The Barometer Online

Issue date: 6/3/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Cory Reed Brad Converse, a junior in mechanical engineering, slacklines in the MU Quad Tuesday afternoon. Converse has been slacklining for one year.

Media Credit: Cory Reed Evan Ropp, a sophomore in accounting and finance, and Brad Converse fasten a slackline rope on trees in the Quad.

As the weather becomes nice and Corvallis sees sunnier days, students have probably begun to notice the nylon webbing tied between trees at various spots on campus and the students balancing atop them. Slacklining, a balancing sport, has gained a lot of positive attention from students and staff.

Slackliners tie nylon webbing between two anchors, usually trees, and then proceed to balance and stretch on them. Slacklining is different from tightrope walking in that the slackline is dynamic, providing a trampoline-like bouncing effect.

"A lot of people randomly walk by and join in on the fun. It's really funny to watch a new person try it - that's half the fun of slacklining," said Brad Converse, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering who's been slacklining for a year and a half.

Converse and a few friends usually set up a slackline when the weather is nice, attracting attention from students and staff.

"I always see them out here," said Todd Jarvis, a professor for the Institute of Water and Watersheds, "I think it's really neat. I keep waiting for them to do a Nadia type of backflip."

Converse first joined the world of slacklining after visiting a friend from Spokane, Wash. After learning the "ropes" of slacklining, Converse bought his own set and began to set up slacklines at Oregon State.

"It's really cheap. I got hooked, got my own set, and I've been doing it ever since," Converse said.

Converse set up a slackline in the MU Quad, quickly attracting the attention of passing students.

"It's a lot harder than it looks," said Matthew Dotson, a junior who stopped by to try the balancing sport.

Dotson joined in the slacklining, taking tips from Converse and trying to find his balance. Dotson's friend, Luke Stecker also gave slacklining a try.

"It's stellar," Stecker said, "and definitely something I'd try again."

Slacklines are set up around OSU when the weather permits, allowing students a chance to break free from the stress of school and studying.

"It's a stress-free sport," said Evan Ropp, a sophomore in business who joins in the sport often.

"It's definitely addicting," Converse said, "It attracts a lot of attention. My friends, my roommates, my friend's girlfriends all have gotten into it."

With about four different slacklines around campus, students can witness the balancing sport in front of Shepherd Hall, in the MU Quad or even in Avery Park. Some slacklines even garner the attention of other sports.

"Sometimes it becomes a hippie fest," Converse said, "You'll get all kinds of hippies out here, throwing a Frisbee, in groups, that kind of thing."

The slacklines are usually set up from 45 minutes in between classes, to three hours during sunny days. Slacklining uses a lot of physical strength and balance, tiring out participants and providing them with a strong workout.

"It's a quick and easy set up. If you only have an hour and a half you can come out here, set up in five minutes and begin," said Brad Converse, "It's definitely a picnic sport. You can take it anywhere with you."



Caitlin Cagle, staff writer

news@dailybarometer.com, 737-2231

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