Slackliner Draws Curiosity In Cotati

COTATI, CA — Motorists traveling Sunday afternoon along busy East Cotati Avenue in Cotati/Rohnert Park were surprised to see a guy balancing on a tight rope.

For Jhonathan Dolette, 20, of Cotati it was another day of perfecting his slacklining skills. He used balance and strength to first get up on the flat, strap-like line hung between two solid trees near his home. He made his way forward, then walked backward, defying gravity.

One group of onlookers cheered him on from a car while stopped for a red light.

During a break to chat with passersby, Dolette said he has been slacklining for about a year, "mostly for fun."

Although the sport originated over 40 years ago, the last 10 years has seen a great leap in newcomers, slacklining groups, advancements in technologies, rigging methods and exposure through mass and social media outlets, according to Slackline.us.

Story and photos by Al Francis/Napasonomaphotos.com