If you've always wanted to be a circus tightrope walker but feel nervous just thinking about it, slackline may be for you. The slackline is an instrument increasingly used by equilibrists, and allows you to walk on a very taut elastic thread that can be positioned a few centimeters from the ground. Many of us have an innate balance that allows us to perform extraordinary feats, but getting on the wire can still be scary. Remember how scary it was to balance on a bicycle without wheels? Think now how easy it seems to you. To walk on a slackline, all you need is self-confidence and training.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: The Basics
Step 1. Start with a short slackline
The shorter the distance between the two anchor points, the more stable the slackline will be. When the slackline is longer, a few things happen:
- The voltage in the line increases, and going down becomes more dangerous due to the increased force.
- The height of the line from the ground increases to allow for a greater inclination following the addition of weight.
- More force is needed to tighten it, and it can be difficult with some draft systems.
Step 2. Place one foot along the center of the slackline
- It is a good idea to start barefoot. With bare feet you will be able to feel the line better and find your balance faster.
- Walk the line so that it runs from the point between the big toe and the first toe to the center of the heel. When you get better, practice turning your foot and standing sideways, with your shoulders parallel to the line.
- As you improve (or if landing is unsafe with bare feet), you may want to try switching to shoes, which offer better protection when attempting jumps and landings.
Step 3. You can climb the slackline at any point, but starting in the middle is generally the safest choice, as this is the furthest point from obstacles you could hit when falling
The line will also be lower in the center, once loaded with your weight, and the height of a possible fall will be lower.
- Practice always climbing in the same spot, because the line oscillates differently depending on the distance from the anchors. The oscillations are faster and smaller near the anchors, slower and wider in the center.
- Wherever you try to start, the line will swing a lot in the beginning. It's normal; it happens to everyone the first time.
Step 4. Take a few deep breaths and find balance
If you are relaxed, your feet will be firmer on the line.
Step 5. Focus carefully on a single point, such as anchoring
This will allow you to find and maintain balance.
Step 6. Open your arms, bend slightly and keep your back straight
Step 7. Center your weight directly over the foot that is on the line
In one smooth, balanced motion, stand up on that leg.
Step 8. Balance on one foot, using your arms and the other leg to help you
Step 9. Bend the leg that is on the slackline
By bending your leg you will lower your center of gravity slightly, and you will be able to more easily find balance and absorb the movements of the line.
Step 10. Continue swinging your arms and legs to maintain balance
In some cases you will have to rotate and move your body in all directions to stay on the line.
Once you have found your balance, slowly bring your body back to center with your arms up and out, knees bent, head held high and eyes focused on one point
Step 11. Repeat these steps until you can stay balanced for at least 15 seconds
Step 12. Practice with the other foot
When you can keep your balance, try to take a step.
Step 13. When you have successfully completed your first step, keep practicing
Method 2 of 3: Simple Exercise Progression for Beginners
Step 1. These are small steps you can take to improve your slackline skill, of progressive difficulty
- Step onto the line with one foot with a friend sitting on the line.
- Increase the distance between you and the person sitting on the line.
- Stand on one foot alone.
- Stay balanced on the other foot.
- Stay balanced with both feet, one behind the other, on the line.
- Take small steps forward.
- Take small steps back.
- Step onto the line sideways (with your shoulders parallel to the line) with both feet, one at a time.
- Turn on the line.
Step 2. Also, you should learn how to fall safely
- As a beginner you will probably find yourself on a short slackline a few inches off the ground. In most cases, you will be able to fall on your feet.
- When you try new numbers, the slackline can throw you when you lose balance. The best solution is to use the momentum of the slackline to get away from it and fall to your feet.
- If you are thrown from the line and are out of balance, try to roll on landing to cushion the impact.
Step 3. You can also try starting with wheels
- One way to do this is to have a friend sit on the line 30-60cm away from you. This will greatly limit the rebounds and lateral swings of the line. As you improve, have your friend move away to dampen the oscillations less.
- When you are starting out, you can get help from a person walking next to you to find your balance. If you practice walking back and forth resting on a firm shoulder, you will soon realize that you can do it alone!
Method 3 of 3: Advanced Techniques
Step 1. Once you've mastered the basics, experiment with new techniques
- Surf the line.
- kneeling-mount Mount on the line with the knees.
- Start from a seated position and stand up. Then he returns to his seat.
- Yoga positions. These techniques are difficult. Take positions slowly and don't lose control of the line.
- Jump forward on the line. Go from foot to foot or try a 180 or 360.
- Make the wheel.
- Do the hula-hoop on the line.
- juggling Juggle the line.
- Do a back flip on the line. This is a simpler technique than it seems. Train first on a trampoline. Once you know how to do this, try it to get off the line, and then try to run it and land again with your feet on the line.
Advice
- Mentally prepare yourself for this activity before trying it. While mounting on the line may seem simple to you, it takes a lot of concentration. Respect the difficulty of the technique by mentally preparing yourself every time you try; take a moment to concentrate.
- Master one technique at a time before moving on to the next. If walking the line is too difficult, practice again balancing on one foot, and transferring weight to the other.
Warnings
- Slacklines are very tight, so when you fall pay attention to how you do it and try not to get hit by the line.
- Even if the slackline is only inches off the ground, falling can cause serious injury, depending on the surface below. Start on a lawn or other soft surface. Try using old rugs or mattresses to cushion falls.
- Do not use a slackline and its components for a climb after they have been put under tension.
- Remember to try things slowly and without taking risks. Take the necessary security measures.
