September COMPETITION EDITION
SLACKLINING VIVA LAS VEGAS WORLD RECORD
URBAN HIGHLINE WSFED SLACKLINE WORLD CUP FINALS
3
THINGS
YOU NEED TO KNOW TO START SLACKLINING
SLACKLINE SCHOLARSHIP CHALLENGE
MONEY FOR COLLEGE? YES PLEASE!
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$2.00 NO.4 SEPT 2013 SLACKLINING MAGAZINE
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COMPETITION SPECIAL
KNOW YOUR TRICKS MEET THE JUDGES BUILD YOUR BRACKET ATHLETE BIOS
WORK IT OUT
HOTTEST NEW TREND IN FITNESS? SLACKLINING!
CONTENTS
features 5 GET STARTED
Tricklining, what is it? From walking chains to the Super Bowl, tricklining is pushing the sport into uncharted territtory.
7 GET FIT
The hottest new trend in fitness? Slacklining! That’s right, get in shape this summer with these simple moves that anyone can do!
13 COMPETITION SPECIAL
Find out more about your favorite athletes and how the competition works. Build your bracket and learn what moves make up each trick.
23 VIVA LAS VEGAS
Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Presents Gibbon Slacklines Megastunt Over Las Vegas Strip.
39 SLACKLINE SCHOLARSHIP CHALLENGE Money for college and free balance and movement workshops. The Slackline Scholarship Challenge is taking over P.E. classes nationwide.
learn
ABOUT 3 slacklining
COMPETITION 19 how it works
4 tricklining
20 judges
11 longlining highlining 12 celebrities
29 trick guide 37 world rankings
athletes 14
16
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28
30
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event schedules USA NATIONAL SLACKLINE CHAMPIONSHIPS thursday, september 19
VEGAS MEGA STUNT AND WORLD CUP FINALS wednesday, october 16
5:00 pm USA National Slackline Championships
2:00 pm World Record Urban Highline
thursday, october 17 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm WSFed World Cup Finals
contact info E-MAIL info@gibbonslacklines.com
PHONE 303-443-0163
WEBSITE www.gibbonslacklines.com
SOCIAL
ADDRESS 385 S. Pierce Avenue, Suite D Louisville, CO 80027
www.facebook.com/GibbonUSA @GibbonUSA GibbonSlacklinesUSA
ABOUT
SLACKLINING Slacklining is the act of balancing along a narrow, flexible piece of webbing which is low to the ground and suspended between two anchor points, usually trees. Originating in the climbing world, slacklining has evolved into a cross-trainer, backyard activity and sport all of its own. Slacklines are often compared to tightropes, however are succinctly different in that a tightrope is taut and rigid whereas a slackline is dynamic and flexible. Slacklining can be traced back to climbing camps in Yosemite during the midseventies. Climbers would stay there for weeks blazing new routes and in their time on the ground they began rigging climbing rope to walk across. They found that the activity improved their core strength, balance and movement for climbing - and it was FUN. Gibbon has fueled the next generation of slacklining by making it easy and accessible to everyone. The 2-inch wide webbing and ratchet tensioning design make the Gibbon lines friendlier to walk on and easier to set up. The world of slacklining has since opened up to a broad audience and is rapidly growing in popularity.
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TRICKLINING Tricklining is the branch of slacklining that refers to movements on the line beyond walking. Tricks on the line are typically divided into two categories; static and dynamic. Static tricks are those where constant contact with the line is maintained and are often poses held on the line demonstrating strength and extraordinary balance. The poses include turns, yoga positions, levers and even toe stands. Dynamic tricks are those that leave the line and land back on it in a controlled manner. These can be as simple as a skip or jump and encompass aerial acrobatics like flips and rotations. Tricklining emerged more heavily after the introduction of the 2-inch wide slackline and led Gibbon to develop slacklines made of trampoline material. These new specific tricklines enabled more difficult tricks to become possible and caused an explosion of new moves to be created. Now, trickline competitions are held worldwide with sponsored professional athletes gaining points in the world ranking recorded by the World Slackline Federation, which governs competitive tricklining.
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GET STARTED
3 THINGS YOU NEED TO START SLACKLINING
1
ps for a Beginner
proper physical/mental focus Slacklining is a sport that requires physical determination and a mental focus in order to
on and a lot of mental focusoninthe order to To maintain the proper focus to walk the slackline, you will stay balanced slackline. need to manage your breathing patterns and properly adjust your focus point. walk the slackline, you will need to point. Your focus should Physical Focus
you step s and you ur
ou were ectly he
focus should 0 feet down lackline or at nchor point.
be 10 feet down the slackline or at the anchor point
!
This technique sounds simple, but is tough to adhere to. When you step on the slackline, all of your focus will be on your body reactions and you will forget to breathe. It is very important to be conscious of your breathing patterns, which should be deep and regular. Mental Focus Your focus point should be in the same place as it would be if you were walking down the side walk - either 10 feet in front of you or directly ahead, but never down at your feet. When you first step onto the slackline, if you realize your focus wandering down towards your feet, you must refocus your eyes ahead of you, either 10 ft down the slackline or all the way down at the anchor point. Your goal will be to cultivate your balance through feeling and not through direct eyesight alone.
20OFF %
COUPON VALID ONLY ON GIBBON PRODUCTS NOT VALID ON T-SHIRTS
proper arm technique Balance does not come easily and often requires help from all of your body parts. Consider your arms as great tools to help you maintain your balance on the slackline. Although it is a fun challenge to walk without your hands, it is necessary to cultivate and understand the importance of keeping your arms up above your head.
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This diagram explains the strategy of keeping your hands up. The colored lines indicate form. EXCELLENT FORM
DECENT FORM
DECENT FORM
• Keeping your arms in the green zone, will give you the most opportunity to find your balance. • If your arms drop into the yellow zone then you will find that you will have to work harder to stay balanced. • When your arms drop below the yellow zone and into the red, this will result in falling off the slackline.
POOR FORM
CT
RE R O C
3
G
ON R W
manage your steps Taking the proper steps on the slackline is key when trying to stay balanced. Your first reaction might be to turn your foot sideways or to step with your heel first, like we do naturally when walking. On the slackline, it is important to cultivate feeling. When taking your first step or standing on the slackline, you will want to strike with your toes first rather than your heels.
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GET FIT
GET FIT WITH SLACKLINING Slacklining is not just for for the pros doing tricks and flips. It began as a cross-trainer and can be incorporated into any workout. Just walking on the line improves balance, core, arm and leg strength. The unstable surface forces the core to engage to stay balanced. Even those who cannot walk it yet can intensify classic exercises by using the slackline and getting the core involved.
Part 1 Front Lunge BEGINNER LUNGE •
At the middle of the slackline, place the left ball of your foot on the line a leg’s length away.
•
On an inhale, lunge forward. Front knee is directly over the foot, not protruding past your toes. With your back foot, lift your heel all the way up coming onto the ball of your foot.
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Exhale back to straight legs, never locking out your knees. Repeat.
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Complete 12-15 reps, 1 set each leg.
ADVANCED LUNGE •
Balance on the left foot. With your right foot, take a big step and lunge.
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Your knee comes to your heel as shown in the photo.
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Press up and step forward. You are now standing over the right leg.
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Repeat leading with the opposite foot. Work your way down the line completing 18-24 lunges.
If you don’t feel much with the beginner Front Lunge, hang tight because the Back Lunges will rock your world. Think of this as muscle prep for Back Lunges. 7
Part 2 Back Lunge •
From the beginner Front Lunge, turn your back to the line. Place the top of your right toes on the line and lunge on an inhale breath.
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Your hips pull toward the slackline; your front knee is directly over the foot, and your legs form 90˚ angles.
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On an exhale, press up and repeat. 12-15 reps, 1-3 sets each leg.
Back Lunges are one of the best exercises for the gluteus maximus. So if you want to get that booty into shape, you’ve found your match.
Part 3 Push Ups
1
2
•
Come into a push-up position at the middle of the slackline. Shoulders should be directly over the line.
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Keep your shoulders pulling away from your ears.
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Engage your core. Avoid letting your butt sag or poke up.
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Inhale as you lower; exhale as you press up. Always keep a slight bend at the elbows. 10-15 reps, 1-3 sets.
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Feel free to put your knees down for knee supported push-ups. Due to the height of the slackline, you will need to tilt the webbing toward you and lower down to the slackline at an angle.
With all the flex and bounce in the line, there may be a tendency to use its momentum to help push yourself up. Please avoid this. You will get the same benefit if you sit in the grass and pick daisies. Also, the line might slip and snap you in the thumb or chest. If you’ve ever had the line snap your body, you know it is painful and should be avoided. Slow and controlled is the name of the game here.
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GET FIT
Part 4 Slacker Abs BEGINNER ABS ON THE ROCKS •
Start by sitting at the end of the slackline.
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Place your hands on the line shoulder-width apart as shown in the photo. Roll shoulders back and down.
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On an exhale, press into your hands and lift your hips and feet into the air as shown in photo one. Keep a slight bend in the elbows.
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Slowly release back to sitting on the line and repeat for a total of 10-12 reps, 1-3 sets.
•
This is a deep arm balance, so in the beginning feel free to keep your toes touching the ground; however, overemphasize curling the tailbone forward to work those abs.
ADVANCED AB TWISTERS
2
1
3
•
Come back into the beginner Abs On The Rocks. Pull your hips forward so they are inline with your hands, and rotate your knees all the way to the left.
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Like a windshield wiper, the rep begins by rotating your knees all the way to the right then back to the left.
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The twist comes from the waist, keeping your chest motionless.
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10-12 reps, 1-3 sets 9
Part 5 Dips
1
•
While sitting on the slackline, place your hands on the line shoulder -width apart with fingers to the front. Slide your hips off the line.
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Bend your knees for a supported dip, or straighten your legs for more of a challenge.
•
Roll your shoulders back and down, and keep your chest lifted.
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Inhale as you lower, forming 90˚ angles with your arms. Keep your elbows tucked in.
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Exhale as you press up, always keeping a micro-bend in your elbows at the top.
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Complete 15-17 reps, 1-3 sets. At the end of each set, hold the dip for 10 seconds.
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Photo of knees bent for a supported Dip. Walking on a slackline also strengthens the stabilization muscles in the feet and ankles which leads to faster reaction times and prevents injury. More and more gyms across the country offer slacklining as a training tool, and many physical therapists are using it for injury prevention and rehabilitation. For more information or a complete workout, check out ‘Get Fit with Slacklining’ book/ DVD combo by Megan Najera. She guides a workout with instruction for beginner, intermediate and advanced variations of each movement. 10
ABOUT
LONGLINING Longlining refers to walking on slacklines that are rigged at greater than normal distance which is typically considered to be any line longer than 100 feet. These are difficult to walk, as the length reduces the amount of tension and therefore stability. Longlining is done using traditional slackline systems which consist of 1-inch style webbing and pulleys for tensioning. The current record for the longest slackline walked is 1,620 feet.
HIGHLINING Highlining is the branch of slacklining that refers to lines that are higher than they are long. This version of the sport is typically done with 1-inch wide webbing and specialty tensioning and anchoring equipment. Highliners use climbing harnesses along with redundant anchors and lines to ensure their safety. It is a very exclusive part of slacklining that demands advanced rigging knowledge and extreme care to set up and/or walk. Ratchet systems are NEVER used, as highlining requires specific equipment, rigging and proper training.
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CELEBRITIES
The Office
Tony Horton (P90x)
The Doctors
Madonna
Gisele B端ndchen (Supermodel)
Tommy Moe (Olympic Champion) and Doug Lewis (US Ski Team)
Julia Mancuso (US Ski Team) Dhani Jones (NFL Great)
Rico Rodriguez (Modern Family) Lindsey Vonn (Olympic Champion)
Jillian Michaels (The Biggest Loser)
ATHLETE
THE MACHINE
ALEX MASON Age: 15 Hometown: El Cerrito, CA Nickname: The Machine
Alex Mason, he keeps going and going and going... nothing out lasts the- you get the idea. Alex is a Machine. Before each competition he’ll down a case of energy drinks and won’t get off the line until the EMCEE tells him to. Seriously. Alex is the most consistant trickliner on the planet. Heck. The UNIVERSE. He first came onto the scene back in 2011, where he ended up taking 3rd place at the USA Nantional Slackline Championships at the age of 13. The following year, he’d not only go on to win the USA National Slackline Championships and take 2nd place at the World Championships, but he also finished out 2012 as the #1 ranked slackliner in the world. After the 2012 Super Bowl halftime show, he was on Conan O’Brien and even on Nickelodeon’s Figure It Out! He ended up stumping the judges and winning a trip to Cancun but he didn’t get slimed! If you ask me, he is the one who walked away empty handed. If 2012 is any indication of how 2013 might play out, this may just be the year of The Machine.
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ATHLETE
ANDROID
FELIX CARREIRA Age: 16
Hometown: Salem, OR Nickname: Android
Felix “The Android” Carreira is a rising star in the tricklining world. After stepping on his first slackline in the spring of 2012, his world has been flipped (pun!) upside down. He spent long nights as a slackline fanboy, watching every video posted and every 3AM live stream from international competitions. Much like an NFL quarterback breaks down game film to prepare for the next opponent, Felix watched the best trickliners in the world, slowing the video down to better understand proper form and execution. This accelerated his development, and day after day he applied this knowledge in his backyard. Eventually, Felix shot onto the slackline scene in 2013, surprising opponents with his seemingly unmatched set of tricks and combinations. In June, Felix notched his first competition win at the Gibbon Games Jam at the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, CO. He followed that up with a huge victory at the World Cup in Bregenz, Austria thanks to what some have called “the best run in a slackline competition, ever, by anybody”. He currently ranks #3 in the WSFed world ranking list and will spend the remainder of 2013 chasing down fellow American Alex Mason for the #1 spot.
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ATHLETE
STICKY
MICKEY WILSON Age: 24 Hometown: Durango, CO Nickname: Sticky Like a falcon that comes down from the sky to snatch up its prey, Mickey descends from heights untold down onto the slackline in a wild fury of flips, tricks and spins. He’s got an aggressive and consistent style that makes anyone who goes against him have to think about what moves they must do to beat him and hope that they land everything perfectly. When he isn’t competing, Mickey is usually out longlining and highlining IF he isn’t out kayaking (summer) or skiing (winter). He is a multi-sport kind of guy and is very talented at everything he does. In fact, he is one of the few slackliners out there with a Master’s degree, graduating last year from the Colorado School of Mines. Mickey likes to head out highlining quite a bit and last year we was featured in a video called , “High Line Slackline with Good Line.” If you haven’t already seen it, it almost immediately went viral on YouTube. Currently it sits at over 170,000 views and continues to climb.
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HOW IT WORKS
COMPETITION REGULATIONS RULESAll slackline competitions hosted by Gibbon are regulated by the World Slackline Federation (WSFed). Our competitions are licensed by this governing body, meaning they comply with all the regulations and all athletes and judges are registered with the WSFed.
FORMATAll competitions are held at a pro level and are invitational. Athletes are seeded according to the World Ranking List to establish a bracket. Athletes compete head-to-head for a total of 2 minutes each in a single elimination format until 1st-3rd place are won.
LEVELSThere are several levels of competition with associated requirements and point values. Jam- 8-16 athletes- total of 16 points may be earned Open- 16-32 athletes- total of 32 points may be earned National Championship- 8-32 athletes- 1 per country per year- total of 16 points may be earned World Cup- 32 of the top-ranked athletes- up to 5 may be held in one year- total of 64 points may be earned World Championship- 8 top-ranked athletes- total of 48 points may be earned
JUDGINGAll competitions are scored by at least 3 certified judges. These judges are awarding points based on 3 general categories: difficulty & technique, creativity & diversity of tricks, amplitude & performance. The athlete with the most points at the end of the match will advance to the next round.
JUDGES
JOSH BEAUDOIN
Josh Beaudoin has been a long-time advocate for the sport of slacklining. He discovered slacklining in 2006 and credits it as a life changer that gave him mental focus and a sense a calm. Josh has always wanted to share his passion for the sport, so he created Slackline Visions, a company and blog focused on teaching others the benefits of slacklining. Josh came to Gibbon in 2011 and has become the coordinator of the Slackline Scholarship Challenge program which goes in to schools and camps teaching balance and movement workshops. He has personally instructed over 20,000 students in middle schools, high schools and colleges across the nation. Josh was recently invited as a guest speaker to a Think Big conference in Dallas, TX where he shared his thoughts on how the judgment and mindset required to slackline can translate to running a business with the over 1,500 CEO’s in attendance. When he isn’t helping people from all walks of life push their limits on slacklines close to the ground, he is pushing his own much higher up. Josh is an avid highliner and was profiled as such in a documentary called “High Line Slack Line with Good Line” which has over 170,000 views on YouTube. Josh became a WSFed certified judge in 2012 and continues to be a mentor to novice and pro slackliners alike.
BRAD SCHNEIDER
Brad Schneider started slacklining in 2008 when his roommate in college at Winona State University in Winona, MN set one up on campus. He was instantly hooked and unknowingly started the path that would lead to his eventual career. After he graduated, Gibbon hired Brad to tour around the Midwest doing demos at local retailers and events. At this time he was a feared competitor. Brad’s arsenal of tricks included the buttbounce 360 and the always-thrilling double drop knee. Back in the day, this level of skill could get you far. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the case for very long and he was forced to retire from competitive slacklining. Eventually, he was asked to join Gibbon USA in an Inside Sales role, and he relocated to Colorado in February of 2012. As part of his sales responsibilities, Brad manages over 225 accounts across North America. His vast knowledge of the sport and competition experience has given him the honor of being a WSFed certified judge.
ALESSANDRA YANES If you’re ever cruising down past the Original Muscle Beach in Santa Monica, CA you’ll likey get pulled off your bike and pulled on to a slackline by Alessandra. She is largely responsible for the unification and creation of the Original Muscle Beach slackline community and was instrumental in the creation of the Santa Monica slackline park in May of 2013.
Slacklining for Alessandra isn’t all about learning the tricks and competing against others, even though she has spent quite a bit of time watching Trick in a Minute and even entering into Queen of Slackline in 2012. Slacklining is also a creative outlet for this outgoing Italian. Her paintings, drawings and other works of art are all largely inspired by slacklining. When she isn’t on the line she works as a hypnotherapist and photographer, as well as a part time teacher of art, Italian language and sports. She’s got a bit of everything and a great sense of humor but when it comes to judging a competition, she is serious and has ene eagle eye for technique.
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BRACKET “THE MACHINE”
ALEX MASON WSFed Pts: 237
1
“DAFFY”
WES DUCKWORTH WSFed Pts: 8
9
“TWIST OF FATE”
JON FAIT
WSFed Pts: 5
8
“RAGERS”
JUSTIN WAGERS WSFed Pts: 62
5
WIN
“NIK”
NIKOLAUS ANDREWS WSFed Pts: 0
12
“ZEPH”
ZEPHANIAH GONZALES WSFed Pts: 0
13
3rd “THE FISH”
FRANKIE NAJERA WSFed Pts: 70
4
NNER
“ANDROID”
FELIX CARREIRA
2
WSFed Pts: 179
“FAST LANE”
10
LANE MASAR WSFed Pts: 4
“HANGTIME”
DUANE BURKHART
7
WSFed Pts: 44 “GOODWOOD”
JOSH GREENWOOD
6
WSFed Pts: 55
“CYBORG”
CARLOS LOMELI
11
WSFed Pts: 2
“MARTIN”
MARTIN HERNANDEZ
14
WSFed Pts: 0
d PLACE “STICKY”
3
MICKEY WILSON WSFed Pts: 72
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16th, 2013, 2:00 pm Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Presents Gibbon Slacklines Megastunt Over Las Vegas Strip Exhilarating spectacles will be taken to new heights Wednesday, Oct. 16 as Michael Jackson ONE by Cirque du Soleil teams with Gibbon Slacklines to showcase a record-breaking highline walk attempt from the exterior of Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino, 63 floors above the Las Vegas Strip. As the kick off to the 2013 World Slackline Federation (WSFed) Slackline World Cup Finals taking place the following day inside the Michael Jackson ONE theatre, daredevil Gibbon athAndy Lewis lete Andy Lewis will attempt to set the world record for the longest urban highline walked as he forges a 480-ft. high, 360-ft.-long slackline rigged from two of the Mandalay Bay resort towers running parallel to the Las Vegas Strip. Simultaneously, three of the world’s top professional slackliners, Hayden Nickell, Josh Beaudoin and Mickey Wilson, will perform tricks on individual slacklines rigged at the same breathtaking height.
Hayden Nickell
Location of the World Record Urban Highline on the Mandalay Bay
Josh Beaudoin
Mickey Wilson
“We’re no strangers to executing gravity-defying stunts,” said Emilio Torres, Vice President of Sales at Gibbon Slacklines. “However, this Megastunt brings slacklining to a new level and will showcase what the incredible Gibbon athletes can pull off. We are thrilled to be teaming with these Las Vegas institutions to show the world what we can do.”
The Foundation Room at the Mandalay Bay
View of the Las Vegas Strip from the balcony of the Foundation Room
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17th, 2013, 1:00 pm
WSFED SLACKLINE WORLD CUP FINALS Presented exclusively at Mandalay Bay, Michael Jackson ONE, a fusion of acrobatics, dance and visuals that takes the audience on an immersive journey through the music and spirit of Michael Jackson, is the eighth and most recent Cirque du Soleil production in Las Vegas. Heralded by critics as “a remarkable sonic experience” (Chicago Tribune) and “A virtual parade of ‘wow’ moments” (Rolling Stone), the show features two professional slackline athletes from Brazil, Igor Zambelli and Gabriel Amaral. The pair will participate in a special performance of the production’s slackline act choreographed to Michael Jackson’s iconic No. 1 hit “Bad,” that will open the 2013 WSFed Slackline World Cup Finals Thursday, Oct. 17. Open to the public, the competition puts the best slackliners from around the world against each other as they compete for the ultimate title of overall World Cup Champion. With the biggest Gabriel Amaral peforms on the slackline during MJ ONE slackline purse to date up for grabs, the athletes will battle head-to-head, executing their best tricks as they vie for the competition’s top spot. Judges include Hayden Nickell, a slackliner who was featured on the 2012 MDNA Madonna World Tour, Josh Beaudoin a top Gibbon slackline athlete and Damian Cooksey, owner of Bridges Rock Gym, the premier slackline facility in the United States.
#1 ranked Alex Mason and #6 Benni Schmid going head to head in Vail, CO
The world-record attempt and the 2013 WSFed Slackline World Cup Finals are open to fans of all ages and offer complimentary admission. Details regarding spectator viewing for both events can be found at www.gibbonslacklines.com/Vegas. For more information about Gibbon Slacklines, please visit www.gibbonslacklines.com/us and to learn more about the Michael Jackson ONE show, go to www.cirquedusoleil.com/mjone.
Scene from “Smooth Criminal” in MJ ONE
SLACKLINE
UP WORLD C2013
Winners of the Austria World Cup, Felix Carreira (USA), Carlos Neto(BR) and Lukas Huber(IT). All three will be in the Las Vegas World Cup Finals.
Slacklining during “Bad” performance from MJ ONE
36 26
BRACKET
“THE MACHINE”
ALEX MASON WSFed Pts: 237
1
1
“SKANDY”
ANDY LEWIS WSFed Pts: 43
GROUP
16
“THE FISH”
FRANKIE NAJERA WSFed Pts: 70
9
8
“STICKY”
MICKEY WILSON WSFed Pts: 72
WSFed Pts: 157
4
4
“GOODWOOD”
JOSH GREENWOOD WSFed Pts: 55
13
“RAGERS”
JUSTIN WAGERS WSFed Pts: 62
12
“LUCKY”
LUKAS HUBER WSFed Pts: 130
VS.
8
4
VS.
5
SLACKL
WORLD VS.
4
8 VS. 5
“GAPPAI”
TORU OSUGI
1
1
8
A
5
5
4
VS.
8
1
VS.
5
WIN
“NA FITA”
2 GROUP 2
B
LINE 2
VS.
3
NNER
6
VS.
7
D
CUP 2013
VS.
6
WSFed Pts: 198
“HANGTIME”
15
DUANE BURKHART WSFed Pts: 44 “SUPERSTAR”
7
VS.
3
2
CARLOS NETO
7
10
JAAN ROOSE WSFed Pts: 67
“HONEST”
2
VS.
6
7
VS.
3
7
GABRIEL AGLIO WSFed Pts: 98 “ANDROID”
3
3
FELIX CARREIRA WSFed Pts: 179
“THE SPANIARD”
14
IONE CANSADO FRIAS WSFed Pts: 9 “LITTLE KING”
6
11
IGOR ZAMBELLI WSFed Pts: 64
“SIR WHAT?”
6
BENNI SCHMID WSFed Pts: 112
TRICK GUIDE
FLIPS
TURNING A SOMERSAULT IN THE AIR
SIDE FLIP
BACK FLIP
FRONT FLIP
SPINS ROTATING AROUND AN AXIS OR CENTER 180°
360°
540°
720°
SINGLE TRICKS Back Flip Side Flip Front Flip 180° 360° 540° 720° Butt Bounce Chest Bounce Back Bounce Drop Knee Foot Plant Double Drop Knee Krook
A backward flip A sideways flip with your legs tucked into yor body A forward flip A 180° turn A 360° turn A 540° turn A 720° turn Landing on your butt with both legs on one side of the line Landing with your chest on the line Landing with your back on the line Dropping your back knee below the line while in a lunge From a drop knee, extending your front leg along the line Dropping both knees inward on the same side of the line Dropping both knees below the line toward the front anchor
COMBOS B360B B540B B720B Sick Nasty Freefall Ascension Mojo Mojo Flat Spin Spiral 29
Butt Bounce Butt Bounce Butt Bounce Butt Bounce Butt Bounce Chest Bounce Chest Bounce Chest Bounce Chest Bounce
360° Butt Bounce 540° Butt Bounce 720° Butt Bounce 360° (around arms) Butt Bounce 360° Chest Bounce 360° Butt Bounce 180° Chest Bounce 360° (flat spin) Chest Bounce 360° (torpedo) Chest Bounce
STATIC TRICKS THAT DO NOT LEAVE THE LINE
DROP KNEE
FOOT PLANT
DOUBLE DROP KNEE
KROOK
DYNAMIC TRICKS THAT LEAVE THE LINE BUTT BOUNCE
CHEST BOUNCE
BACK BOUNCE
Gabriel Aglio (Brazil) at the GoPro Mountain Games in Vail, CO showing some of his Brazilian style
ATHLETE
THE FISH
FRANKIE NAJERA Age: 28
Hometown: Ramona, CA Nickname: The Fish
If you’ve ever looked up slacklining on YouTube, you’ve likely come across this guy. Frankie first started slacklining back in 2009, when slacklines were actually slack. However that is neither here-nor-there. What matters now is that if you’ve ever wondered how to do a certain trick, Frankie is likely the one who taught you through Trick in a Minute. His passion for slacklining and teaching others has gotten him where he is today. When it comes to competitions, Frankie has a massive amount of tricks to pull from that can easily upset any slackliner with a less than stellar performance on the line. In 2012, Frankie took 3rd place at the USA National Slackline Championships and he finished out the year ranked as #9 in the World Slackline Federation.
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ATHLETE
RAGERS
JUSTIN WAGERS Age: 18
Hometown: Boulder, CO Nickname: Ragers Some call him Justin. Others call him Wagers. Here in the slackline world, we just call him Ragers. At only 18 years old and going into his second year of competition, Ragers is a bit of a legend in slacklining. It isn’t because he is young or that he wears body armor. It isn’t even because he can land just about every trick out there and has won a number of competitions. Here, I’ll give you a hint. Remember a bunch of years ago at the X-Games, Tony Hawk threw down what was the most difficult trick ever on a vert ramp? Well Mr. Ragers here was first person in the world to have ever landed a Butt Bounce 900 on a slackline! Oh, and he didn’t just do it once during practice before a competition. He would go on to land it in competition, not once but two times! In a single day, he landed the hardest trick in slacklining 3 times, two of which were in competition. Having that trick in his back pocket is the ultimate trump card in competition. It is a move you’ll likely be seeing more of from Ragers, or should I say, Mr. 900?
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ATHLETE ATHLETE
Photo by: http://www.le-yeti.net/
GOODWOOD
JOSH GREENWOOD Age: 25 Hometown: Denver, CO Nickname: Goodwood Josh, “The Goodwood,” Greenwood! He’s an actor, an entertainer, creator of a viral YouTube video(“Colorado Girls,” check it out!), professional slackliner and slackline instructor. Of those things which one do you think would be his biggest claim to fame? Actor? Slackliner? Viral YouTube video? It is actually his slackline instructing that is pretty darn awesome. Why you say? Well he just happened to have taught someone pretty famous how to slackline. You might know her by one of these names: M, Madge, The Material Girl or The Queen of Pop. That’s right. Madonna. Josh was hired by the Material Girl to teach her how to slackline for her 2012 World Tour. He went to New York, spent some time with M and got her up and rocking on that slackline to the point where in her live shows, she would actually perform while up on the line! To be able to teach someone like Madonna how to slackline, you have to be a great slackliner yourself. Josh is no exception to this rule and is a definite force to be reckoned with. He’s landed flips of just about every kind including a back flip 360. He is definitely someone you don’t want to miss.
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WSFED RANKINGS
WORLD RANKING: MEN RANK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
NAME Alex Mason Carlos Alberto Rocha Neto Felix Carreira Toru(Gappai) Osugi Lukas Huber Benjamin Schmid Gabriel Aglio da Silva Mickey Wilson Frankie Najera Jaan Roose Igor Zambelli Justin Wagers Josh Greenwood Timo Kurrle Felipe Ione Cansado Frias Duane Burkhart Andy Lewis William Fuenmayor Ryan Bastin Katsuya Shimo Roberto Perez Rueques
NUMBER
NATION
POINTS
2012US-0849 2012BR-0893 2012US-0718 2012JP-0982 2012IT-0609 2012DE-0841 2012BR-0505 2012US-0614 2012US-0655 2012EE-0277 2012BR-0751 2012US-0115 2012US-0402 2012DE-0337 2012ES-0532 2012US-0721 2012US-0755 2012VE-0729 2012UK-0609 2012JP-0445 2012ES-0401
US BR US JP IT DE BR US US EE BR US US DE ES
237 198 179 157 130 112 98 72 70 67 64 62 55 51 48 44 43 33 32
US US VE UK JP ES
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As of August 31, 2013
Only the best 7 contest results (+ world championship / + 1 national contest) determine the points and position in the world ranking list. The points won by each contest remain for one year. The seeding in contests is based on the world ranking list (as well as invitations for the WorldCup contests). The world ranking list is separated in the categories “Women” and “Men”. As far as there is is only a “Men” competition within one event, the women are allowed to take part in the “Men” contest. To see the full list and to register with the WSFed, please visit. www.wsfed.com
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RESULTS MUNICH
NATION
POINTS
Carlos Alberto Rocha Neto
BR
POINTS 64
RANK
1
9-16
Andy Lewis
US
5
2
Alex Mason
US
40
9-16
Felix Carreira
US
5
3
Benjamin Schmid
DE
32
9-16
Filip Bitnar
IT
5
4
Justin Wagers
US
20
9-16
Katsuya Shimo
JP
5
5-8
Frankie Najera
US
10
9-16
Lukas Huber
IT
5
5-8
Jaan Roose
EE
10
9-16
Marvin Wierer
IT
5
5-8
Timo Kurrle
DE
10
9-16
Max Baum
DE
5
5-8
Giobanna Petrucci Carvalho
BR
10
9-16
Elisabeth Schulte
DE
5
NATION
NAME
RANK
NATION
NAME
AUSTRIA
NATION
POINTS
Felix Carreira
US
POINTS 64
RANK
1
9-16
Gabriel Aglio da Silva
BR
5
2
Carlos Alberto Rocha Neto
BR
40
9-16
Jonas Dieterle
DE
5
3
Lukas Huber
IT
32
9-16
Katsuya Shimo
JP
5
4
Alex Mason
US
20
9-16
Marvin Wierer
IT
5
5-8
Benjamin Schmid
DE
10
9-16
Roberto Perez Rueques
ES
5
5-8
Jaan Roose
EE
10
9-16
Tauri Vahesaar
EE
5
5-8
Mickey Wilson
US
10
9-16
Florian Oberleitner
IT
5
5-8
Timo Kurrle
DE
10
9-16
Elisabeth Schulte
DE
5
NAME
RANK
NAME
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SSC
Slackline Scholarship Challenge
Gibbon Slacklines strives to give back to the community and introduce kids to a new activity that will get them outside and active. This mission led to the creation of the Slackline Scholarship Challenge (SSC), a program where Gibbon pros come into schools and take over the P.E. hour to teach balance and movement workshops. The program kicked off in January 2012 with athletes visiting elementary, middle, high schools and colleges in the state of Colorado. They offer students general instruction about balance and how it can help improve your overall physical condition and skill across many sports. Students begin by learning good form on a predictable surface and then are introduced to slacklines.
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Often times, several students get “hooked” on the sport and the SSC helps them to establish clubs at their school. Those students who begin slacklining regularly are encouraged to submit videos of their progress to the SSC Facebook page, and once a month, a winner is chosen. Any student may purchase a slackline at a discount from the Gibbon Slacklines website with a code, and all proceeds go to the SSC. In June, a SSC competition is held in Vail, CO to award the scholarship. The program began within the state of CO, but has been expanding to reach out to schools nationwide as the pros travel. To date, over 20,000 students have been introduced to slacklining. The program cannot reach every district, but a free curriculum and activity guide are provided for teachers who’d like to incorporate these workshops on their own. Gibbon also extends a 50% discount to any school that would like to have slacklines in their curriculum. Josh Beaudoin is the director of the SSC program and also a WSFed licensed judge for pro competitions. He has been teaching slacklining for several years and always enjoys sharing his passion for the sport with new people. To find out more, join the SSC Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/sschallenge/ .
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PRODUCTS
FEATURED FOR 2013 SKYLINE ZIPLINE KIT The Skyline Zipline Kit, from BYA Sports. can transform any backyard into an adventure park. The kit includes all the tools needed for quick and easy installation. The whole family can be gliding effortlessly in no time and have the experience of a vacation right at home. This easy-to-install complete kit provides hours of entertainment and is perfect for ziplining at home, in a park or camping. Simple design and quality materials ensure a safe and fun ride. Steel cables. trolley, and mounting hardware included. Available as 60, 75 or 90 foot kits.
get connected! The community can easily stay up to speed about the pros, competitions, tours, events, new products and contests on our active Facebook page. The new slackliner can meet other locals and ask advice, tips or just make new friends. Getting connected has never been easier. www.facebook.com/gibbonusa
The Gibbon YouTube Channel engages the community by offering advice and instructional videos for those new to slacklining. Video streams of competitions are also available to keep up with the pros and the sport. Athletes host advice Want to see photos of the pros traveling the videos and recaps about their travels so globe setting up slacklines? @gibbonusa on anything the community wants to see is both Twitter and Instagram and readily accessible. Video contests are held #gibbontourusa will connect you and your worldwide via video submission so anyone photos to the heart of the scene. Show us can get involved. where you’re slackin’ ! http://www.youtube.com/user/gibbonusa
GIBBON CRASH PAD Padding is not needed when walking on a slackline or starting out, but when starting to learn jumps and tricks, it’s always recommended. This is the official crash pad of Gibbon USA competitions and the pads the pros use to train. The Gibbon/Madrock crash pad has 5 inches of polyurethane foam specially constructed in 3 layers for slackline training. Heavy-duty, double-stitched Velcro connection strips are included to seamlessly attach multiple pads. Cinch straps and padded handle make it easy to close up and carry. The pad doubles as a seating area allowing you to kick back and relax after a long day of slacklining. Pad dimensions: 24”x44”x15” closed 70”x44”x5” open
GIBBON SLACKRACK 300 This portable, freestanding structure makes it possible to slackline anywhere. Great for getting started, learning static poses or just working on balance in the living room. The perfect solution for slacklining in schools, gyms, health clubs, physical therapy offices and in your own home. The Slackrack is constructed of stainless steel, breaks down to store in 2 sections and includes a 12ft slackline. Specifications: Dimensions: 10ft L x 1ft W x 1ft H Material: stainless steel Weight: 64 lbs 12ft slackline included
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PRODUCTS
CLASSIC X13 - 49ft/82ft The Classic is the original Gibbon line, designed as an easy-to-use, 2-piece kit with slackline specific webbing. It’s perfect for walking or getting started with tricks. Available in 49 foot or 82 foot lengths. Specifications: Length: up to 49 ft or 82 ft Width: 2 in Max. tension: 4 tons Ratchet with safety lock Ratchet side length: 6.5 ft Reinforced loop slings
FUNLINE X13 - 40ft The slackline made specifically for beginners. The same easy 2-piece set up as the Classic, with a more static beginner webbing and an extra rubber coating for a sticky grip. Specifications: Length: up to 40 ft Width: 2 in Max. tension: 4 tons Ratchet with safety lock Ratchet side length: 6.5 ft Reinforced loop slings
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JIBLINE X13 - 49ft The ultimate trickline, the Jibline is made of a trampoline material offering a more dynamic surface for more bounce. Great for jumps, tricks and intensifying workouts by using it for lunges, dips, planks and more. Specifications: Length: up to 49 ft Width: 2 in Max. tension: 3 tons Ratchet with safety lock Ratchet side length: 6.5 ft Reinforced loop slings
SURFLINE X13 - 98ft Initially created for the pros and surf training, this nearly 100ft trampoline style line has taken off. The heavy-duty ratchet allows for maximum tension and bounce at longer lengths. The Surfline offers a challenge, but has become very popular for all ages. Specifications: Length: up to 98 ft Width: 2 in Max. tension: 3 tons XL Ratchet with safety lock Reinforced loop slings
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EVENTS
SPONSORS