Highlining
Walk a slackline suspended between cliffs or mountains for the ultimate aerial balancing challenge.
Highlining is high slacklining—walking a flat webbing rope stretched between two high points like mountain peaks, cliff faces, or specially rigged structures. It combines the balance skills of slacklining with breathtaking heights and adrenaline. Most beginners start on lower practice lines (20-50 feet) before progressing to dramatic alpine setups. The sport demands mental fortitude, physical balance, and meticulous safety protocols. Community-driven, with athletes sharing beta (route info) and spotting each other during attempts.
How to start
- 1Take a slacklining fundamentals class to master balance on ground level (1-2 weeks of practice)
- 2Join a local highlining community or find mentors through forums like Gibbon Slacklining or Facebook groups
- 3Practice on progressively higher practice lines at climbing gyms or specially set anchors (supervised, with safety gear)
- 4Learn rigging, anchor systems, and redundancy protocols—safety is paramount before any real exposure
- 5Make your first high line attempt with experienced partners providing spotting and encouragement
What you'll need
- Slackline webbing (1-inch width, 50+ feet)Essential~$80
- Climbing harness and backup tetherEssential~$120
- Locking carabiners and slings for riggingEssential~$60
- Anchor building kit (load-distributing anchors)Essential~$100
- Chalk and climbing tapeNice to have~$15
Where to learn more
Plot twists
Ways to spice this up when the basics get boring.
- Highlining at sunset for dramatic lighting and photography
- Compete in highlining festivals across Europe and North America
- Combine highlining with wingsuit proximity flying (advanced)
- Set world records for longest or highest lines
The intense focus required in highlining creates flow state—your brain can't wander when you're suspended in air. Progress is visual and immediate, offering constant dopamine hits from achieving new heights and distances.
The first modern highlining happened in 2004 when Adam Grosowsky walked a slackline between two rock formations in Moab, Utah. Today, some lines span over 1000 feet at heights exceeding 1500 feet.
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