What inspired you to take on such a challenging project?

My journey began fourteen years ago with a modest 15-meter jibline. As I continued to push the limits of my slackline stunts, my appetite for bigger challenges grew. I realized that training in my local forest wasn’t enough. I needed a place in Estonia where I could slackline for long hours without interruptions. Estonia, known for its flat terrain, seemed perfect. I found two artificial hills in the far-east corner of the country, a three-hour drive from my home, "Jaantarctica." There, I rigged a permanent 1.4km highline in freezing winter conditions to test my setup against rough weather. This rigorous training regime was essential in preparing me for greater feats.

What were the major challenges you faced during your training?

The training itself was grueling. I had to walk and test my setup every chance I got, often canceling my slackline shows to focus solely on practice. The aim was to ensure that my arms could balance for over 5km nonstop, reducing any risk of falling. The freezing winter conditions added another layer of difficulty, but it was crucial for building resilience.

Can you tell us more about the challenge of rigging a 3.6km slackline over the Messina Strait?

Rigging a 3.6km slackline over the busy waters of the Messina Strait was a monumental task. The idea started as a project with a strong message about believing in and realizing even the craziest ideas and dreams, step by step. When I mapped out the line, I realized it could be the longest slackline in the world. This project wasn’t just about setting records; it was about proving that crossing the Messina Strait, historically deemed impossible on foot, could be done. This stunt also aimed to showcase the beauty of the region.

How did you stay motivated and focused throughout the 3.6km walk?

Staying focused for such a long distance requires a unique mindset. I let my mind flow, responding to what it needs at the moment. During tougher balancing moments, I concentrate on placing my feet correctly on the slackline. Balance begins with the pressure from my soles on the flat webbing. A slight misstep can cause intense muscle strain over long distances. I regularly check my breathing, take short standing breaks to shake off my arms, and feel the slackline’s dynamics to keep moving. Music plays a crucial role in my focus. I have a specific playlist that helps me enter a flow state, smoothing out any visual and noise distractions like cars, boats, and drones.

Why do you believe balance is such an important skill?

In my opinion, balancing is one of the most underrated skills in everyday life. It’s essential in everything from sitting to running. Developing balance through slacklining has significantly helped me avoid injuries in various activities. It trains the brain to control the body better and improves positional awareness. Plus, slacklining is incredibly fun!

What advice would you give to beginners in slacklining?

For those just starting, remember that progress often comes step by step. If you’ve managed five steps but struggled with two just a short while ago, push for one more step, then another. Soon, you’ll find that everything new is hard before it becomes easy. Focus on the present step rather than the end of the line. Filming yourself can be a great tool for video analysis, helping you quickly try different techniques and gain an extra millimeter of success each time. Balancing is something we all do every day – remember, we all crawled once! Keep it fun and enjoy the process.