Photos

Part 5 of a 13 part series on slacklining on library lawn at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

After some last minute advice, a student prepares to step onto the slackline unassisted as others look on. The initial step up is usually the most difficult part of slacklining. In a fraction of a second the slackliner's body is thrust from the expansive, stable foundation of the earth to a swaying length of one inch wide webbing.

Right-footed slackliners begin with their left foot on the ground and their right foot on the line, with the heel and big toe touching the line. The slackliner then looks straight ahead, making a point not to look at the line, as looking down can sufficiently upset the slackliner's weight balance as to cause him her or to fall. Finally, in one smooth motion, the slackliner steps up onto his or her dominant foot, which is already on the line, making a point to shift weight over that foot, which can feel very unnatural at first.

i have included another workshop that i feel could fill this slot in the photo essay. It emphasizes the personal concentration that goes into the initial step up, but i feel that the point of view is much less interesting and dramatic.

And for those plagued by the way in which this essay seems to be developing in less than dramatic fashion, i do hold out hope that more dramatic pictures are on their way... such as the next one that i will be uploading.

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Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Part 6 Part 7 Part 8 Part 9 Part 10 Part 11