Did you know
Men, of course , did not go to the cliffs untrained. Suitable places on the main island were found to train for the rope swinging used when gathering eggs. There is one place in particular near the western harbor tat has the conditions needed to teach the different techniques used when hanging from the face of the cliffs on ropes. In recent years classes have been held during the summer so children can safely learn this sport. The "experts" that come there show off their gymnastic skills while swinging, making turns and twists as they fly from one side of the cliff to the other, pushing off with their feet as they approach the face of the rock.
As the young people progress in learning the sport, they climb from the lowest ledge, about 3 meters above the ground, to the higher ledges, each ledge having it's own name. From the higher ledges they leap down with the rope in their hands, and from the ground it looks like exhilarating fun.
When visitors come to the island, it's a common custom to take them to the cliff face and let them try their hand at flying through the air on the end of a rope. But even off the lowest ledge one quickly discovers it takes skill and strength and that unless one has learned the sport, it's more fun to be watching than swinging.
Photo: © Sigurjón Andrésson
