Scott Rogers - The Man. The Legend.

This man needs no introduction. His reputation precedes him. He is a pioneer in the slacklining community, not only building community but also pioneering new lines. He is the definition of a professional slackliner: sharing his passion with anyone even remotely interested, and constantly educating and advocating for slacklining access. Without further ado I present Scott Rogers.

me: So Scott, I understand you just took a trip to Mallorca, tell us a little bit about your trip, and what type of lines you set up

Scott: Yeah I just got back from a slack and relaxation trip in Mallorca. I rigged up some lines on the beach and taught little kids how to walk the line, and I also did the second walk of the arco natural in Cala Varques on the eastern coast of Mallorca

me: Tell us about your set up, I understand you had minimal amount of gear

Scott: Yes, very minimal. In order to reduce the weight of my gear (and consequently lower the airplane fees) I only rigged with a single threaded line. Usually we double up the lines to have sufficient backup in case of a line failure.

So it was a little unnerving, especially because I really didn't have the option of falling on to my leash (the high forces may have crushed the anchors), and the line was long enough to be close to the edge of my comfort level in highlining. So it was a little unnerving, especially because I really didn't have the option of falling on to my leash (the high forces may have crushed the anchors), and the line was long enough to be close to the edge of my comfort level in highlining.

The anchors themselves were really cool, there were natural holes in the rock that I threaded with slings and equalized to the master point on each side of the line. One of the holes was completely crushed when we took the line down and examined the anchors at the end of the day

me: Do you do any sort of training or preparation for highlining?

Scott: not anymore, no

they say the best training for doing something well is doing it

me: Why do you slackline/highline? What is the allure of this sport for you?

Scott: That's a good question. It seems like such a fruitless pursuit to an outside observer, but anyone who has actually stepped onto a line has felt the electrifying addiction that slackline has.

For me it is very meditative. So many people are searching for something, God, nirvana, happiness in general. For me, walking a high slackline is the easiest way to achieve this direct experience that so many are searching for. Step by step in the clouds, or next to a waterfall, or above an ocean. Each moment is limitless and the spirit is truly free. The possibility of achieving that moment is why I slackline.

me: Right now slacklining is a sport in its infancy. How do you feel about the importance of style and ethics (if any) in slacklining?

Scott: It reminds me a lot of skateboarding from back in the day. The most primitive tricks are currently being developed, jumps, spins, flips. One day people will look back and wonder why it took so long to learn all these tricks, but someone has to come up with them first. That is where the sport is currently (at least for the slacklining side)

For highlining, style is not so important. If you can get across, you're a badass. If you can get across without falling, even more so. But now people are throwing tricks on the highline as well. The more ambitious people get up high, the safer the systems need to be. The style is in the rigging systems. There are some really bright people out there innovating the rigging to make highlines safer and safer.

As far as ethics are concerned, that's a whole different debate. We're struggling to get slackline accepted and legalized in towns all over the country. Hopefully soon there will be a mutual respect between city officials and slackliners

me: What is the public image of slacklining, and will it positively or negatively affect access?

Scott: The public image for slacklining is pretty positive though, we're all good people and we all care for the well being of the environment and other people, so there shouldn't be too much resentment between us and the authorities. It isn't like we're all trying to "stick it to the man", we just want to be able to do what we love.

me: What kind of access issues are confronting slacklining right now? Do you see slacklining going the route of skateboarding in terms of illegality in public spaces? Will designated slackline parks be the future of slacklining?

Scott: Right now people are just starting to understand what slacklining is. In Boulder, for instance, there is a pre-existing ordinance saying that you can't attach anything to trees, and after years of slacklining in Boulder, they are only now starting to enforce it.

We're not sure which direction we'll have to go, but it involves two options I think, either making an exception to this ordinance for slacklining (using proper tree protection of course), or creating special use slackline areas in the parks.

me: What do you see in the future of slacklining? Where would you like to see it go?

Scott: It seems to keep growing and growing, with no end in sight. I think that is a good thing. The bigger slacklining gets, the more capable people will be of enjoying it. Right now it caters to a very small community of climbers, but it is recently expanding and now people are learning to slackline who have never climbed before in their lives. I hope it continues to grow to include more people in the sport.

me: What are your thoughts on the 2 inch vs 1 inch line debate?

Scott: 1 inch 4 life

me: Who are some slack liners who have influenced your development or who you look up to.

Scott: I take a lot of my style from Andy Lewis and Said Parirokh, and I also really look up to Dean Potter. Also the original Yosemite cats who got it all going.

me: What advice would you give to someone just starting to slackline?

Scott: It seems so difficult at first, especially highlining, but just practicing with a fun group of people will help you to grow in the sport, almost infinitely.

me: What's in your future? Do you have any big trips or plans coming up?

Scott: There are a couple big lines I'm planning for the Colorado area that I'll rig soon. I've also been practicing my BASE jumping so that I can start baselining soon. That seems like the ultimate crossover activity.

me: Any Shoutouts?

Scott: Slackline Brothers has always helped me out, and they have the best highline tensioning system in the world. Good people.
Also check out the Colorado Slackline Club, we're bringing slackline to Colorado in a big way, and helping people to learn to slackline and highline safely.

You can also check out Scott's blog at Scott's Mild Adventures for an introspective and intellectual perspective on his own life.

Best of 2008 Photography Installment #1

I began looking back through my photographs from 2008. In terms of photography it was a big year for me. I bought a digital SLR, and I truly began to learn much more regarding the technical aspects of photography, and my camera tells me I took over 7400 photographs. It is a confluence of science of art, technical know how, and a compositional eye. I still have much to learn. Some of these photos are placed in this category because I thought they were great photos, some because they have sentimental value, and others because It was the first time I took a good picture using a new technique. I suppose it is hard to really critique your own photos because there is certainly a level of attachment that exists. Here is the first component of the best of 2008.



This is actually me climbing. My cousin, Siamak, took this photograph. I think it is amazing. As my good friend Matt Kerr says, this should be on the cover of climbing magazine IMHO.








I soloed half way up a sketch 5.7 trad route at T wall to get a photo of my friend Kyle on an adjacent route. To my dismay, I could not even see him climb. I felt obligated to take a photo, and this is the product. A nice perspective of T wall.

Back To Basics

Went to Cherry Creek Reservoir for the magic hour today. It was cold. I was reminded of the following poem. Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by: Robert Frost

Whose woods these are I think I know. His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow. My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year. He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake. The only other sound's the sweep Of the easy wind and downy flake. The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Werd Birds.

I wanted to go out on the ice, but got scared.

Modeling Photos

Because I just love to blow up my ego. Plus Mike, the photographer, did a great job so they are worthy of internet publication.

Rest Week

The fact that I don't remember what it is like to not be sore coupled with the microinjuries in my tendons and hand joints pointed me in the direction of rest. Today is my 9th day of rest 2 more days than I would've liked, however it has been refreshing to not be completely immersed in climbing, the climbing community, and everything climbing related. Balance is something in which I am trying to attain, although rarely achieved. In lieu of climbing I've decided to model, amongst other activities, but also mainly to give moral support to my sister, and her budding startup fashion design company, Freedom Star.
On Saturday the 13th of December Fashion Denver put on a fashion market aptly named Holiday. It was a pleasure to meet so many new interesting, dynamic, and open people. All of my preconceived notions regarding folks in the fashion industry were completely shattered as I met the players in Denver's fashion industry. It was an incredible time, and as the only male model, I got more cheers than the girls did, although they were much better looking than me. So, here's to being and looking Fabulous.

Carter Lake Episode

Frank, Emily, and I were able to enjoy Colorado weather before it turned stormy on Friday. Our original plans of bouldering at Eldorado were nixed in favor of getting Frank and Emily acquainted with Carter Laker. I couldn't believe they hadn't been to this classic front range bouldering destination. Plus I had unfinished projects here from before my move to Tennessee. Pristine conditions with little to no crowd. It was a great day.

Emily crushing the crux of the warm up.


Frank sending Kahuna Roof.


Hole in Pants Dab.

Emily's hands reflecting on the start holds to Kahuna.

Storm clouds rolling in, hot sports action long hair photo.

Frank barn dooring off Doughboys.

Old Stuff

Really super psyched on bouldering right now. Here's an old photo from a trip to Independence Pass.

Population of Crushtown: Ian

Pumpkin Patch Kids

The making of 2 Jack - o - Lanterns.


Untouched Pumpkins

Pumpkin Seeds and Sauce...appetizing.

One sexy lookin pumpkin

Halfway there!

3 Wolves and 1 Black Cat. Note the toothpick through howling wolf's ass.

A computer beat me at chess once. But, it was no match for me at kick boxing.

Felt a bit introspective the other night. Went out and took some shots. I liked this one.


Fall at night