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Goddam slackers!

By 16 March 2014General News

Goddam Slackers! Don’t they know I have work to do? But that’s right, “I’m a photographer”. And what better “excuse” to “slack off” for a bit — and get out and capture some of the sweet slack-line action that I’d been hearing about. This was a little get together of like-minded slackers — and it was right here in the Blue Mountains.

Of course, slack-lining is easy-peasey. Set that tape up just one foot above the ground, and I too have no trouble walking it like a boss for all of at least 0.57 seconds. But no. We’re talking about the long and high pant-pooping version of slacklining here — highlining.

James Short stridently striding the length of a mega-long line, somewhere high above the Megalong Valley, Blue Mountains.

James Short stridently striding the length of a mega-long line, somewhere high above the Megalong Valley, in the Blue Mountains.

The first time I saw high-lining was when some guys walked from the summit of the Totem Pole, back in 2007. Well it sure is good to see that the gear has progressed since then. Now they have specifically made tape instead of climbers webbing, and other bits and bobs, which helps make for safer set ups.

I guess a lot (but of course not all) slackliners got into to it through rock climbing, since it is a popular way to spend rest days at camp sites such as Arapiles, Camp 4, and the like. But now it’s definitely a sport all on it’s own. The community is growing fast, the psych is high, the skills are on the up and up. We’ll be seeing a lot more of this.

Shane Yates walking the walk.

Shane Yates walking the walk.

This was great to see. And fun to hang out for a bit. Thanks gang. Here’s a few more shots from the day — just click any image to browse them all. Thanks for visiting my blog. More soon.

James Short. Goddam Slackers!

James Short. Asleep in the job. Goddam Slackers!

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