Estonia native Jaan Roose crosses the Strait of Messina on a record-breaking 3,646-meter slackline
The idea of crossing the Strait of Messina felt as mythical as the legends from Homer’s Odyssey. My team and I searched for the ultimate challenge that summer when we stumbled upon this narrow channel, separating Calabria from Sicily. With its deep historical significance, breathtaking natural beauty, and unpredictable weather and currents, it provided the perfect test for slacklining. I knew I needed to embark on this adventure.
- 17 hours ago
September 20, 2024
STRAIT OF MESSINA, Italy — I made history by becoming the first person to slackline across the Strait of Messina in Italy. Traversing 3,646 meters, I crossed from Villa San Giovanni to Torre Faro in Sicily, the longest slackline ever installed. At 9:00 a.m., I stepped onto the line, balancing above the sea. Battling wind and heat with drones buzzing overhead, the crowd cheered. I focused on each step until I reached the finish line.
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Slackline steals the spotlight in man’s passion for extreme sports
My passion for slacklining began at 18, following my interest in parkour and freerunning. Growing up in a remote Estonian village of just 40 people, I found solace in outdoor extreme sports. My adventures became viral on the internet, featuring flips and intense focus. As a result, these adventures soon pushed me toward new challenges. I became a three-time world champion, worked as a stuntman in films and television shows, and even joined Madonna’s tour as part of the stage crew.
I traveled the globe, slacklining across urban landscapes and between mountains, constantly seeking new heights. In 2020, I returned to Estonia to walk the longest highline ever attempted, reconnecting with my roots and my passion in the process.
The walk was set on a highline between two iconic buildings in Tartu, Estonia. My team and I meticulously planned a 300-meter line, stretching from the Paju 2 office building to the Tigutorn apartment block, 60 meters above the ground. The challenge was made even greater by the goal to complete it at night.
However, the day of the attempt brought heavy rain. As the crowd gathered on Võidu Bridge, I questioned whether it was the right time to proceed with such a risky feat under those conditions.
I waited until the last possible moment to begin, hoping the storm would pass. Suddenly, the rain eased, leaving only distant clouds. I stepped onto the line and made my way across, successfully reaching Tigutorn. Moments later, the wind picked up, and thunder rolled in. I finished just in time, and the triumph felt overwhelming.
A world-first: 150-meter distance between two towers
The following year, I took on a new challenge to connect two points of the same building by walking 150 meters on a slackline. This time, the line hung along the iconic Katara Towers in Lusail, Qatar, an architectural marvel. The towers house two luxury hotels, the Raffles Doha, and the Fairmont Doha, each with its impressive scimitar-shaped tower facing one another, creating a unique and awe-inspiring backdrop for the feat.
On my first attempt, I successfully crossed the 150-meter distance between the two towers, setting a world-first: the longest Sparkline LED walkway. The 2.5-centimeter-wide slackline was illuminated with LED lights, creating a stunning visual as dawn broke over Lusail. Standing 185 meters above sea level, I faced strong wind gusts and intense heat and humidity. Despite the challenges, I knew I needed to conquer this building.
Each meter of the line felt like the hardest I ever walked. The added weight of the LED lights altered the line’s balance, making it feel like walking on a heavy tree trunk rather than a light, flexible slackline. It challenged me constantly, but as I moved forward, the rising sun painted the sky with vibrant colors, filling my body with warmth. It felt like a dream-like moment, surrounded by the unfolding beauty of dawn.
That project led me to Kenya, where I faced a 580-meter slackline connecting the famous rock formations of Nkadorru Murto in Samburu County. Known as the Cat and the Mouse, one rock stands at 151 meters and the other at 195 meters, creating a steep slackline that sagged between the two. This uneven height added a new layer of difficulty, as I had to navigate the sharp descent, making it one of the most technically challenging walks of my career.
Walking a 580-meter slackline: conquering intense heat and 30 km/hour crosswinds
Once the slackline was installed by helicopter, we had to wait for the perfect weather. After a tense six-hour wait, the winds finally calmed. I began my walk, battling intense heat and crosswinds of 27 to 30 kilometers per hour. Despite the conditions, I completed the crossing in just under an hour. I never felt so connected to my body.
Making the experience even more incredible, the local people and tribes shared their support. Their deep knowledge of the rock formations helped guide us and alert us to any potential dangers. We had to be particularly cautious not to linger on the cliffs at dusk when wildlife like elephants and leopards became active. Their guidance and understanding of the environment made the entire journey safer and more enriching.
Unfortunately, during the attempt, a swarm of insects drew to the light. In my frustration, I tried swatting them away, unknowingly smearing them across my face. Later, I wondered why my eyes were so swollen. It wasn’t rock dust as I initially thought, but the result of a small insect I squashed and unknowingly spread its juices all over my hands and eyes. The careless mistake caused severe irritation.
Completing these feats felt incredible, but I always carry a dream to push further, constantly seeking to defy my limits. Each accomplishment leaves me yearning for something more, something that stretches the boundaries of what seems possible.
Crossing the Strait of Messina
The idea of crossing the Strait of Messina felt as mythical as the legends from Homer’s Odyssey. My team and I searched for the ultimate challenge that summer when we stumbled upon this narrow channel, separating Calabria from Sicily. With its deep historical significance, breathtaking natural beauty, and unpredictable weather and currents, it provided the perfect test for slacklining. I knew I needed to embark on this adventure.
The first step was to walk the distance. The location seemed perfect, with two towering, 200-meter-tall electricity pylons as anchor points for what would become the longest slackline in the world. I immediately knew I could accomplish it, and I wanted to prove it. After committing to the challenge, we spent over a year preparing. I trained physically and mentally, focusing on endurance and concentration. For the last six months in Estonia, I practiced walking long distances, sometimes five kilometers non-stop to build up to the big moment.
I headed to the mainland town of Villa San Giovanni in Calabria, where I climbed the long staircase to the anchor point at Santa Trada. The 265-meter-high tower was taller than the tallest skyscraper in Italy.
In the days leading up to the event, my team and I installed the slackline—a complex process involving eight people and a helicopter to guide the line into place. With preparations complete and good weather in the forecast, the day arrived. On Wednesday, July 10, 2024, I woke up at 6:00 a.m., ready to begin the task sometime between 8:00 and 9:00. At 8:45 a.m., I climbed onto the slackline, preparing to rest briefly before starting. The wind and temperature were ideal, and at 9:00 a.m. sharp, I took my first step.
A slackline spanning over 30 soccer fields: “I made history crossing the Strait of Messina”
Stretching longer than 30 soccer fields, the 1.9-centimeter-wide slackline felt intimidating at first, but I quickly overcame the fear. I focused on every step, keeping my attention on how the line moved with the wind while ignoring distractions like drones, boats, and cheering crowds below. The stunning view of Messina and Sicily felt like a beautiful walk in the sky.
Balancing at 265 meters high, I faced 38 kilometer/hour winds and temperatures of 28° Celsius, demanding strength and focus. At times, the slackline tangled behind my legs, forcing me to untangle it while remaining calm. After passing the lowest point, 100 meters above the water, I started the final ascent of 130 meters toward Torre Faro in Sicily.
Just 80 meters from the finish, fatigue and thirst set in. Unintentionally, I rushed my pace, lost balance, and fell. The sudden jolt caught the attention of the crowd below. Realizing I needed to regroup, I paused, then climbed back on the line, pushing forward and reaching the finish at 11:42 a.m.
The sense of accomplishment felt overwhelming. I made history crossing the Strait of Messina. After a brief rest, I carefully descended the 1,300 steps, while the growing applause from the crowd filled me with emotion. It was a wonderful moment; one I’ll never forget.
We celebrated with a sunset party aboard a boat near Sicily. While I tend to keep my plans secret, I know the next challenge will push the limits even further. Slacklining is my way of expressing resilience, embracing every step, fall, and bounce, proving that anything is possible. Though I’ve achieved much, I believe my greatest feat is yet to come.
