As told by Chelsey Magness: “A few days ago, Jason and I dusted off the comforts of the ground, and headed high. We went to Smith Rocks State Park not to climb but to check out one of the many amazing highlines that have been established in the last couple years.”
“Jason and I are pretty used to exposure, both being longtime climbers and quite comfortable clinging to the side of cliffs. However, trying to balance on a slackline strung across a void conjures up a different kind of fear. We each deal with that fear in our own way — I know If I’m going to walk the line before I even see it. If I’m not in the right head space, I won’t even get on it. Jason, on the other hand, will throw himself at it (and often, off of it!) no matter what he is feeling.”
“On this particular day, I was feeling ready and in the “zone”. I was relaxed and approached the line as not something to conquer and “get” but instead as something to “shake hands with” and get used to. I took a couple breaths, stood, and was instantly comfortable. My body still tells me that what I’m doing is crazy, but as long as I remember to breath and just stare at the little rock on the other side, everything else goes away.”
—Chelsey Magness is an athlete on Team GearJunkie/YogaSlackers.
