Although no one in particular can be credited with the idea of walking on a rope, Slacklining's origin goes back to the late seventies in the US when some college students invented it.
Basically an ability to stand, sit, walk, or perform stunts on an elastic band made of nylon or polyester and stretched between two poles, Slack lining can be defined with a whole wide array of perspectives. It can be regarded as a sport, a challenge, a meditation, or a physiotherapy tool.
Yousuf El Kady, an Economics graduate and the founder of Slacklining community in Egypt talked to Ahramonline about the experience: "The first time I heard about slack lining was in Columbia, on a visit there. It was trending there and it hit me how the whole practice is simple yet immensely challenging and fun at the same time. It was only a year later in another visit to the USA that I decided to buy the essential rope and start practicing on it."
Slack lining ropes are two inches wide, and vary in length. They were initially made similar to mountain climbing ones, then some alterations were introduced to make them more elastic and wide- like from the material used to make trampolines-and these are the two main characteristics of the wide variety of slack lining ropes.
El Kady says the community of slack lining began training on the ropes at Gezira Sporting Club in Zamalek district around 3 to 4 weeks ago, drawing tens of Egyptians from both genders and of different ages is eager to join and learn more about the initiative."Young children would approach me and ask: how do you do that? So would people with graying hair. Slacklining is now practiced in many places."
The requirements are minimal. "It can be hung between two trees, rocks or even using the two anchors anywhere, like on the beach for instance. The height is adjusted according to the preference of the person; it starts usually by a height of 20 to 30 centimeters above the ground, and then reaches up to a meter and a half, "says Yousuf.
"The core of slacklining is concentration, this why it is used as a meditation tool, and many recommend it as a means of physiotherapy. Fitness is always a plus, but the three main aspects are: Balance, patience, and passion. After some practice, it all resorts to lots of fun!"
Farida Atwan , an Anthropology graduate, was beaming with enthusiasm when she talked about her slacklining passion:" I was in Latvia when I was first introduced to slacklining. It was intimidating at the beginning and challenging the very first times, but then the feeling is absolute fun and joy afterwards!" she says. Farida said that wherever they practice the sport, people flock to ask about it with genuine intrigue, especially children.
She adds the only problem they face is the lack of places convenient to stretch the ropes." Although it can be hung between two installed anchors anywhere, it is always more convenient to make use of trees."
she says that the next step for her and others is heading for places where a broader spectrum of people can witness the experience, like various public gardens and parks.
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