The Women's Highline Meeting
Here is a general explanation of what you can expect from this event! We try to be thorough, however there is only so much we can explain (and that people will actually read), so know that you'll figure out most things by attending!
Lodging
For the event we rent a big, three story house called Himmelreich that accommodates the entire festival attendees! Beds are limited and reserved for volunteers, however there is ample floor space for sleeping pads and sleeping bags. The newly remodeled attic is a large, wood planked room that becomes a fun "sleepover" space for more than half of people joining the event! Sharing the kitchen and bathrooms can be a lesson in patience, however the campsite directly next door has a kitchen and showers for overflow.
The refrigerator is always quite full so we recommend having as much non-perishable food as possible. And as the house is 200 years old, be aware of mice!
Pod Cisarem Restaurant and Pub
Pod Cisarem is our gracious host, complete with a pub, restaurant and campsite, this place is the gathering hub of the event, and where the Table Boulder competition is held every year. The restaurant almost always has a vegan or vegetarian menu option, cold beer, and great prices! The staff speaks Czech, but many of them speak some German and English. They accept cash or card for payment. (We recommend paying your bill each day rather than opening a tab.) Please tip your waiter or bartender! Please visit their website if you plan to arrive early or stay after the festival and need to pay for lodging. They have tent spaces, car spaces, rooms and huts to rent.
Highline Access
The Highlines are all within ten to fifteen minutes of walking from the Himmelreich house. Though some lines are approachable just by walking, many of the lines require an easy climb to access the anchors. There will always be ropes setup to attach to, however it is imperative that you learn to safely attach yourself to the rope before you maneuver to the highline. Please ask someone knowledgeable to help you. We recommend bringing a grigri with you to the festival, as the 56m and 96m both require ascending as short rope to access. If you don't have a grigri, find a buddy at the event who does and you can borrow it with their help and permission. What is special about this event is that for many who are new to this type of highline access, by the end of the festival everyone is moving confidently up and down the rocks! We have never had an accident and hope to keep it that way!
Highlining
This event is for people of all levels and experience, from zero to expert! While the lines are all between 14m and 230m long, there is usually a freestyle option in the mix as well. We are big advocates of peer to peer learning, so don't be afraid to ask a more experienced attendee to give you some pointers.
Important rules of this event: No highlining alone or after dark, or intoxicated with substances or alcohol. We aim to keep this a safe, accident-free event, so please respect these policies.
ALWAYS buddy check your tie-in knot with someone who knows the figure eight knot well, and make sure you are able to get on and off a highline even when tired. We recommend pushing yourself hard, but respecting your body's need for a break. Leave enough energy to exit the line.
Workshops
Every year we have a variety of workshops throughout the week, shared by participants. Because this event is about community and connection, many women feel inspired to create a workshop sharing a particular subject they hold knowledge around.
We have a workshop signup sheet that participants can add their workshop theme and date to. Themes have included stick-n-poke tattoo's, highline rescue, highline rigging, twerking, yoga, handstands, and even embodied dance-movement! If you have something you'd like to do a workshop on, please consider signing up.*
*Providing a workshop does not count as a volunteer position. While some volunteers also provide workshops, only designated volunteers can get free admission to the event.
Table Boulder Competition
The last night of the festival we traditionally have a Table Boulder Competition, which is a game of elimination where each round is progressively harder. The objective? To climb around a pub table without touching the floor or any "forbidden" parts.
Despite seeming impossible, this game is for everyone! It is just as much about technique as it is about strength! (Though admittedly, climbers and gymnasts often do well).
This is not to be missed. Surprisingly fun to compete in and to spectate! Following the competition we usually have a mini-dance party, occasionally followed by skinny dipping in the lake for the bravest among us.