Guinness world record holder Jaan Roose dazzles Lagos with 217 ft Sterling Towers Slacklining

Posted : 17 November 2023

Jaan Roose, a 31-year-old Estonian, dazzled Lagosians on Thursday with his artistic slacklining on a suspended rope tied to the 66m (217 ft) Sterling Towers Marina in Lagos, covering a distance of 350m to the Onome rig opposite the towers.

Roose, sponsored by Red Bull, came to Nigeria to share the excitement of his awesome display on the rope.

Slacklining is a sport that involves walking on a rope suspended above the ground; it is often used for balance training, recreation, and moving meditation.

Roose, a 3-time world champion and holder of numerous world records, came in the company of other slackliners like Oskar Jussi and some other crew members who expressed excitement about visiting Nigeria.

Roose's skilful slacklining display, which started after sunset, drew the attention of commuters and other Central Business District (CBD) residents who trooped out to watch.

Also present at the event was the Director-General of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyitolu, and other officials, including paramedics and ambulances.

Oke-Osanyitolu described Roose's slacklining as audacious and interesting.

Roose's partner, Jussi, who revealed that he had been involved in slacklining for the past 8 years, said it was an amazing experience in Nigeria.

"Having slacklining in Nigeria is amazing. This is the second experience in Africa because we had one in Kenya, and it was also pleasant, but it is cooler in Kenya.

"We couldn't have slacklining in Nigeria during the day because of the hot weather, so we needed to wait until evening when the sun would have set.

"This is a sport that is strange in Nigeria, but maybe we may have some Nigerians who may be interested. I don't know, but it's not really as dangerous as many would think it is.

"I started slacklining with a very small height, like knee height, then to tree height, then moving upward in the heights. Slacklining is not something someone can start in one or two years and get to the top," he said.

On what brought them to Nigeria, Jussi said it was a Red Bull project aimed at exploring new terrain.

"We had a lot of difficulty setting up the rope because of the traffic in Marina, also we are careful not to cause too much discomfort to the people in their offices.

"We have been in Nigeria for about four days now, and the people have been amazing. I have tried to eat Nigerian dishes, but it's too spicy for me. Maybe I will have some more bites before leaving on Friday," he said.

Some onlookers expressed delight in seeing the bravery act by the 31-year-old Estonian walking on the rope on the 66m (217 ft) Sterling Towers and covering a distance of 350m to the other side.

Mr. Ope Banwo, who came with his daughter, said though he enjoyed seeing the sport, it would be hard to see Nigerians aiming to get involved.

"The guy is just doing what he likes, but I don't think any Nigerian will want to try something like that. We like our lives a lot," he said.

When pressed further if he would encourage others to do the sport, Banwo said he would rather remain neutral.

Young Banwo, Fiyimfoluwa, said she was excited seeing the slackliner, Roose, but said that the sport was too risky.

For Mrs. Atinuke Agoro, she wouldn't try such a sport even if she were offered a sum of N5 million.

"It is not possible for me to engage in such an activity. I won't do it because I have a phobia for height, but I love the experience," she said.

Also, Mr. Isiak Bolakale, who parked his car to take a glance at the slacklining, said he wouldn't get involved in such a sport even for any ridiculous amount.

"I am only enjoying the show. I can't be part of it even with a billion naira on offer," he said.

The event concluded later in the evening as the slacklining team promised to head back to Estonia on Friday.

Guinness world record holder Jaan Roose dazzles Lagos with 217 ft Sterling Towers Slacklining

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