During the late morning of August 21, Alex Mason, Bay Area native and professional slackliner took to the famous Corbet’s Couloir in Jackson Hole, Wyoming to slackline in front of the first solar eclipse visible in the continental United States in 38 years.
Mason headed to Jackson Hole, said to be one of the best places to view the total solar eclipse in the United States, and rigged a line through the famous Corbet’s Couloir with the help of fellow slacking legend, Sketchy Andy Lewis.
Alex Mason slacklines at Corbet’s Couloir in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA on 21 August, 2017. Image Credit: Keith Ladzinski / Red Bull Content Pool
Mason, a World Slacklining Champion (2013), said:
Crossing the couloir was the most amazing and surreal experiences of my life. Highlining is already so out of my comfort zone, so it was really intimidating to take this on during total darkness… But I’m so glad I did. Such an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Alex Mason poses for a portrait at Corbet’s Couloir in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA on 21 August, 2017. Image Credit: Keith Ladzinski / Red Bull Content Pool
The line that Mason crossed was roughly 75′. It was suspended at about 150′ above the deck at an elevation of 10,450′. Mason’s adventure lasted roughly 2 minutes and 26 seconds beginning around 11:35 a.m. MT, and was captured by National Geographic photographer and explorer, Keith Ladzinski.
The solar eclipse at Corbet’s Couloir in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA on 21 August, 2017. Image Credit: Keith Ladzinski / Red Bull Content Pool
Slacklining is similar to tightrope walking, but slacklining employs 1″ thick flat webbing and while the line is held under tension, it’s not held taut. This looseness gives a degree of bounce and stretch while walking upon it.
The sport has evolved into different types. Longlines are slacklines longer than 30 to 40 meters. They take great physical endurance as they are the most unsteady of lines. Highlining is slacklining at elevation above the ground or water. Highlining requires the most mental strength, as the line is suspended at a great height.
WATCH ALEX MASON IN ACTION IN HAWAII