Looking for a more creative way to explore the great outdoors?

Take a leaf from the leaping shepherds of the Canary Islands and give the shepherds leap or Satlo del Pastor a go on your hike this weekend.

But what is Satlo del Pastro? If you like pole vaulting you’re in for a treat.

Looking for a more creative way to explore the great outdoors?

Take a leaf from the leaping shepherds of the Canary Islands and give the shepherds leap or Satlo del Pastor a go on your hike this weekend.

But what is Satlo del Pastro? If you like pole vaulting you’re in for a treat.

Said to date back as far as the 1400’s and devised by aboriginal shepherds of the Canary Islands requiring a specialist means of transport across the steep hills, rocky terrain, and sharp cliffs of the Canary Islands.

But rather than craft themselves some leather hiking boots these shepherds had a somewhat more unique but mega creative way of navigating the landscape.

By pole vaulting it.

Using a long pole or regatón, shepherds could pole vault from one place to another enabling them to easily and safely navigate the uneven Island terrain.

Sadly, like many ancient traditions, the practice of Satlo del Pastor diminished over time.

But, thanks to the ‘Jurrias’ collective formed specifically to preserve the ancient practice in the 90’s and the many collectives throughout the Archipelago, Salto del Pastor lives on.

Even being recognized as an Activity of Cultural Interest by the Government of the Canary Islands.

But this is more than a great story of tradition.

For us it’s a reminder that creativity holds known bounds and to never let your surroundings be a limit to what you can achieve.