hopefully this article will clear up a few questions.

]]> Yosemite Valley was discovered by modern man in 1851 and soon after it was found, it became a sacred place. As the sport of climbing developed, many people from around the world came to this beautiful setting to be among the revered rocks and striking precipices that make up the now very popular national park. From short hikes, to multi-pitch traditional routes, to multi-day epics on popular features such as Half Dome, El Capitan and countless others, climbers and adventurers make regular pilgrimages to Yosemite. It is said by some that camp 4, a popular campground in the park, became the center of rock climbing development in the middle of the 20th century. With some people staying there many months at a time, it became a regular community of thrill seekers pursuing the rapidly growing sport of climbing.

It was in this place that the sport of slacklining came into existence. After the long days of jugging, hammering, scoping, bolting, cleaning, smearing, crimping, jamming, bleeding, taping, sending and summiting, people would flock back to camp 4 for the evening. Just as new routes were being created on a daily basis, so were new ways to spend down-time. The inhabitants of camp 4 could be found walking parking lot chains, hand railings, and even ropes strung up between the trees. In the mid to late 70’s this type of hobby became increasingly popular, as local hotshots and visitors alike were seen balancing on the rope. It appeared to have positive effects in honing balance for climbing, and strengthening the legs and core.

While tightrope walking has been around for many centuries, this new pastime was different in many ways. The climbing rope being walked was loose and not nearly as taught as the steel cable walked by circus performers. In this way it was clearly more of a challenge. Soon, individuals started to walk on flat webbing, and this is slacklining as it is known today. Some of the most influential slackliners at present learned their skills in Yosemite. Individuals including Adam Grosowski, Jeff Ellington, Chongo Tucker, Scott Balcom and Darrin Carter had perhaps the greatest influence on the early sport of slacklining.

Adam and Jeff began practicing their balance among the high trees and peaceful valleys of Yosemite in the late seventies, and introduced many people to the sport. They were very good, even by today’s standards, and could do numerous tricks including an impressive juggling routine while both of them were on the line. Adam was an incredible line surfer, and could even do a handstand on the line. These tricks are astounding even among slackliners today. In 1983, Scott Balcom and Chris Carpenter were introduced to the sport of slacklining at this very place, and soon brought it back with them to Pasadena. After considerable practice and planning, Scott, Chris, and their climbing mentor Chongo Tucker set up a line underneath a bridge in Pasadena, where Scott successfully walked the first highline in slackline history. Later that same year (1983), Jeff and Adam rigged and attempted to walk a cable from the Lost Arrow Spire to the valley rim, a span of 55 feet, with a staggering height of 2890 feet. They tried and tried to get across, but the cable was so different to walk on compared with regular webbing that neither were able to get across.

By this time, however, Scott Balcom was hooked, and vowed to walk the Lost Arrow Spire gap. He attempted the highline in 1984 for the first time with webbing, and recruited Darrin Carter to help with the rigging. Scott was very persistent, but the choppy wind passing through the valley, combined with the half-mile of exposure and nearly endless psychological limitations, Scott was unable to walk the line. However, in the next year he dedicated himself to training for this epic walk, and returned in 1985. Scott Balcom was the first person ever to walk the Lost Arrow Spire highline, on July 13, 1985. This is now the most coveted and highly regarded highline in the world. With only a few dozen people having walked this line, the majority of them in the last decade, the legend of the lost arrow spire continues to grow in popularity as people become more and more passionate about slacklining. Slackline Brothers has a contingent that visits the spire on an annual trip, and many other people from around the world have traveled to Yosemite to become humbled by the lost arrow line.

After Scott’s historic walk, many other slackliners were inspired to raise the bar on their low tree lines. Scott showed that anything was possible, and more and more people began to take up the treacherous task of highlining. Darrin Carter became very motivated by Scott’s epic fist walk, and trained to become the second person to walk the lost arrow spire, which he did in 1993. Darrin, Chongo Tucker and Scott all returned in 1995 for a 10 year anniversary walk. It was here that Darrin returned to walk the spire without protection, being the first person to do so. Darrin has been one of the premier highliners in the country since his first walk, establishing beautiful new lines, and even appearing on the show Ripley's Believe It or Not, episode 201, as he walked untethered between two buildings in Long Beach California, 12 stories above the ground. It was Darrin who trained the great slackliners of this decade including Dean Potter, who continue to push the envelope with lowlining and highlining alike.

New tricks on the lowline continue to be developed, as well as new amazing and beautiful highlines around the world. From the glaciers of the Himalaya, to the sea stacks of Australia, to the quarries of the UK, to the great cliffs of Norway, to the desert towers of Utah, long, high and beautiful lines are established on a weekly basis. New records in slacklining continue to be made as longer and longer lines are walked, and more and more aggressive tricks are being developed. 2008 is sure to be a record breaking year for slacklining.

Despite its compelling heritage among the climbing community, slacklining is still struggling to become accepted as a mainstream sport. Many cities across the United States have bans or restrictions on slacklining, and many people don’t understand how safe slacklining and highlining actually is. In a new chapter of slacklining history, Slackline Brothers is helping with legislation to legalize slacklining in cities across the country, and will continue to do so until it is widely accepted and recognized as the incredible sport that it is.

When first encountered by strangers, many onlookers question the motives behind slackliners. “Why do you walk that line?” some people ask. “What’s the point?” It isn’t until you step on the webbing itself that you feel the peace and welcome resolve that slacklining offers. Some people walk to stay in shape for other sports, others for the pure enjoyment of pushing yourself to the limit, and still other because it is such an addicting activity that one can’t help but slackline. For many though, there is a heightened state of being that can be achieved while walking the line. Especially when crossing a void thousands of feet in the air, as all life’s worries, troubles and surrounding nonsense melt away beneath you. A peaceful Zen is reached, as a focus on a cluttered life becomes focused on balance instead. The only thing that truly matters once you are on the line is being able to take the next step. It would be amazing if life could be simplified in this manner, but the sad truth is that it cannot. Fortunately, however, slacklining provides this experience, and slackliners who take it to the extreme know an inner peace that most people will never appreciate. These are the slackliners who have made history, and will continue to make it in the future.

(Please note that many individuals have made great contributions to the growth of slacklining and highlining throughout the last 40 years, and it would be impossible to list them all in this brief history. However, if you feel that a key development in the history of slacklining has been left out, please contact the webmaster to request an addendum.)

The SpOoKy Gap - Courtesy of Corbin Usinger

2008-02-27T04:36:49Z

all photos courtesy of Corbin Usinger

The Approach: The Approach to the Needles is fairly burly. Drive past Kernville and Johnsondale, California and up into the Sequoia National Forest, passing other climbing areas along the way (Dome Rock). There is a campground near the trailhead. The elevation is about 10,000 ft. and you have to hike 3 miles in to the Needles lookout. From here scramble down the backside talus slopes for about another mile or so.

]]> The Rigging: Climb the Charlatan Needle and part way up the Sorcerer. There are 3 bolts on the Charlatan and 1 bolt with several 4-5 inch cams on the Sorcerer. It is possible to backup these anchors by slinging rock features.

Further Info: For any further information regarding this highline, contact the only guy who has ever done it, corbdawg16 at aol.com.

"The SpOoKy Gap" - 130 ft. long ~300 feet off the deck
First walk: Corbin Usinger in July 2004

The possibility of serious injury or death is inherent in any activity involving motion or height such as climbing, surfing, skating and slacklining. The equipment and activity discussed on this site are intended for use by properly trained, qualified participants under supervised conditions willing to personally assume all risks and responsibilities associated with slacklining, for which Slackline Brothers, Inc. absolves itself of all liability. Know that this information is mostly heresay, as we have not visited each highline destination. Before highlining, know your limitations and the limit of your equipment, and asses FOR YOURSELF the conditions of the anchors. Your rig and your safety are your responsibility, not ours! There is a good chance the information posted here is erroneous, and existing anchors may not be safe. Keep your equipment in good working condition. Test for loose fittings or fibers and or damage before each use. Always use a leash, or tether when highlining, and avoid falling whenever possible, especially when your falling zone is not clear of obstructions! Serious injuries/death may very well result from highlining. No one may reproduce any of the material on this site without previous consent by Slackline Brothers inc., and its authors.

Cave Corridor

2008-02-27T04:29:23Z

Wow! This place is highline central! There are currently 3 lines at this formation, and they are all burly!

Approach: Cave Corridor is located at the Ryan Mountain trailhead in Joshua Tree National Park, CA. It is possible to scramble to the top of both sides of the formation, but be careful, the rock is a little grainy.

]]> Rigging: The 60 foot line here is the smallest of the 3 lines. Locate 3 bolts on each side of the corridor, about 25 feet down from the top of the formations. These bolts do not have bolt hangers on them, so you will need to bring your own. Make sure to inspect the bolts, as they have been there for a few years without hangers. There are also more bolts on the top center of the formation. There are 3 or more bolts on each side for this 90 foot line. At the far top end of the formation nearer the parking lot are even more bolts! These bolts, along with the bolts on a nearby smaller formation, make the longest highline out there! This baby is over 200 feet long! This place is the mecca for Joshua Tree highlining.

Cave Corridor 60 - 60 ft. long - 75 feet high

First walk: Shawn Snyder

Cave Corridor 90 - 90 ft. long - 75 feet high

First walk: Ammon McNeeley

The Big Boy - 210 ft. long - 40-80 feet high (ground is slanted)

First walk: Shawn Snyder? (did he send?)

The Rostrum

2008-02-27T04:25:30Z

The Rostrum fomation in Yosemite National Park is currently the largest highline court, with 4 different rigging options! Ranging from 20 to 110 feet long, there is a line for everybody!

Approach: From Yosemite Valley, drive out towards Wawona (Highway 41). Once you pass the tunnel shortly after leaving the valley, there will be a pullout to park at. From here hike towards the cliff and locate the Rostrum.

]]> Rigging: There are bolts for the 20 foot line, the 80 foot line, and the 110 line. Large cams are needed in a flaring crack to make an anchor for the 60 foot line. If you are going to set up here, or even climb here, make sure that it is not closed due to Peregrine Falcon nesting. It is often closed, but is usually open in the fall.

The Warm-Up Line - 20 ft. long - 1000 feet above the valley floor

First walk: unknown

The 60 Footer - 60 ft. long - 1000 feet above the valley floor

First walk: unknown

The 80 Footer - 80 ft. long - 1000 feet above the valley floor

First walk: unknown

The 110 Footer - 110 ft. long - 1000 feet above the valley floor

First walk: Shawn Snyder, summer 2003

The Astro Domes Highline, Joshua Tree California

2008-02-27T04:22:57Z

The Approach: This line is located between the North and South Astro Dome formations in Joshua Tree National Park, CA.

The Rigging: Beta coming soon...

Astro Domes line - 130 ft. long ~200 feet off the deck

First walk: Corbin Usinger in 11/05 (bolts courtesy Shawn Snyder)

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Gemini Bridges

2008-02-27T04:19:22Z

Dylan Buffington at the Doghole, Moab, UT, all photos courtesy of Chris Tota.

Gemini Bridges

The Approach: Gemini Bridges are located near Moab, Utah. To drive there, take the 191 northwest to the 313 west, then follow the jeep road back ast towards Gemini Bridges. There are currently 5 highlines here, but they are spread out, and we don't yet have the exact location details.

]]> The Rigging: There are a few places where gear can be placed to back up some bolts, but for the most part, pretty much all of the higlines here are fully bolted.

Larry Harpe on his Birthday Gap, Moab, UT.

Doghole Gap - 80 ft. long ~300 feet off the deck

First walk: Larry Harpe

"Birthday Gap" - 35 ft. long ~300 feet off the deck

First walk: Larry Harpe

Dean Potter's World Record Gap - 130 ft. long ~300 feet off the deck

First walk: Dean Potter

"The Twins (1)" - 95 ft. long ~300 feet off the deck

First walk: Braydon Mayfield on 5-9-04

"The Twins (2)" - 105 ft. long ~300 feet off the deck

First walk: Braydon Mayfield on 5-9-04

Red Rocks Highline Beta

2008-02-27T04:13:19Z

Corbin Usinger crushing the Gravity Gap, all photos courtesy Harlan Hayes

Red Rocks, NV

The Approach: There are 2 newly established highlines at the second pullout. The smaller line is about 35 feet long and 50 feet high. It is located at the Stone Wall (sport climbing area). The 100 footer is located just before the Stone Wall.

]]> The Rigging: Scrambling around to any of the anchors is a fairly easy task. There should be 3 bolts on each of the 4 anchors. Be careful when tensioning the 100 footer, because the rock the bolts are in is fairly soft.

John Borland airing on the Stonewall Gap, all photos courtesy Harlan Hayes

"The Stonewall Gap " - 35 ft. long ~50 feet off the deck

First walk: Seth Zaharias on 3-22-06

"The Gravity Gap " - 100 ft. long ~50 feet off the deck

First walk: Corbin Usinger on 3-23-06

Andy Lewis appears in a Japanese T.V. "Believe it or Not"

2008-02-23T21:17:08Z

Andy Lewis appears in a Japanese T.V. show titled "Believe it or Not" demonstrating his skills in the revolutionary balance sport slackline.

The Lost Arrow Spire

2008-02-08T21:35:06Z

Wes Ellis at the Spire

The Lost Arrow Spire in Yosemite- the holy grail of highlining. This is the most coveted "send" for any highliner out there. Its the highest highline in the US, and rigging is an epic! Man enough?

Approach: The Lost Arrow Spire is in Yosemite National Park in California. The Spire juts out from the top of the valley rim, between Yosemite Falls and Yosemite Point. The Spire can be approached from two directions. You can hike from the valley floor at Camp 4 and do the "Upper Falls Trail," which will take you to the spire in 4 miles and 3000 ft elevation gain. This hike is KILLER with a pack full of gear, camping supplies, and food! I recommend driving to Porcupine Flats up in Tuolumne Meadows, and hiking the relatively flat 7 mile trail to the spire (follow signs for Yosemite Point).

]]> Camping: Rigging the Spire takes a while, and most people who do this highline are committed for at least a week or so. This means you will have a heavy pack with gear and food and everything, so I definately recommend the Porcupine Flats approach. If you will be camping in the backcountry you will need a wilderness permit and a bear can for your food. Both of these are available down in Yosemite Valley at the Wilderness Center. Backcountry permits are free, so please get them! Rangers will likely stop by and ask to see your permit, because highlines draw crowds! Bear cans are required for food, so if you don't have one, rent it for $5/day.

Rigging: First, you have to climb the Spire. The climbing route is called the "Lost Arrow Spire Tip" and is rated A2 (it goes clean though, C2). First, rappell 300 feet to the notch, then climb 2 aid pitches to the Spire's summit, and tyrolean traverse back to the valley rim. Now that you have ropes in place you can rig the slackline. Rappell about 60 feet from the tree on the valley rim to a large flake with a bolt. The notch in the flake takes smaller gear (nuts/hexes) well, and larger cams fit above the notch. There is 1 "backup" bolt drilled by Dean Potter that you can also use.

Shawn Snyder at the flake

"The Spire" - 55 ft. long - 2890 feet above the valley floor

First walk: Scott Balcom on 7-13-85

For someone looking to be extra hardcore, no one has yet climbed the Lost Arrow Chimney (the world's first "big wall") and then traveled off the spire via slackline. Any takers?

In the summer of 2003 the Spire saw a lot of highline action. Many people sent that summer, and Shawn Snyder rigged a second Spire highline! This line goes from the Spire to the "peanut gallery." This line makes a 90 degree angle with the classic line on the Spire. There are 3 bolts down about 20 feet from the valley rim in a hidden notch to rig with. BEWARE: one of these bolts has a broken steel bolt hanger. This bolt was broken when the line got rigged the second time, and is obviously unsafe! This line is big, intimidating, and fully exposed. The classic line travels over the spire notch, which makes it feel somewhat less exposed, but this line spans a gap over nothing!

Shawn Snyder in the notch on the big line

Shawn Snyder getting low on the classic spire line

The long Spire line ~120 ft. long - 2890 feet above the valley floor

First walk: Shawn Snyder, summer 2003