Tightrope

Jon · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2009 6:55 pm Post subject: Tightrope

On Monday I rigged a 65ft 12mm steel cable and walked my very first proper tightrope. The cable was pulled to about 1.5 Tonne with a grip hoist and was awesome to walk on with just three or four inches drop in the middle.

I could walk it most of the time although when you fell off it was much quicker that a slackline with no time to negotiate a wobble or over balance. Jumping was easy to get a little air although I didn't manage to get that high.

Definately worth a go if you have a medium sized grip hoist, although I don't think I'll be carrying mine out that much due to the excessive weight!

J!

zulu · Newbie Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 27 Location: Maidstone

Hi Jon,

Sounds brilliant. Have always wanted to have a go at walking a tight rope like that. What is the movement like compared to a slackline?

Was about 2m short on my 220footer the other day, soon we will have a send on it.

Have a torn rotor cuff at the moment, is in the shoulder joint, which is not helping to much. Find out on Wednesday if I have to have an operation. Trusting I dont need one.

Look forward to meeting up with you sometime in the future to rigg a long one.

Cheers Ross

Jon · Posted: Fri Dec 18, 2009 11:12 am Post subject:

Hey Ross, the movement was tiny and instant in feedback. The dip was only about 3'' in the middle of a 20m line and it was kind of really easy, but totally unforgiving if you got out of balance.

Found out since I put it up that I have sheared the pin that is on the hoist to prevent you tightening it too much - not sure if I will have to have it factory replaced or if I can drill it out and put a bit of stainless steel bar in instead? Ooops!

Can't do anything at the moment with having a trapped nerve in my leg - how is your shoulder now?

Jon

zulu · Newbie Joined: 21 Feb 2007 Posts: 27 Location: Maidstone

Hi John,

Had my shoulder operation almost 4 weeks ago now. Is feeling alot better. Will take a month or so still to get the full strenght up and the movement back.

Super excited about slacking this year. Was to really get to aplace where I can rig my full 500ft line.

Heading to South Africa for a week at the end of the month, to run a course out there for about 41 students who are on a orientation for their univercity/school. Will be teaching some slacklining to them.

Will be great to be out of the cold and slacking in 35 DegC heat. Miss it alot!!

Hope you are well and that your leg is making a recovery. We really need to meet up when we are both healthy and recovered for some longlining and highlining!!

Cheers Ross