The 2012 Super Bowl haft time show by Madonna featured a guy doing slack-line tricks. At first, I thought that it was just a low line tight wire walker. Then I realized that it was a slack line athlete. This article looks at the sport of slack-lining. What is it and can everyone do it?
What is Slack-lining?
Slack-lining is a relatively new extreme sport . Many individuals refer to it as “moving meditation .” In a sense, slack-lining is similar to tight rope walking . Many individuals like to do this activity in the woods. This is because they can find trees to use that are strong and close together. It also can provide some challenges. You can slack-line over a stream, set of down trees, and ravines. Beginners can start with old mattresses and gym mats underneath for fall protection.
Is Slack-lining for Everyone? Slack-lining is used as a lead up balancing activity for extreme sports like climbing, snowboarding, surfing , skiing and even gymnastics. However, many amateurs use it for entertainment and confidence building in themselves. Slack-lining combines balance, movement and concentration. It is the skill of walking on nylon webbing. The sport first began in the late 1970s. It actually started in Yosemite Valley. A parking lot chain was first used. Climbing enthusiasts moved it from that to nylon webbing.
A starting kit consists of 75 feet of tubular nylon webbing, 35 feet of static rope, 1 slack-line tightening system and two line lockers. You can find a kit for a cost of about $230 at Slackline Brothers.
Slack-line Competition
Slack-line competitions are springing up at many climbing events. A persons top three tricks are scored. There are countless tricks to be used and more are being added all the time.These freestyle medley rules are followed. Note: (These rules were pasted from their scoring sheet.)
All equipment must be approved in advance. No alcoholic beverages are allowed on the slack-line; Anyone under the influence of alcohol will be disqualified. All competitors must fill out a waiver. Anyone under the age of 18 must have a parent sign in person Time limit is 2 minutes. If the competitor falls, they may begin where they left off or from the start of the routine, time limit permitting.
The use of props i.e. juggling clubs/balls, magazines, etc is allowed, but must be approved by a judge Line length and height are determined before competition by the judging staff with the input of the competitors.
Line tension is adjustable. Any competitor may ask to have the line tightened or loosened for their performance. All feasible requests will be met at the discretion of the head judge or another appointed official.
Time begins when a competitor steps off the ground, or in the case of a high-line steps from the end; Undue hesitation to start will result in an appropriate time penalty.
Spotters are allowed, but null any trick where they make contact with the competitor for any reason.
Available padding may be arranged, as the competitor sees fit as long, as it doesn’t restrict line movement or change the nature of the tricks.
Slack-line Beginners
Many individuals start out by using two trees in their backyard. They set up their slack line close to the ground to avoid injury. As they get better, they move it up or to different locations. From there, they advance to fun and competitions. Maybe slacklining is in your future.
