In a nutshell:
Walking from one end to the other on a bouncy line without falling off!


Tell me more!
Slacklining evolved relatively recently as an extreme sport and was thought to have been created by a couple of rock climbers passing time during a rest period. A length of webbing is attached between two points, a small distance above the ground which people walk along, a bit like tightrope walking. Unlike a tightrope there is flexibility and bounce in the webbing which adds an extra dimension of balance and fun., Slacklining is a great workout for your abs and much more enjoyable than hundred of situps. It’s fun for practicing on your own or having a laugh with your family and friends, and can become seriously addictive once you have mastered the art of balance!


The stuff you need
Equipment is minimal for this activity and a slackline and two anchor points are the main requirements! An ideal place to fix up the line is between two sturdy trees, although tree protection may be necessary in order not to damage them in any way. It is sensible to have a soft landing when you fall off (and lets face it, you will probably fall off numerous times!) so grass, bark chippings, soil, water and sand are all potentially good to have beneath you. Bare feet are preferable to trainers when walking as you can physically feel the line under your feet and this may help you with any balance issues but if you are more comfortable in shoes, a thin flat soled shoe is ideal.  



Cool things you can do
Start to practice tricks such as starting from a sitting position, walking backwards, piggyback rides or bouncing your way across the line. As balance is the key part of this activity, try and incorporate yoga or mediation poses for varying lengths of time. If your thrill seeking knows no bounds, you can work your way up to longer length walks, bouncier lines and even world record attempts. Extreme slacklining is known as highlining and can be practicsed in locations such as mountains and canyons. This is serious balancing stuff and there are lots of extra safety precautions including safety ropes and even parachutes which must be used before, during and after the walk to make sure you get the chance to do it as many times as you want.  


Top tips!

• The first time you get on the line it will wobble – a lot! Before you step up onto your front foot, try stabilizing the line by placing your rear knee against the line.

• Stay strong but relaxed in your legs and abs.

• Always look at a fixed point straight ahead, either the end of the line or a feature on the tree – this keeps your head in line with your centre of balance.

• Use your arms and hips to balance, as long as your head stays central you can move your body around a lot to stay on the line

• As you walk forwards, get your weight onto your front foot before bringing your rear foot round, then quickly transfer weight to the new front foot

• Stay focused and don’t think about falling off, or you will!

• Persevere – the first time you try it will seem impossible, but after 2 or 3 sessions you will suddenly get the feel for it.

People in the know!
slackline.org.uk/index.html
solsteerin.com/Slackline.html
xtremesport4u.wordpress.com/2009/03/17/how-extreme-is-slacklining/

Interested in this? Why not try climbing and mountaineering, geocaching, orienteering, walking and hiking

Let me guess, you could do these tricks in your sleep?!? :o)