Experience Slacklining at The Midwest Outdoor Experience
As Daytonians come out in droves to see and try a myriad of new outdoor activities, they'll also get a chance to see world-class competition in one of the more unusual pastimes.
Experience Slacklining at The Midwest Outdoor Experience
As Daytonians come out in droves to see and try a myriad of new outdoor activities, they'll also get a chance to see world-class competition in one of the more unusual pastimes.
The Midwest Outdoor Experience will feature equipment and information on a wide variety of outdoor hobbies, from backpacking, climbing, and orienteering to canoeing and paddling to all forms of biking and pet-friendly activities.
The experience, which is in its seventh year, has long brought out many people of many different skill sets to share in a passion for the outdoors, said Tom Helbig, Outdoor Recreation Department Special Events Coordinator for Dayton MetroParks.
"The fest is one of the best ways to connect families to the outdoor experience." Helbig said. "They can try a lot of different things with a minimal investment of time and money, and see if they like it and maybe choose to pursue it further."
While many hobbies are focused on newcomers and people who are exploring them for the first time, the event will also be host to the Gibbon USA National Slackline Championships.
Slacklining at Last Years Festival
Slacklining, a balance act where a performer stands on a webbing tied between two suspended anchors, has been increasingly popular in recent years. It was recently seen during the 2012 Super Bowl halftime show when pro performer Andy Lewis balanced above the field.
"It's great when the pros come out," Helbig said, "People can see the elite level and the more difficult versions of activates. It shows what's possible."
According to the website, the event will feature 16-32 athletes in a tournament bracket going head to head with immediate elimination. Each competitor has 2 minutes per match and will be judged on difficulty, creativity and performance. The winner of each match will move on to the next round.
The top four competitors will be ranked and awarded prize money.
"It can be really exciting especially for the kids." Helbig said.
View the Schedule: Midwest Outdoor Experience
Slacklining Hours: Friday Oct 5, 6 – 10 pm and Saturday Oct 6, 11 am – 8 pm.
Gibbon's Pro Team will be on hand to teach YOU how to slackline. Several lines will be set up low to the ground so you can learn the basics of this emerging sport in a safe environment.
For more information, visit our website!
