For the IR - 04/19/07

As all types of climbing sports become more popular, so does slacklining.

Once merely a hobby for those in the know, this activity has blossomed into a full-time sport with intense competitions springing up worldwide.

A slackline is a piece of flat webbing pulled taut between two stable objects. The objective of slacklining is to walk from one end of the slackline to the other.

A slackline competition, is a group of people competing against one another to see who can go travel the greatest distance on the line.

Competitions are now comprised of categories including much more advanced techniques. Some of the most outrageous include running, jumping, tucks and flips. In action, slacklining looks a little like Olympic gymnastics with the sturdy balance beam replaced by 1-inch-wide webbing.

ClimbHelena is sponsoring a slacklining competition at the Earth Day event hosted by Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment (S.A.V.E.). While this competition may not be a display of flips and tucks, it will be fun for the whole community.

This slacklining competition will be divided into age categories with each category competing for furthest distance on the slackline. Along with other Earth Day events on Sunday, the competition will take place at the Carroll College Commons from noon to 4 p.m. From noon to 3 p.m., the general competition will be held while from 3-4 p.m. the final round will take place. Competitors will be judged on distance and creativity. People of all ages are welcome to compete for cash prizes and climbing gear.

ClimbHelena is a proactive effort working to expand climbing opportunities in the Helena community. With the help of local support, the organization plans to set up bouldering walls in Centennial Park. Earth Day’s slackline competition is the first of its kind in Helena, so join is in this monumental event.

ClimbHelena is part of The S.A.V.E. Foundation, a not-for-profit entity. Please visit ClimbHelena.com or Savemobile.org for more information.