Cover: Belgium • photo Peter Soetewey
Who are the Dream Walkers?
We travel around a lot for our highlining, as the mountains are the most inspiring terrain for us. Time slows in the mountains, only measured in the sounds and rhythms of nature. Nature gives us the feeling of freedom, it reflects the person you are in all its purity. Yuri, Jonas, Tom & David
Partners SLACKTIVITY®
Ostrov, Czech Republic • photo Grzegorz Lisowski
We are a non-profit team of four highliners living in The Netherlands. Starting out as friends with a passion for slacklining and highlining, we decided to form a team to reach a bigger audience. Partly to give us more opportunities to do what we love, but mostly because we feel like we are capable of influencing people to follow their dreams and show them that anything is possible. Whether is it through teaching other people to highline or inspiring them through our shows, this is what we aim to accomplish.
Leave no trace
Yuri Rhodenborgh Yuri held the longline world record, of 405m on a polyester line. He pushes his limits and strives to break more records.
My first encounter with slacklining was in a climbing gym and I noticed I quite liked this ‘balancing thing’. A few days later I went slacklining outside for the first time with a friend, who happened to have his own slackline. This experience left me with a very special feeling, a feeling of pure balance. From then on, I slacklined three times a week and even more in summer. My first contact with highlining was through Tom Peek. Highlining proved to be the ultimate battle with myself. I knew I could walk the line close to the ground, but the height made it totally different! I stood up on the highline, walked to the middle and when I fell, I felt only pure euphoria. This was just the beginning!
Verdon, France • photo Jamie Londra
When I was young my father would take me and my sister to hike through the mountains and become acquainted with the beautiful nature of France. I enjoyed this a lot, until I discovered computer games. Looking back, this was quite a loss, so I’ve got some catching up to do!
Push your Limits
Jonas Konijnenberg
From ballet, speed skating, football to road cycling, I have practised all kinds of sports. Jazz ballet let me discover out how my body is able to move and balance. Growing up close to the beach and dunes, allowed me to experience how nature can add an extra perspective to sports. It was 2010 when I tried my first slackline. The way of moving triggered me, its direct feedback. Succeed and you’ll stay on the line, fail and you’ll fall off. Completely different than all other sports I did. Right after my first session I became dedicated to learning this sport. As a physical education teacher I took an increased interest in slacklining. The way of walking, jumping and other tricks were new to me, so I found out everything by myself. I started motivating other people and mixed my work as a teacher with slacklining. I try to inspire everyone to use their body more often as a movement tool. When you’re able to control the smallest movement in your body, it opens a new mental world.
Switzerland • photo Jasmijn Hanegraef
The only fulltime slackline professional in the Benelux. This gives him great media exposure.
Walk your Dreams
Tom Peek Established almost every highline in the Netherlands. Owned various international longline & highline records.
After walking many highlines, I’m proud to say that I am totally in control of my fear of heights. It still feels like I am living in my own dream! Highlining is more than just walking a slackline high off the ground. It is as much a mental activity as it is a physical activity. There is something powerful and addictive in balancing on a 2.5cm wide webbing in the air. Highlining has brought me to countless breathtaking places outdoors, introduced me to a lot of good friends, and has taught me how to live in the moment. When I am not slacklining, I like to climb, practice yoga and motivate others to chase their dreams!
Freyr, Belgium • photo David Wanderlust
I developed a fear of heights at a young age. So severe it gave me anxiety attacks. During my whole youth I had trouble crossing bridges and looking up at high buildings. Getting into highlining took all my mental and physical energy, as it left me paralyzed by fear more often than not. Step by step, I could let go from fear, remain calm and find inner peace and balance to help me reach the other side.
Step into the Unknown
David Baird An experienced and well-travelled highliner, with a strong focus on photography.
I slackine and highline for many reasons. But mainly because it is fun! Whenever I have a stressful day, getting on a slackline allows me to step clearly into the moment and out of any worries. This is intensified with highlining, where words do not come close to describing the exhilaration felt. When I am not on the line, I aim to capture the emotions with my camera, to motivate more people to take up this amazing activity.
Mt. Tryfan, Wales • photo Nick Ellmore
I grew up in Australia on a small island on the Great Barrier Reef. After swimming with sharks, dolphins, manta rays and turtles, witnessing stunning sunsets and exhilarating storms it’s no surprise spending time in nature is important to me. I have worked in ski resorts, as a white water rafting guide and as a scuba dive instructor. I love being outdoors!
Realize the Life you Desire
dreamwalkers.nl info@dreamwalkers.nl Noorderhavenkade 60A • 3038 XL Rotterdam • The Netherlands