Chitenge slackline

Posted on October 20, 2011 by markeveryware

For the uninitiated, slack-lining is a sport that or dear colleague Imran introduced us to during our pre-departure training in Toronto. It is exactly as it looks in the photo; a slack line strung between 2 trees that the user tries to balance on. It is even harder than it looks. This particular slackline is special because my friend Eric had it made from a local fabric called a chitenge so the kids in his village of Mkusi could enjoy the sport after he leaves. He has the costs down to just a few dollars for all the gear. In Canada the line would be nylon webbing and would cost about $50 with the caribiners. This photo is of John, one of Eric’s disciples in Mkusi, making it look all too easy.

About markeveryware

I am a Molecular Biologist who has worked in academic research labs and the biotech industry. I am also a passionate advocate of Global Health and Development initiatives in the Developing World and I will be volunteering with Engineers Without Borders Canada in one of their Africa Programs for a 4 month period in the Fall of 2011.

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