What may look like a tightrope circus act staged on Auburn's campus is actually a growing sport used to train participants in balance.
Slacklining was created in the 1970s and is a popular activity for climbers trying to refine balancing skills.
A nylon rope is tied between two stationary objects. Participants begin by trying to balance on the rope, walking across, and then progressing to other tricks.
Although rock climbers trying to improve balance invented the sport, it has grown into something the outdoor community has embraced.
From the Upper Quad to Samford Lawn, slacklines can be seen tied to various trees on campus.
"Slacklining is freeing in a way," said Angus MacLellan, sophomore in engineering. "You are so focused on slacklining and just keeping your balance that everything else just disappears."
MacLellan said slacklining is like tightrope walking except bouncier like a trampoline. His favorite place to slackline is Samford Lawn, and he introduced the sport to his younger brother Tavis MacLellan.
Tavis, freshman in software engineering, said he also enjoys slacklining on Samford Lawn, where the trees are big and the ground is flat.
Although most of what can be seen on campus is people walking across the slackline, tricks are possible.
"You can learn to do jumps, flips or spins, or try and get more than one person on the slackline," Tavis said.
Another thing you can do with the slackline is have a competition, timing friends to see who is able to stay on the longest, Tavis said.
Walking across a thin rope suspended a few feet in the air might look dangerous, but a coordinated person will most likely not suffer any serious injuries, Angus said.
"The fun part is that it looks and seems like you are calculating every little movement while you're on the line," said Hudson Cheshire, sophomore in English, "but you are not; it just happens."
Cheshire mostly practices slacklining in his backyard, but claims Samford Lawn as his favorite spot as well.
Gibbon is a company that makes slacklines. The lines are sold on the Internet, and can be found locally at Kinnucan's and Southern Trails in Auburn.
Slacklines usually cost around $100, but there is no other gear needed to participate in the sport.
Slacklining is great because it is a good learning experience. You can gauge your progress and actually see how you are getting better, Tavis said.
Although slacklines are a common sight in Auburn, there is not a club on campus.
Still, Tavis and Angus enjoy slacklining in their free time.
"It's pretty cool how I slackline for fun, and people will see it and become interested in what I am doing," Angus said.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
