DeMuro Defies Gravity: Highline Triumph Over Cathedral Rock

Lorenzo DeMuro embraced adventure over the weekend of October 19 and 20, engaging in BASE jumping, rock climbing, and highlining at Cathedral Rock. Highlining challenges individuals to balance on a line hung between two elevated surfaces, often exceeding 30 feet, while BASE jumping involves parachuting from various structures, including buildings and cliffs.

“All three sports center around conquering fear through thorough preparation and stepping into the unknown,” DeMuro reflected. “I’ve tackled the ‘Mace’ at Cathedral Rock, but the main tower is a significant climb I’ve pursued since I began.”

Years ago, DeMuro and his fellow climbers set up a highline connecting the Mace to another tower named the “Dodger.” He explained, “This project fosters community involvement, transforming it into a shared endeavor. It’s not just a solo mission; it requires teamwork to set it up, bringing everyone together for a memorable weekend.”

Highlining at Cathedral was especially meaningful for DeMuro, as it fulfilled a college aspiration. Having participated in the sport internationally, he emphasized his personal connection to this location. “It’s my favorite because it feels like my baby. I was the first to rig it and successfully cross without falling.”

Highlining is permissible in Coconino National Forest, provided participants use natural anchors that don’t damage the environment. “No specific prohibition against BASE jumping exists here, but wingsuits might be misclassified under hang gliding regulations, which are restricted in designated wilderness,” stated Alex Schlueter, Ranger of the Red Rock Ranger District.

A 2018 graduate from Northern Arizona University, DeMuro honed his climbing and highlining abilities while developing an interest in BASE jumping. His journey led him to Daniel John Ristow, a young protégé in the wingsuit community who encouraged him to explore skydiving and mentored him until Ristow’s tragic death during a jump in June 2021.

On November 12, DeMuro reached a milestone by completing his 510th BASE jump in Moab, Utah, despite previously breaking both feet in June. “The journey started with a mentor; my willingness to learn played a crucial role,” he noted.

DeMuro is part of the Zen Lunatics, an athlete collective based in Northern Arizona. He finds inspiration in Cathedral Rock’s stunning beauty, stating, “Sedona epitomizes natural beauty for me, with Cathedral Rock at its core. This location perfectly matched my skills and passions.”

For safety, slackliners are secured to the highline using a tether connected to climbing harnesses that allows them to maneuver while preventing life-threatening falls. DeMuro initially became interested in highlining after practicing slacklining on campus, progressively increasing the challenge by climbing higher.

“Highlining combines adventure with the technical challenge of rigging,” he explained. “Once you tackle highlines, safety becomes paramount and affects lives. Learning to rig these lines safely excited me.”

DeMuro’s enthusiasm for BASE jumping parallels his highlining interests. “The flight experience encapsulates boldness blended with an understanding of physics and aerodynamics. The thrill lies in mastering both mental and physical challenges,” he stated.

He acknowledged that some individuals may perceive climbing and highlining as disruptive to the natural environment. “We’re open to dialogue on sustainable practice within our sports,” DeMuro insisted. “Like hikers, we aim to maintain access to the outdoors and encourage more people to connect with nature.”