Highlining

What it is

Highlining means walking a slackline rigged high above the ground, between cliffs, buildings or mountain peaks. Unlike free soloing, modern highlining uses a safety system: the walker wears a climbing harness connected by a leash to a ring that slides along the line, so a fall leaves them hanging under the line.

A Yosemite legend

Scott Balcom is credited with walking one of the first famous highlines, between Lost Arrow Spire and the rim of Yosemite Valley, in 1985. Since then, highlining has grown into a global community with festivals and record attempts for ever longer lines measured in hundreds of metres or even kilometres.

Safety systems

A proper highline has redundant anchors, a main line and a backup line, rigged by experienced people using climbing equipment. Most accidents happen during rigging, not walking, which is why learning from a club or community with experienced riggers is essential.

Did you know?

Highliners often practise falling and climbing back onto the line, called catching or remounting, so they can recover safely if they slip. Festivals in places like the Alps and the American Southwest bring together hundreds of walkers who share rigging and safety knowledge. Some highlines are walked while the walker wears a costume or plays an instrument, showing how much control experts develop after years of practice.

Mind over matter

Walkers describe highlining as much a mental challenge as a physical one: the line feels the same as at ground level, but the exposure makes the brain resist. Breathing, focus and practice on low lines build the skills. Spectators can enjoy festivals and photos without stepping onto a line themselves.

Professionals, don't try this: these athletes train for years with coaches, safety systems and spotters. Start at a supervised gym or club and progress slowly.

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