Words by Stebs & Keena
Photos by Keena
Video by Stebs

As we grow out of our British Knights and start eating vegetables because we actually like the taste, many of us are trying to find a healthy balance between work and play. Some of us work 9-5 and spend the rest of our day recovering from the stress at work, drinking it off. Others find more fulfilling jobs but have to follow it up with a nap and a mellow dinner with the wifey. Sure, it s difficult to keep a good grasp on our youth without looking like an immature adult who has no concept of responsibility, but it is those that let go of that sort of scrutiny and live their lives as they please that are truly happy. 30 year olds that play laser tag just because it s fun; 60 year olds that ride bikes, which they learned to do at 2 and will continue to do until it’s replaced by a wheelchair; and 90 year olds that tell dirty jokes because they still think they’re amusing. It s these kinds of people that don t let societal faux pas steer their lives; instead they just do as they please. They do what makes them happy. Truly happy.

Our portal to our care free days of youth is ropeswings. As children, we love cheap thrills, and you can’t get any cheaper than a rope hanging from a tree! Whether it s rolling in the snow, conquering the mega slide at the carnival, or having a water-balloon fight in October, kids are always finding new ways to get excited. As adults, this thrill becomes harder to find, and often comes with more risks. We are wiser and we know what risks can be followed by, and so the decision gets easier for both types of people; those who steer away from risk and for those who still embrace it.

Ropeswinging is not a sport, it’s not a game, and it’s definitely not a job; it’s good ol’ fashioned lakeside summer fun! It’s the fun that Mark Twain wrote about with Huck Finn, it’s the type of serenity that Thoreau found at Walden Pond, and it’s the same fun that children have at the beach all summer long. Now add just a pinch of risk, and add some cure girls to the mix, and how could you ever be too old to ropeswing? It defines summer. Kicking back, relaxing, laughing, and even pushing yourself to do bigger and scarier ropeswings. Start with the carefree attitude of summer-lovin’ kids playing in the water and then combine that with the need for thrill you develop as you get older, and ropeswinging satisfies it all! It also offers a feeling of tranquility, of peace, and of serenity. Your friends cheer you on and applaud when you finally swallow the lump in your throat and let go of the rope. Go from that top platform and you’re reaching new heights and bigger drops. Even though you are at a complete loss of breath in the air for a few seconds, time freezes and you float, taking in everything around you, especially the way you feel inside. It s truly amazing, and if you ever get the chance to do it, just admit that the kid inside you it just waiting to get out, and all it takes to put a big smile on your face is to grab the rope and swing.