The First Women‘s-only Highline Meet in Boven Recap
This all started as a seemingly crazy idea that I got as we closed off the Mayhem Mountain Festival earlier this year. Having had the privilege to be brought on as one of the young bloods to help organise the Mayhem Festival, I observed it from a different perspective than the year before. As the last burns were taking place, I sat at the anchor of the 89-meter line and I said to Swart: “I see and feel the need for a women’s only highline gathering.” To which he responded: “Your idea, your responsibility.”
From there, the idea took off in my head of how to make this come to life, and who I would do this with. That was actually a very easy answer. I knew from the start I wanted and needed Anj to be part of and do this with me. Anj was just as psyched on the idea as I was, agreeing without a second thought. Since Anj and I met in 2023, we have formed a very special bond. And sharing a love for the same sports, we knew we wanted to share what our mentors, Swart, Wes, Tim and Luca have taught us with those around us. Sharing the skills we have built up with other females is a privilege, and we are seeing firsthand how the female rigger numbers are growing.
Why We Did This
More importantly, we both recognised the need for space without our allies. We love our allies very much and we are grateful to them, but experiencing adventure sports and nature with only women around is a completely different experience. The energy that moved through camp over the weekend was one that we all immediately recognised as distinctly different, and we embraced it. Something I’m sure all of us will cherish and preserve.
With this being the first event that Anj and I had arranged by ourselves and the first women’s only highline meet in Boven, we weren’t quite sure what to expect, but we knew things would organically play out as it is meant to. The engagement from the very beginning was different; there was a quiet movement of each woman recognising this need within themselves. This rising recognition led to some being called to share and give back to the women around them in some of the only ways they know how. This brought something extra special to the weekend. A big thank you from the bottom of our hearts to Jess Lear and Mienke Richter, who taught yoga, and Kelly for the fusion massages and everyone who encouraged others on the highlines and on the wall. The space we all created and shared filled the community in a way I have never seen before.
The Weekend Shenanigans
Mayhem campsite welcomed us with the most vibrant yellow flowers in all the trees surrounding the campsite and down into the valley. Seeing the burst of yellow, you couldn’t help but smile. The mayhem dam looked picturesque each morning as dawn broke, the sun hitting it at the perfect angle. At night, the fire kept us warm as we watched some play with the fire poi and juggle. As we all defrosted in the morning, it was the perfect time to set up under a tree and soak in the morning sun with a friend or two. There was no shortage of laughter and conversation over the weekend. The stoke was high on all fronts.
Something Given, Something Gained
Each of us walked away from the weekend with something gained, something learned, something shared, a new friend made, and a full heart with a whole lot of gratitude. We all returned from our weekend away ready to build into the community as a whole, and that is really what this is all about. It is a privilege to connect and share space with other women who have adventurous hobbies and are slightly different from the rest. We all recognise we are a different group of women, and being able to love those differences is truly special.
Until Next Time Maatjies
Anj and I cannot thank you enough for showing up as you did, bringing that special gift only you have, for your knowledge, psych and energy, sharing it openly and unapologetically. Thank you for greeting each new face with so much love. Know that you have inspired those around you and that you are a valuable part of this community.
This weekend, for me, brought the embodiment of what I perceived as female power. In more ways than one, it is a privilege to have been able to witness it in everyone who attended. Thank you for showing up with open hearts and open minds.
If you are like me, you are probably reminiscing on the weekend and craving another one, or ready to join for the next one. Rest assured that Anj and I have something cooking.
But for now, I leave you all with this to ponder: How did you experience female power?
