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Slacklining: An extreme sport that the non-sporty can do
Who needs a bird's eye view from a building top when you can urban highline it? (Photo courtesy of Slackline KL via The Star/ANN)It might not be as dramatic as Phillippe Petitâs death-defying walk between New York Cityâs World Trade Center Twin Towers in 1974, nor as heady, but slacklining requires mustering the same courage, discipline and focus, too
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Who needs a bird's eye view from a building top when you can urban highline it? (Photo courtesy of Slackline KL via The Star/ANN) (Photo courtesy of Slackline KL via The Star/ANN)
Who needs a bird's eye view from a building top when you can urban highline it? (Photo courtesy of Slackline KL via The Star/ANN)
It might not be as dramatic as Phillippe Petit's death-defying walk between New York City's World Trade Center Twin Towers in 1974, nor as heady, but slacklining requires mustering the same courage, discipline and focus, too.
Helene Foo, 29, founder manager and team leader of Slackline KL/Malaysia, knows all about the thrills and spills of this extreme sport. While it may have a technic
al sounding description, she broke it down in layman's terms during a recent interview: 'Slacklining is the act of walking on a slackline strung up between two anchor points, such as trees and poles at knee level (beginner level) or higher (no limits to how high a slackline can be set up). There are even World Championships held globally.'
In essence, a slackline is like a really narrow trampoline. It's dynamic, bouncy and extremely challenging to walk on for newcomers to the sport. Adrenaline junkies might seem like the obvious target market for a sport like this, but Foo feels people are drawn to it by different callings.
'There are different reasons why people practise slacklining. Some do it because it's the closest they can get to flying. Others do it because of the challenge. It takes a lot of mental focus and body control to reach the end of a long line,' she said.
A slackline can handle a load of anywhere between 2,000kg and 3,000kg, so even weighty beginners can give it a go. Foo points out that it all boils down to mental strength.
Naturally, those with a better sense of balance, like ballet dancers and gymnasts, have an edge over their sedentary brethren. 'Anyone who is fitter and sportier will always have a better sense of balance compared to a couch potato. However, balance is a trainable skill and is easily attainable; similar to riding a bicycle. The fitter ones might take their first steps quicker than the others, but it's still a mental challenge for those who seriously want to pick up the sport,' Foo explained.
Slacklining involves stretching a piece of nylon or polyester (high-tech fibre and hybrid materials are also used) between two points. Basic physics indicates that a more rigid feel is acquired with a shorter line, and vice versa.
'A tighter slackline is easier to walk on, and a longer one more challenging. Slacklines are tensioned using a ratchet or a pulley system with proper slackline-specific equipment and all systems must be backed up before one can safely mount the line. There are also rodeo lines, which are set up with no tension at all. These have a higher learning curve but are a lot of fun for advanced slackliners.'
The sport comes in a variety of guises, including waterlining (slacklining above water), highlining (slacklining high above the ground '¦ between cliffs, buildings, bridge posts, etc), tricklining (tricks performed on a line set low), urbanlining (all slacklining styles combined), windlining (slacklining performed in windy conditions), slackline yoga (traditional yoga poses done on a slackline) and free style slacklining (employing zero tension on the line, which creates a greater 'swing').
Slacklining may be rooted in tightrope walking, but the sport really came into its own in the hands of rock climber Adam Grosowsky from Illinois in the United States in 1976. Having become fixated with an old picture of circus performers executing a highly tricky pose dating back to 1890, he encouraged local climbers to mimic the picture, but he was the only one who succeeded.
He took this burning desire to the Evergreen State College in Washington in 1979, where he shared his art with fellow climbers Jeff Ellington and Brooke Sandahl. Together, the sport grew in popularity among the climbing community there before spreading.
As with any extreme sport, injuries and rigging failure come with the territory, but Foo assures that they are far from life-threatening with traditional slacklining and also very uncommon.
'Major injuries are actually pretty rare. And Slackline Malaysia has been lucky enough to stay safe since we began operations in early 2013. Of course, minor stuff like bruises from falls and skin abrasions from rubbing against the slackline are common, but these are normal injuries when it comes to extreme sports,' she revealed.
Getting into the sport is as straightforward as it comes, but Foo recommends beginners look up Slackline Malaysia, which provides classes for beginners and all other levels of slacklining. 'Slackline Malaysia also sells, distributes and helps install slacklines for anyone interested, so we'll help you any way we can,' shared Foo.
Slackline Malaysia operates largely out of the Klang Valley, but services are also available up north. 'We currently offer slackline classes, slackline installations and we also distribute all types of slackline equipment for those interested in buying their first kit or perhaps expanding their longline set. We are able to offer classes all around the Klang Valley and also up in Ipoh, where I am currently based.'
There is always concern about trees getting damaged with the rigging of slacklines, with the bark especially vulnerable, but Foo and her troupe have it all worked out. Although studies have indicated that little harm is done to trees since slacklining in each location is never for the long term, Foo's group still employs tree wraps made of rubber mats, blankets and towels to prevent abrasion.
So, what kind of people look to slacklining for thrill-seeking? According to Foo, her clientele generally comprises young people, who are often accompanied by their parents, but the odd senior citizen also pops up. 'We've also had a 65-year-old man try our lines at Taman Titiwangsa, so I think it's safe to say that slacklining is for anyone and everyone. The responses we've had have been amazing. People love watching us walk the line and then they itch to try it, too. The Slackline KL community is ever growing. We welcome anyone and everyone to come try the sport out and we encourage those who love it to join us on our slackline sessions all around the Klang Valley,' she said. (kes)(+)
