Walk the Line: The Art of Balance and the Craft of SLACKLINE

"Walk the Line: The Art of Balance and the Craft of SLACKLINE" by Scott Balcom is the definitive book about slacklining. It covers everything from the history of the sport, to step-by-step information on how to rig a line on flat ground without trees or vertical anchors by using easy-to-make A-Frames. This book is a great source for introducing slacklining to the beginner, with sound advice on how to stand on the line for the first time and take the first steps. Also covered are advanced techniques with tips and pictures that are valuable for the intermediate slacker as well. There is information about different knots, tightening methods, rigging techniques, and tips about the proper mind-set to aid in walking the line with grace. "Walk The Line" focuses on the simplest and least expensive way to rig a slackline. It is clear that Scott spent a considerable amount of time and thought designing the ultimate, easy-to-build A-Frame (needed to create a vertical anchor on flat ground) that anyone can make easily and cheaply from commonly available materials. The result is a stunningly simple design that is easy to build, cheap, and works great. I had never slacklined before I read "Walk The Line" nor even knew it existed as a sport. I had never seen someone do it. I just thought that trying to balance on a low "tight rope" would be fun. I found Scott's book and after reading it, I felt like I had a master teacher by my side for my first wobbly slacklining experiences, and I know for a fact that this book rapidly accelerated my learning curve greatly. One month later, with a lot of practice, I walked a 125 footer. There are many tips and techniques in this book that Scott obviously learned the hard way through time, patience and ingenuity along with good old trial and error... trial and error that you can avoid the easy way, by simply reading the book. If you are interested in slacklining, especially if you are a beginner, I highly recommend "Walk The Line."