North America's original slacklining festival returns to 麻豆社国产with the fourth annual Hevyfest on July 9 at Nexen Beach.
This year will be the biggest event yet, with more than 2,000 feet of slacklines for all different skill levels, and a new tri-line will be introduced for kids.
"Hevyfest is a celebration of funky skills that climbers do on so-called rest days," states organizer Hevy Huups, a.k.a. Allan, on the event website. "These skills continue to grow, but the main ones are slacklining, hacky sacks, huups, juggling, poi, frisbee, and of course sumo pad wrestling from the bouldering crew."
Slacklining is a balance sport that uses nylon webbing yanked between two anchor points. It's distinct from tightrope walking in that the line is not held rigidly taut. Although it is still under a lot of tension, it is instead dynamic, stretching and bouncing like a long and narrow trampoline.
The line's tension can be adjusted to suit the user, and different types of dynamic webbing can be used to achieve a variety of feats. The line itself is flat, because of the nature of webbing, thus keeping the slacker's foot from rolling as would be the case with an ordinary rope. The dynamic nature of the line allows for impressive tricks and stunts.
The lines run from a short, 12-foot course to a 70-foot uphill route to a line strung over Howe Sound. So-called "pirate lines" are also welcome.
Those unwilling to test their balance will have other entertainment options, with live music, vendors and plenty of food and drink to keep them occupied.
The 2011 Hevyfest is scheduled to take place from 2 to 8 p.m., in rain or shine, at Nexen Beach on July 9. All participants are also asked by organizers to pack out what the pack in.
