Slacklining is a practice in balance that typically uses nylon or polyester webbing tensioned between two anchor points. Many people suggest slacklining is distinct from tightrope walking in that the line is not held rigidly taut (although it is still under some tension); it is instead dynamic, stretching and bouncing like a long and narrow trampoline. The line’s tension can be adjusted to suit the user and different types of webbing can be used to achieve a variety of feats. The line itself is usually flat, due to the nature of webbing, thus keeping one’s footing from rolling as would be the case with an ordinary rope. The dynamic nature of the line allows for tricks and stunts. Slacklining has quickly become popular due to its simplicity and versatility and its ability to be practiced in a variety of environments. Those who participate in slacklining are often called “slackers”.
I tried it a couple of weeks ago with a friend that comes to Sol. We set up between two trees, on what may have been the hottest day of the year. It was SO much fun! I became instantly hooked. I was amazed at how hard it was and I was dripping sweat! I try to commit to practicing once a week. With the summer flying by, my mind is already racing with how I can incorporate it inside the studio. Maybe mount brackets in the walls so we can slack all year!
Stay tuned!
