The First UK Slacklining Masters

Sponsored by Slackline Brothers Inc.

2008 Results

UK Competition

• Best UK: Jon Ritson (Lakes) - £500
• 2nd UK: Frank Kroner (Glasgow) - £300
• 3rd UK: Andrew Marshall (Belfast) - £200
• Best effort UK: Rupert Oellinger (Edinburgh) – Slackline kit

International Competition

• Best international: Andy Lewis (USA) - £500
• 2nd international: Michael Aschaber (Austria) - £300
• 3rd international: Damian Cooksey (USA) - £200
• Best effort international: Nils Diamer (Germany) – Slackline tightening system

The Fort William Mountain Festival is proud to present the first ever UK Slacklining Masters Competition on Saturday 23rd February!

Haven't heard of slacklining yet? Think tightrope, then give it some slack and bounce and you’re getting there. This sport isn’t just about balance, it’s a test of focus and sheer nerve.

Bringing balance enthusiasts from all over the UK, and beyond, contestants battled it out in Fort William to discover who is truly the 'Master of the Slackline'.  

Slacklining began when bored climbers waiting around in campsites started playing with their climbing equipment, and tried walking on lengths of nylon webbing rigged up between two points.

Unlike rope, webbing has a flat surface that stops the slackliner's foot from rolling, and the bounce in the line means that good slackliners can pull off an impressive array of stunts and tricks while up there.

Slacklining can be pure entertainment or used as balance training for sports like climbing, snowboarding, skiing and gymnastics. It is also said to help clear and steady the mind as the slackliner focuses on achieving perfect balance.

The UK Slackline Masters Competition

The 10-metre slackline was set up a few metres off the ground and it required immense skill and concentration not just to stay on, but to do the best tricks too.

Competitors were judged on who could walk the furthest in an allotted time and perform the best trick.

Great music, a top MC and an incredible spectacle made this an afternoon to remember; whether you were up there having a go on the slackline or cheering the competitors on.

All entrants competed against each other, regardless of nationality. The finals were a Freestyle Medley where each competitor had 2 minutes to perform.

Saturday 23rd February, Nevis Centre, Fort William, 12 - 5pm.

Many thanks to Slackline Brothers Inc. for sponsoring the competition, providing a judge, helping with the set up and format of competition and providing slacklining kits as additional prizes.

Thanks also to: