My newest diversion: slacklining

[Kimmyt]

My husband and I just recently moved into our new house, and we have discovered that there are some very strategically placed trees in the large backyard with a bunch of currently unused space in a back corner. So, we decided to put it to good use!

Slacklining is so much fun, it's something we have monkeyed around with before but most of the lines set up at climber campgrounds are too high to learn on without hurting yourself. So, we set up a nice low one using the Gibbon Classic slackline kit (we wanted to use the kit versus a homemade rig so it had a ratchet and we could take it down and up quickly as needed). It has a wider line too which makes it easier to learn on.

I've managed to make it all the way across once and we're already inventing fun games like slackline chicken (two people start on either side of the line and the last one standing wins). It is a ton of fun and an awesome workout for the core, maybe my new home conditioning system?

 

[SkiNurse]

Awesome! I've always want to try it...which should be quite entertaining for those watching! :ROTF:

 

[VickiK]

Have seen people at the beach doing this. Didn't know that's what it's called. Looks really hard. I've been playing with wobble boards/bongo boards & that's fun too.

 

[ScottishGirlie]

Looks really cool!

 

[Gloria]

We were just talking about getting one of these over the weekend. They are super fun.

 

[Robyn]

Kimmy, we really need to get together one of these days. I propose sometime after next week you, RachelV and I make it happen.

I can only imagine what a good core and stabilization workout that is. Fantastic prep for ski season!

 

[Kimmyt]

Robyn, totally! I am travelling back to PA for a wedding next week but after that I will shoot you guys a PM (and any other front range CO divas that might be interested) and maybe we can have beers and slacklining.

 

[RachelV]

Robyn, totally! I am travelling back to PA for a wedding next week but after that I will shoot you guys a PM (and any other front range CO divas that might be interested) and maybe we can have beers and slacklining.

Yes! Been meaning to give it a try for a while now but every time I've found myself near a slackline I've already had too many beers and thought better of it. ;)

 

[altagirl]

That looks really fun. I'd love to try it but our trees aren't really situated for it in our yard.

 

[Kimmyt]

AG, I think you can also do this with some poured concrete footings to attach the line to. There also may be some commercial rigs available that prop up somehow with a tripod, but thats a lot of investment for just wanting to try one. If you're ever in this area give me a holler and you can come over and give it a shot!

 

[Gloria]

That looks really fun. I'd love to try it but our trees aren't really situated for it in our yard.

Gibbon also has a freestanding system too, that is what we were looking for. I have seen it at OR and that ski shop in Park City with the lawn furniture, you know that one...can't think of the name but it is possible without trees.

 

[slong89]

Slackbow

There's a freestanding system I've seen called Slackbow (slackbow.com), but I've never used it. It almost looks like those freestanding hammock setups, but obviously a ton longer.

I have the Gibbon classic set up in my front yard at school at it is so much fun! I get a lot of funny looks from joggers etc. but every once in a while it'll start a great conversation!

 

[slong89]

DIY version

Also, I looked into this when I wasn't sure whether my trees were sturdy enough. Might help some of you without trees who'd rather not buy the freestanding contraption. It's a tutorial on how to anchor them into the ground and then basically run it over DIY A-frames or a stool, whatever will give it some height. https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=mqfk-0n0hXM&NR=1

 

[BackCountryGirl]

I got the Gibbon sets for my nieces and nephews for the holiday (one family celebrates Christmas and the other Hanukkah). I love giving gifts that are good for them to use as a family. As soon as I learn how they were received, I'll post a report. I've tried slack lining and it is a blast. Great for balance development and for learning jumps and spins.

 

[Kimmyt]

I'm fascinated by how you used it as a tool for learning jumps and spins? Do tell! I can use all the help I can get in that area...

 

[BackCountryGirl]

Thank god I have no pictures of me trying to jump, but you can sort of treat the slackline like a trampoline and jump up and land and jump up and do a 180. The www.gibbonslackline.com website has great video and I've seen people treat the slackline as a rail, hoping onto it with boards or skis and jibbing.