The Thrill of Highlining: Lessons Learned from Facing Fear
Summary
In this article, we explore the world of highlining through the experiences of Faith Dickey, a professional slackline and highline athlete. Faith shares her journey of overcoming her fear of heights and becoming a highlining pioneer, as well as the safety protocols and equipment she uses to ensure a successful and safe highline walk. We also delve into the life lessons Faith has learned from highlining, particularly in facing and overcoming fear.
Table of Contents
- The Journey to Becoming a Highlining Pioneer
- Safety Protocols and Equipment for Highlining
- The Thrill of Highlining: Lessons Learned
The Journey to Becoming a Highlining Pioneer
Faith Dickey’s success in highlining did not come easily. She had to overcome her fear of heights and learn to make micro-adjustments while on the line through years of practice and falling. Her journey began accidentally after a car accident made her reevaluate her life. She and her team established highlines around the world, and Faith became a highlining pioneer. Walking on a short slackline is easier than on a longer one with sag and sway. The hardest part is walking uphill at the end. Faith keeps her heartbeat slow and controls her body to maintain balance. She centers her foot on the line and adjusts immediately if she lands incorrectly.
Safety Protocols and Equipment for Highlining
Highlining is a dynamic form of balanced movement that requires attention to detail, and the setup of the line can mean the difference between life and death. Faith uses steel carabiners and sets up bolts in the rock when there is nothing to anchor off of. She also uses a line gri to tighten the slackline and Velcro sleeves to prevent rock abrasion. Despite the risks, Faith only goes highlining with trusted friends who follow safety protocols. Highlining requires padding and an understanding of the risks involved.
The Thrill of Highlining: Lessons Learned
For Faith, highlining is not just about winning world titles or having the right gear. It’s about finding solace beyond the thrill of the activity. Engaging with the fear of death while on a highline has taught her that she can live beyond that fear and accomplish anything she sets her mind to. Faith models her life on the lessons learned from highlining, particularly in facing and overcoming fear.
Conclusion
Faith Dickey’s journey to becoming a highlining pioneer is a testament to the power of perseverance and overcoming fear. Her safety protocols and equipment serve as a reminder of the importance of attention to detail in highlining. The lessons she has learned from highlining go beyond the thrill of the activity and can be applied to everyday life.
