Slackin'
Posted on Mar 11th, 2006
by 
David
David
I'm taking this opportunity to share one of my favorite practices. Slacklining. Some of you have heard of it and I'm sure that many haven't.
It’s kind of like tightrope walking. Here’s how wikipedia describes it. Slacklining is distinct from tightrope walking in that the line is not held rigidly taut; it is instead dynamic, stretching and bouncing like a large rubberband.
It incorporates many things that I like to do. It combines balance, excercise (focusing mainly on the legs and core muscles), concentration, stretching, and of course fun.
It has been desribed as moving meditation. I have to agree.
I even like to practice slackline yoga.
There are many benefits . For one it clears out your head. When you're on it, it’s only you and the line. Sometimes less.
It builds strength, great balance and even helps make you more smarter. Well maybe not.
I work from home and I’m on the phone and computer a lot. When my day starts to get overwhelming, I like to take a 15 minute break and jump on. It’s like a mind body cleanse for me. I feel totally refreshed. It’s hard to explain how one can have so much fun with a piece of webbing and you probably think I’m a bit wacky but you really should give it a try. I’ll warn you though, it’s extremely addictive. Although, I can think of a lot worse things to be addicted to.
Let me know if your interested. I can give you some pointers on setting one up. And… if your in the area, I may even let you try mine. =D
Have fun!!
From slackline.com
Below is a picture of me in Crested Butte when I was first starting out. Not quite as exciting as the above pics eh?
Check out the slackline wizard video link here. It's about halfway down the page. Now that's what I call fun.
Access: Public
zaadz
July 2008
I actually like your pic the best, Dave. The others make my heart jump out of my throat. Yikes! I would slackline from the same height you are doing it above, but I’d also want to add a safety net below :-)
ah yes. ultimate slacklining! the newest sport!
where is the picture of you slacklining out of hell?
that is one of my favorites.
so glad you shared this.
next time we see eachother, perhaps we can have a slack-off!
love and miss you,
b
*fear of heights*
will gladly play the part of spectator on this one!!! :)
Jesus Christ, David! Great pics but you are also officially NUTZ :-() YOu are such a daredevil!
Great topic David, I hadn’t considered incorporating yoga positions. This will be a good goal going into the new season! I’ll look forward to pointers as well…Am
Oops, didn’t mean to do that (above).
Actually, that slacklining thing rendered me speechless! LOL!
You crazy… I can see how it clears your head–I wouldn’t be thinking of much else if I were on that thing! I’m dying to know how you incorporate YOGA!
Welcome back to Cali, David. Drop me a line (a slackline?) if you wanna go grab some veggie munchies! Cheers!
Check out the links everyone. They are great. Robin, there is actually video of the yoga. Too cool. Heck, I can’t pull off a full Lotus on the ground yet and some guy is doing it on the line. I am inspired!
David, I searched through all the websites and it seems that there are several options for creating a practice line… some of which take a bit of investment. Possibly you can recommend what you prefer, having done it for a while. I have some friends that are chomping at the bit to come play when I set one up. :-)
Sure gives new meaning to being a “Slacker”. hehe
You are officially hard core.
Damn, David! That's hardcore, man! I can imagine how intense that might be! Great core use….either have it or you falllllll. LOL
Might try one day.
Thanx for sharing!
what is it like for you, when you're doing it?
nice article david! and pictures- Oh look thats me sitting on the left side of the guy in the blue shirt! its in moah utah october 05. the guy doing the knee drop is on a line in Red Rocks Nevada. he was 16 at the time- crazy kid huh..
Oh, the crazy kid is in JTree, not redrocks, sorry
Oooh, that looks like so much fun!
Thank you for turning me on to this!
I am a sucker for balance-things. Though, I, too, suffer from vertigo, so I will not be doing it over great canyons anytime soon.
OMG i LOVE this… the middle foto here is like awwwww… n this video is sooo cool with water below n stuff… n that Matt guy is hillarious when he said: let me show u how is done n then started using his hands to walk accross… totally LOL…
* will deffinatly try ^.^
Man….you are really really badass Bro. That is amazing. Unbelieveable really - I mean it. One question however, who is that badass with you? He looks like he could tear one of them slacklines up!!!
This one goes out to the gutsy gals in the group….. First Woman Walks the Lost Arrow Spire Highline. Saweet!
And man does she ever have resilience….most people would have given up after the first fall. (especially in such wind!) This gal doesn't know the meaning of quit.
Inspiring!
Right on! Here's to patience and persistence!
Thanks Shelly