TRURO, N.S. - Ettnie Webster and his friends often visit Victoria Park, but they’re not strolling along the trails; they’re often flipping through the air, jumping over fallen trees and swinging from branches.
They’re members of Team Meraki, a small group of teens who take part in Parkour – an activity that involves moving creatively and overcoming barriers to get from one spot to another.
“What I really like is conquering the fear and pushing my body to limit, as well as the aspect of style to it,” he said. “It’s an art form more than a sport because it’s such a creative type of thing.”
Webster, who is 17, first became serious about Parkour when he was 14.
“ I saw videos online and thought it was cool,” he recalled. “A friend started doing it too, and then we started making videos.”
An older group of Parkour practitioners (most are now in their twenties) shared tips and encouraged them. They called themselves Team Meraki simply because they thought it sounded like a cool name.
Although winter isn’t the best time of year for Parkour, snow can sometimes be a good barrier to flip from. As with other physical activities, there’s always a risk of injury but Webster hasn’t suffered anything more serious than a sprained ankle and sore back.
He and his friends have travelled to Halifax and parts of New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island to connect with other Parkour enthusiasts and experience new landscapes.
“It’s about pushing yourself to your limits and experiencing life in a different way,” he said. “Whatever I do after high school, I will always do this as hobby. I’m addicted to it.
“I suggest people try it if they think it’s something they’d like. Don’t be discouraged because others are better; there are people willing to help and encourage.”
Team Meraki consists of Ettnie Webster, Ryan Rankin, Justin Newcomb. Jordan Burns, Alex MacLeod, Sam Trenholm and Mayson Gratto.
More photos and videos can be seen on the Team Meraki Instagram account.
