Slacklining is a sport and art that can be a balance training, recreation, and a moving meditation. It is similar, at first glance, to tightrope walking, and is accomplished by stretching and tensioning a 1”– 2” wide length of nylon/polyester webbing between two anchor points, most often trees. Its origin has most commonly been attributed to the rock climbing community in Yosemite National Park as a way of passing time while maintaining concentration, fitness, core strength, and balance skills.
Enter Mickey Wilson, pro slackliner, 4 time world champion, from the infamous Arapahoe Basin ski lift rescue. Join Walking Mountains Science Center and Mickey Wilson on Friday, August 16th at 6:30 pm at Walking Mountains Science Center to hear his insights about the amazing world of slacklining and also learn the basics of slacklining as well as the basic physics behind the body and the sport. Finally, Mickey will hold a hands on clinic following the presentation outside on the Walking Mountains campus. Mickey’s master’s degree in physics and a love for slacklining with inform and dazzle participants with knowledge and a way to test your slacklining skills.
Although the sport originated over 40 years ago, the last 10 years has seen a great leap in newcomers, slacklining groups, advancements in technologies, rigging methods and exposure for the sport through mass and social media outlets. World-wide interest in slacklining has been steadily increasing, and organizations like Slackline U.S. and the International Slackline Association have been founded to help the community self-regulate, to provide assistance for access issues, to share safe rigging practices, and to promote Leave No Trace ethics.
Meanwhile, the sport has transformed from traditional “primitive” slacklines into a growing collection of variations. Highline, Trickline, Waterline, Rodeoline, and Yogaline are just a few of the slackline styles explored by today’s athletes. Mickey will focus on the biophysics of the body as well as the physics of setting up and using a slackline with Highlines and Tricklines specifically in mind.
IF YOU GO…
What: Science Behind Slacklining with Mickey Wilson and the GoPro Mountain Games
When: August 16th | 6:30 pm
Where: Walking Mountains Science Center in Avon
How much: FREE, $5 donation appreciated
Registration is Required! Space is limited, please visit http://www.walkingmountains.org/sb
