Video: Learn the “Shepherd’s Leap” on the Canary Islands

On the hilly slopes of the Canary Islands, the shepherds that once roamed the countryside had to get creative with how they moved across the islands. Most used a technique called “Salto del pastor” which translates to roughly “the shepherd’s leap.” Essentially, it is a bit like pole vaulting and it was used to cross streams, descend from heights, and slowly make their way to their destination. Today, it is a bit of a dying art, but a few still practice it, as you’ll see in this wonderful short clip from National Geographic.

Kraig Becker