The basic idea is that you tension a length of webbing between two points (the trunks of two trees in the park etc.) and balance on it. Sounds pretty simple but what happens when you do this is really quite amazing.
Slacklining is very different from tight rope walking in that the line is not rigidly taut, it is dynamic, streching and bouncing like a huge rubber band. It's kind of a cross between a tight rope and a trampoline! The lines tension can be adjusted to suit the user, and every line that you set up, can have a different height, length and tension.
The line itself is flat, due to the nature of webbing, keeping your foot from rolling off, as would be the case with an ordinary rope. The dynamic nature of the slackline is what makes it unique, in that you can do tricks and stunts; the line is totally responsive to you and your body.
The Best Freestyle slackliners in the world
This is the latest and greatest in slacklining today. Like anyone who is great at what they do, these guys make this look easy. Just keep in mind though! The art of slacklining is very simple; balancing on a slackline is easy with practice. If you have only just started slacklining then this is definitely something to inspire you.
Where did it come from?
While tight rope walking has been around at least two thousand years, this form of slacklining was developed from chain walking back in the sixties and seventies at Yosamite National Park USA. The modern form of the slackline which uses flat webbing started in the early eighties by Adam Growsowski and Jeff Ellington. They inspired other people in that area and it was quickly being taken to new levels. Many started to do high lines which evolved into a whole new ball game.
Since those early days slacklines have spread across the world and being pioneered by the many, with new tricks and records being set all the time.
Who uses it?
It used to be just the rock climbing community, but in the past 20 years it has spread across the world. Now all walks of life are using it. Due to its versatility it has now become its own sport and is being pushed to new limits everyday, and many sub cultures have come from this.
Slacklines can be used as...
A physical workout (core strength and stabiliser muscles)
A mental workout (reaction time - increased neuron activity between left and right hemispheres)
Sports training (proprioception and balance... all sports require it!)
Rehabilition (great for knee and ankle re-stabilisation)
Recreation (Tricks and stunts, see the tricks page)
A form of Meditation (find that quiet place inside)
Highlining (Our kits are not desgined for this! but check it out on the videos)
Social gatherings (the joy spreads as you watch your friends try for the first time!)
And anything else you can think of, because slacklining can be done anywhere there are two points to attach to, you are bound only by your imagination!
Why should you do it?
Apart from being totally addictive, extremely fun and unique, being balanced is our natural state. With todays lifestyle many of us are out of balance. Whether it be our physically, mentally or spiritually, balance is essential. LIFE IS ABOUT BALANCE! It is a feeling, and being able to recognise that feeling within yourself allows you to draw upon it when you need it. Having a sense of balance in your life is priceless, and you know that saying " like riding a bike " well that applies to slacklining too. Once you start slacklining you'll only ever get better, you never regress.
Will Slacklining improve my sports abilities?
Will it ever! Whether it be competitive, social or recreational, they all have one thing in common.
BALANCE!
Football, soccer, tennis, surfing…. Changing your centre of gravity to match your moves is the key to efficiency in sport. The technical term is agility. This is what allows us to move gracefully, wasting little motion. It allows our joints to move through the full range of motion smoothly and confidently.
Training on slacklines is balance training, and balance training is the next frontier in movement education, and understanding how it works is the first step.
What will I get with my order?
You will recieve with your Slackline TITAN Kit everything you need to start Slacklining today!
We have long been taught the 5 senses, but where is the sense of balance? Because it works on such a subtle level you could have been forgiven for taking it for granted, not anymore! Let me ask you this, if you lose your eyesight, as terrible as that may seem, you could still get on with your life, yes?
What about your hearing? Smell?
If you completely lost your sense of balance, you wouldn’t know which way was up or down. You would be completely disorientated to the point of madness. Our balance is so important it relies on not one but three forms of sensory inputs.
1. Vision 2. Proprioception 3. Vestibular system
Proprioception allows us to walk in the dark without losing balance. It's the awareness of where neighbouring parts of the body are in relation to one another and in space.
The vestibular system, or balance system, sends information to the brain about the body's movements and position in space.
In response, eyes and muscles adjust to keep the body upright and balanced.
Challenging your balance with the slack line requires your brain to react faster, build stronger neural pathways between left and right hemispheres. It improves reaction time, vision, timing and focus.
ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE INCREASES.
Slacklining has also proven itself to be absolutely phenomenal when focussing on injury prevention. A study of 600 Italian soccer players was done with 300 having balance training as part of their training program and the other 300 did not. In the group which had the balance training, injuries fell by 85%.
So the benefits of balance are there for everyone to enjoy, and whether you play sport, surf, meditate, are an adrenilin junkie or just want to try something new, be a part of the slackline revolution.
DISCLAIMER: The possibility of serious injury is inherent in any activity involving height or motion such as climbing, surfing, skating and slacklining. This equipment must be used by participants who are fully supervised and whom personally accept the level of risks consequent with that activity. If you have any concerns regarding your fitness level, ability or skill to undertake this activity, it is recommended that you seek the appropriate independent advice (including medical). Slackline Australia and Vitality Plus Australia accepts no responsibilities or liability for any damage, loss, costs, expenses, liability, claims, demands, actions, proceedings, injury (including death) or dispute due to or arising out of, directly or indirectly, the actions or omissions (whether wilful negligent or otherwise) of any employee or any participant (including yourself) or any third party provider. Keep your equipment in good working order, test for loose fittings or fibres and or damage before each use. Always use a spotter when learning to slackline.
Back to top