The interview with Jeff occurred below the gum trees at De Pakhuys in the Cederberg. A flood of adrenaline during a highline, all before facing a boulder with a few problems in the afternoon. Our week-long trip to the Cederberg started with a stoke-inducing surf at Elandsbaai. Living the dream.
We first crossed paths at the highline meeting here in 2019, when I took my first steps on a line. During the weekend, Jeff assisted in rigging and keeping the attendees safe. He continues to inspire his fellow slackliners, sharing stoke and manifesting epic adventures.
We are proud to share more insight into this loving slackliner.
Where did you first slackline?
In 2015 I first walked on a two-inch webbing between trees, encouraged by Katie, who was slacklining at the time. After committing to a weekend of walking between two trees at Beaverlac, the sport had captured my attention. Next, I rigged a waterline in Silvermine, with a photograph reaching Burghen Siebert, who I would meet by chance the following weekend.
We walked his one-inch webbing. Within six months, I encountered highlining at De Pakhuys.
What keeps you motivated to slackline?
The freedom felt while walking and the feeling of focus in the mind. It is a great motivator to be present and live life.
Where did you first highline?
When I first highlined at De Pakhuys in 2015 the experience was new, and quickly became etched into my memory. I stood on the 20-meter line for my first step, and in doing so fell. In an adrenaline-filled panic, I grabbed the leash in fear my knot would fail. The result, two pumped forearms and an inability to comprehend any of the advice being thrown my way.
Making my way to the side, I rested before attempting the line again. It would take months of progress, walking on other lines in Cape Town, before I returned to cross the 20 meters and 40 meters at De Pakhuys in 2016.
You lent me a harness for my first highline, who helped you?
The highline meeting lines were rigged by Silvain Burki and Andy Court in 2015, with Charmain Retief Kritzinger helping to tie me in with a figure of eight.
Slackline vs Highline, which do you prefer?
Slacklining over water will always be a favourite of mine. The cross over of slacklining with the element of water is the perfect recipe for a good line with a social setting. You can push your limits and land in a refreshing body of water.
Tips for highline beginners?
Always be prepared in whatever you are doing. Whether it be your harness and knot being correctly dressed, or simply packing water, and a head torch when heading up to the highlines in the evening. Be prepared, and you’ll have the best luck.
What was your most memorable highline experience?
In 2017 I highlined in Waterval Boven with Andy Alex, Tim Slab, and Swart. The session is memorable as I progressed quickly, sending the shorter lines, and making good progress on the 120 meter line. The summer weather was incredible for highlining and climbing, and I assisted with rigging a 100-meter line.
Another memorable moment was while walking the Hiddingh wormhole line on Table Mountain. I felt confident while walking as the clouds pulled in, surrounding me. With the anchor and the city below disappearing from sight, I was forced to relax into the line and develop trust in the process.
Similarly to the low visibility, the low light situations come to mind. The fairy lights rigged above the lines during the 2018 highline meeting will remain a positive memory. The meeting had grown over the years, reaching an impressive crowd of slackliners. I walked on the 40 meter and enjoyed play-fighting and sending chi balls to my friend on the 45 meter line.
Do you have a favourite webbing for highlining? Tell us why…
No, it would depend. The limited number of webbings I have experienced walking makes me cautious to prize a winner. I have done most of my rigging on Great White webbing.
Watch some of Jeff’s slacklining abilities in the video we made:
What was your first piece of slackline gear?
The first piece of gear I bought was 100 meters of one inch polyester webbing from Slackgear. The narrow webbing allowed me to progress longer than 30 meters and was initially rigged with a pulley in the system with industrial slings for anchors. A purchase of a line-grip was a pivotal improvement in our rigging, allowing more lines to be rigged with less gear.
Describe a dream slackline day?
A dreamy day includes a triflector of my hobbies. Recently I started my morning in Elandsbay with cooking surf at sunrise. Travelling through barrels on the inside was only made sweeter by pulling across the mountains to De Pakhuys. Here I made great progress walking on the 65 meter line before spending the evening bouldering and sending a 7a problem.
Through a balance of the four elements, natural growth takes place.
Have you experienced a slackline snapping?
No, the closest to a scary situation was watching a leash fall take place where the rope moved from the ring. During the first whip, it slipped from the ring and was resting directly on the webbing. The second whip left a light marking on the webbing, and a lasting impression on us.
Where do you see highlining developing next?
I would like to see highlining formalised in Cape Town and South Africa. The sport could benefit from an associated body that would protect our interests. The slackliners would work alongside partners like South African National Parks and the Mountain Club of South Africa to ensure we are recognised and have access.
Any Last Thoughts?
I am grateful for the places slacklining and highlining has taken me. It brought me to the Cederberg mountains, where I have found my passion for rock climbing. The simple act of walking over webbing introduced me to the incredible pursuit of bouldering. It opened a window into a playground of paradise.
If you enjoyed this interview, let us know or share it. We interviewed Austrian highliner Caroline Walz, read the interview here.
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