We are getting close to the last blog of the year, as finals are right around the corner, and I have my last lab and class today. It's very exciting to have the summer so close, and to have completed my first year as a true college student. The halls are full of talk of moving out, summer plans, and final exams. It can be very stressful for some people, however I try my best to avoid all of this hullaballoo. Instead, I have spent a lot of my free time recently being a slacker. Literally.
You see, recently I picked up the sport of slackline. If you have not heard of this before, it can be compared to tightrope walking, but with less of a circus theme. It involves a piece of tubular webbing (equipment often used in rock climbing),
which is much like an inch-wide strap of nylon, and two anchors (usually trees). The webbing is strung between the two trees and what comes next is hours upon hours of off balance fun.
The first thing one must do is learn to balance on a wobbling,
swinging, and oftentimes frustrating string. This can be done with a little help from friends who enjoy acting as spotters. After this, on
e progresses to balancing alone. If this is mastered, walking is next, and the trend continues until jumps, spins, and even flips are conquered!
To many people, this type of activity is very odd. You don't often see people tightroping between two trees, so it gets a lot of heads turning, but as soon as those reluctant individuals try it, the addiction takes control and the sport gains another fan.
It is a great way to socialize, as a lot of my friends have become very interested in slacklining as well. When the weather is nice and warm, the slackline is up, and lots of people are walking, talking, and laughing around it, just having a
great time. We all support one another and offer tips and suggestions to improve balance, coordination, and enjoyment.
So while all of the other students are stressing over finals,
tearing out their hair, and trying not to cry, my friends are slackers, using our balance to relieve us of stress, strengthen our bodies, and to just have a good ol' time!I'll see you at the end of the year!
Peace,
Collin
Photos taken by my buddy Abby
Photo 1: me
Photo 2: me again
Photo 3: Abby and me
Photo 4: Elsa
