In-Depth 2021

This year, I have decided to learn how to slackline for my In-Depth project. While learning to slackline, I want to improve my balance and add another skill to my performance arsenal. Some skills I would like to specifically learn include walking along the slackline, jumping, and possibly flips if I end up getting that far. I would really like to be able to see a significant difference between the first video I take and the last. I’d also like to use other skills while on the slackline, such as juggling.

I mainly want to improve my balance as many other skills I have require balance. The balance for slacklining closely relates to balancing needed for certain types of climbing. To learn to slackline, I will be doing research into different skills I can learn online and through other resources. While learning I will try to practice weekly or twice a week where I can. I will be doing focused practice where I work on specific slackline skills. In the future I would like to be able to comfortably be able to do any of the skills I learn.

Mostly, I need space to setup the slackline (i.e., somewhere with trees or slackline posts) and time to practice. This is so I can properly practice in good conditions without damaging any equipment, the environment or myself. To further prevent damage to the environment, I will be using tree huggers. Basically, it is padding to put on the trees where the slackline wraps around.

Tree Huggers

Rolled up slackline

If possible, I would like to be able to meet with my mentor, but due to restrictions this may not be possible. To further help, I will need equipment to practice with. I already have a slackline, but I am thinking of the possibility of buying a second one, or a practice line (one that has a rope to hold for practice). If I were to buy a second line, I would like to have it before the end of February so that I have time to work with it. I would also like help finding a location to practice jumping tricks, which would be better to do above water or crash mats. Ideally, I would like to be able to set it up in the climbing gym, but I will need to ask for permission and find a time where not many people are climbing.

For my final presentation, I will be creating a progress video that shows my practice over time and how I have improved overall. As mentioned earlier, I would like to be able to juggle on the slackline as a little trick as well. While researching, I found out a bit on the history of slacklining. I was surprised to find how recently it originated. The specific skill of slacklining only dates back to around 1979. Of course, it’s similar to rope walking, but it’s different enough to be a fully different skill. So, the skill really is only about 40 years old.

Overall, I am very excited to be working on In-Depth this year, even with all the restrictions going on. It’s going to look similar to last year, but I still really enjoyed In-Depth last year, so I should enjoy it again this year!