It all started in Yosemite, circa 1970, the climbers who frequented the area discovered a past time that not only improved their balance and strength, but pushed their limits to the very edge. Slacklining is often confused with tightrope walking, but is preformed on a looser line that bounces and stretches. The sport of slacklining quickly grew into a favorite trend for climbers, and spread out beyond the climbing
community.

Bozeman has been exposed to the sport more than ever recently with the formation of the Bozeman Slacklining Club. Its founders, Alex Johnston, Seth Reichert, and Parker Webb say that the purpose of the club is to “promote slacklining and the environment.”  BSC requires everyone who brings a line to use tree protection (it’s also mandatory in Lindley Park). They want slacklining to have a positive impression on the public, and staying environmentally friendly, using methods such as tree protection, help the sport have a positive appeal to the general public. The club is more than happy to let anyone try their lines, and strive to share their passion with people who otherwise wouldn’t be able to try the sport.

Johnston says, “It’s a sport anyone can do, but it’s addicting. Once you start you won’t want to stop.” Many slackliners would also agree that it helps you find inner balance. The founders agree, slacklining brings you closer to nature and yourself. They agreed that you learn so much more than physical balance, Webb said, “You find balance in your life as well”.

“Any of the big time slackliners will tell you that slacklining is a moving meditation. As soon as you step on the line you have to zero in and let the world fall away, if you don’t you fall. It forces you to relax and just let go for a little while” says Seth Reichert.

Though the club is formed by three high school juniors, it is open to people of all ages and abilities. BSC meets weekly in either Lindley Park or Cooper Park; meeting times vary throughout the year, meeting Mondays at 1pm during the summer and Saturdays or Sundays around 12:30 during the school year (the club strongly suggests checking the Facebook page for exact meeting times). During the winter they still slackline, Webb added, “If you want to feel hardcore, come slackline in the winter.” The club also is planning on setting up highlines, longlines and waterlines, to test their balance and strength. The club will be setting up waterlines over Hyalite, weather permitting, a few more times
this summer.

The club has big plans for the next year; they are planning on hosting a competition and expanding the club to reach more members of the community. The club has come far from its inception in October of last year- boasting 41 members and supporters. They always are looking for more members, and encourage you to come out and try slacklining anytime.

You can find the Bozeman Slackline Club online at Bozemanslacklineclub.org on Facebook- Bozeman Slackline Club or by calling Parker Webb at (406) 451-6031.

Chloe Nostrant is a student at Bozeman High School and photojournalism intern with Bozeman magazine.