|
basic slackline tips* |
|
|
|
GETTING STARTED Begin by setting the line about 30-40 feet apart and about 4 feet above the ground. You don’t want the line to be too close to the ground when you fully weight it. Make sure that you have it taut enough to be above the ground about 2 feet during your full trip across. These arbitrary numbers are obviously to be used as recommendations only. There are certainly people who like their lines way off the ground, but for a beginner, it’s nice to feel that you have the option for a quick leap off of the line. Before you step on the line for the first time, it is an excellent idea to set up a safety system. Use one or two friends’ shoulder as a support and put some crash pads on the ground. You will have to learn the grace of the walk as well as the dismount. The support system can be used for as long as you like. Do not get an ego about having to use supports. Many experts still use a close spot when learning new tricks because it maximizes the slackers safety. Straddle the line and press the line down with one of your hands to keep it from thwapping you in the “privates”. Leave one foot on the ground and place the other on the line. Your upper foot should be pulled in towards your body so that you can get on top of it quickly when you begin to stand up.
|
|
THE FREAK OUT ZONE Lean forward and place your weight on your upper foot. Hold your arms out to the side as you press up with your leg muscle. Use your arms for balance, but do not react too quickly. Feel a slow wave-like reaction move out of your fingertips. Typically a novice will immediately feel the side-to-side motion of the line under foot and freak out. This is one reason for having a spotter or a shoulder to hold on to. It gives you a sense of security when everything seems to falling apart. If
things aren't right, get off of the line. If you feel that there is some
feeling of equilibrium, then smile. Next, breathe and place your other
foot either behind or in front of the grounded foot onto the line. Feel
the flow, relax, and think about where you are now. You have done it! You
are standing on a slackline. |
|
YOUR FIRST STEP Just when you think that getting onto the line is all you’ll need to know to be a pro, you realize that there is 30 feet of line in front of you to explore. When you begin to feel like you have some semblance of balance in a still position, it is time to move on. You can take two different approaches to the task: move or learn the balance. If you choose the latter, then move your back foot off the line, hold it out to the side, and place it back in its original spot. You haven’t made any forward progress, but you are teaching your body to move on this linear plane. You are also learning to enjoy the flow. If you prefer the “get up and go” style, then try and take your foot off and place it on the line in front of you. You will find that when both feet are on the line, you will feel more confident. As you take steps, do not overreact with your arms. They will naturally move in a way to balance you, but do not overcompensate. Think dance, think flight, think surf.
|
|
MOVING ON Everyone’s learning curve follows a different steepness. Some jump on the line and appear to be in their natural environment. Most of us require tons of practice, patience-building, and focus change. It’s time to start thinking about where you are, not where you are going, not what the end is going to be like.
|
|
|