SLACKLINE PARK
Monday, April 8, 2013 at 04:22PM
Fabian Lewkowicz

Josh Beaudoin from Gibbon Slackline and  Santa Monica maintenance employees install a new “slackline” park  at Muscle beach  on Monday, April 8, 2013. (this may be the first public slackline park in California?)

Made nationally famous by the Gibbon Slackline Team, who performed alongside Madonna at the 2012 Superbowl, slacklining is an emerging sport that challenges the participant to balance along a dynamic surface known as a slackline. Set up is usually low to the ground with trees serving as anchor points.

In addition to being a sport of its own, slacklining is also popular as a training tool for a variety of athletes. As it can help improve core strength, balance, and reaction time, slacklining is common with climbers, cyclists and other athletes. However, balancing on the slackline is also a fun and mentally stimulating activity for all ages.

The park at muscle beach utilizes a myriad of poles secured into the ground as anchor points for the slacklines. This allows for many different configurations and line lengths.

Article originally appeared on Santa Monica Close-up (http://www.santamonicacloseup.net/).
See website for complete article licensing information.