Partialy (mostly!) due to the boredom that is sitting in a big metal box like solitary confinement for 10hr/day I have another question to ask....

Does anybody slackline? Can stoats slackline? Are stoats any good at slacklining? It seems to be full of benefits for climbers: improved balance, core musce strength, footwork...

This question is posed to our resident Stoat expert Neil, can you shed any light on the matter? However if anybody else knows more about slaclining stoats, feel free to let me know!

_________________
"I'm not mad, I just see things differently"
No longer VP : But still Vaguely Philippino
FYI: Actions speak louder than wombats

We did some in my 1st year it is really good although I am not great.

Will see if I can get hold of one for stanage

_________________
Unlevel-headed member of team Gadd-vey

Cheif Scout

Hehe, part of the reason for my query is that I've managed to get one £25 with a ratchet on e-bay. I just haven't been able to try it! Its realy realy annoying! I have something I can't yet use!

At least you say it's fun... I doub't I'll be any better. & since it was cheap-ish (compared to the £50 ones by gibbon) I can bring it to stanage if you want?

_________________
"I'm not mad, I just see things differently"
No longer VP : But still Vaguely Philippino
FYI: Actions speak louder than wombats

It is a good laugh and usually pretty social. Ideal times to do it include revision breaks (in Selly Park) and when taking a break on climbing holidays (if its too hot, or raining). You didn't end up trying it somewhere out in the Alps?

You don't need a ratchet, you can use some tape and some old crabs - but I guess a ratchet could work. How long is the one you have bought.

There are some trees behind the Stanage hut, before the campsite, that are an ideal distance apart. Some of us did it last year.

I have yet to see any benefits (e.g. balance, footwork etc)!

I'm merely quoting the benefits... dunno if it's true. Apparently it was thought up by some american climbers who started it all on chains in Yosemite Valley.

I've got a 15m long one and apparently 50mm wide. No i didn't try it in the Alps, I saw them at the outdoor show last year and this year in Brum, looked on youtube, thought it was fun then proceeded to find the cheapest one.

I know about the z-pulley set up you could use, but even that cost £45 on some websites! Total rip-off, so when I saw this for cheap I was compelled to get it, plus it came with a ratchet like the gibbons.

Not tried it yet, but judging by other sources, 15m is a touch short, I'm contemplating getting a 25m for a bigger span between the trees, especially in Wolvo, the trees are "elegantly placed" to what seems over 15m apart :/

_________________
"I'm not mad, I just see things differently"
No longer VP : But still Vaguely Philippino
FYI: Actions speak louder than wombats

I don't think you need any specialist pulleys, ratchets or whatever it is the kids use nowadays, just a few HMS' and someone to show you how to do it. Its really hard though. I think I managed three steps once.

_________________
Committee position - Christianity and exotic islands Sec

Slacklining is so much fun,ended up failing one of my first year exams because of it,its very addictive. We did some on the beach in Thailand this year as well while the sun was setting and in a bar,was quite funny seeing jack trying to jump on to it,i think he found out that night he hasnt got any balance! Let me know when you put it up.

I finally managed to try it out... It's really fun, however I am shockingly awlfull...15m is just long enough. I think I'll try learning how to walk across the thing first, it's really really hard! Doubt I'll get a chance to play with it again though. darn work.
I'll probably bring it to Stanage, however meanie- people on a slackline might not be the best combination of activities, albeit funny to watch, the consequences might not be.

_________________
"I'm not mad, I just see things differently"
No longer VP : But still Vaguely Philippino
FYI: Actions speak louder than wombats

When people often shag on top of the minibus and surf down the stairs on bouldering mats, I think slacklining is quite low down on the list of dangerous saturday night activities, bring it along, there is usually some slacklining going on somewhere around the hut, it will be a good laugh!

Don't forget the fire things! I burned a hole through my jeans in my 1st year!

_________________
Unlevel-headed member of team Gadd-vey

Cheif Scout