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2008 Competition Results

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

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

The Fort William Mountain Festival hosted a historic coming together of some of the world's most devoted and skilled slackliners. These "slackers" gathered in Scotland to compete for the title of International Slack Master of 2008. Along with the title came the promise of over $3000 worth of cash and prizes to ensure a sizzling competitive fire. With the continuously progressive evolution of slackline style and frequent updates of the purposed physical limits of the sport-- no one knew what types of talent to expect.

Just a few days before the competition was to be held, there were -- not surprisingly—some logistical issues standing between the competitors, over the purposed definitions of slackline as a competitive sport. Far before the competition was even thought about, Scott Balcom (one of the fathers of slackline) can be quoted from his book, Walk the Line, writing, "I cringe at the thought of competitive slackline." Setting definitions to fairly and properly judge skill levels in the sport of slackline seemed almost impossible, and Balcom went as far to say "what's the point?."

The point of the slackline competition is to congratulate creativity, innovation, and amplify the passion of each competitor's determination and commitment to the sport. It is not simply about the fact of who can do the best trick. The competition rewards unbroken focus, continuous balance, and mastering the consistency of exceptionally difficult movements without fail. Competition brings out and glorifies the best of every competitor's unique style, finesse, and ideas they have added to the sport of slackline themselves.

That is why seemingly small details such as the style of the thread and width of webbing, the competition height and length of the lines, and most notably the differing preferences in line tension, were the first of the debated issues to come to rise. Michelangelo once said "trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle." He couldn't have been more spot-on. Understandably, everyone wanted their preferred slackline trifles. Every slacker has spent uncountable hours rigging, walking, and learning to love a few specific set-up's.

An agreement was quickly made between slackers from around the world. It was to be a simple compromise. The competition would be held with a choice of lines. One line would be set with the European standard 1" flat webbing (static line), and another line would be set using the American standard 1" tubular webbing (dynamic line). The only other question that was still on the competitor's minds was, "how is this competition going to be judged?"

The only people that seemed to be qualified enough to be able take note of each slackliner's unique subtle finesse, and accurately judge the differences of difficulty between certain tricks; were the competitors. In light of this, the competition rules were revised once again to allow competitors the power of determining who was to be reined the International Slack Master. The only thing left was to host the epic international slack off!

From flips to splits, and signature tricks, huge airs and hard falls, the slack off was filled with awe inspiring displays of slackline mastery. The first qualifying round offered competitor's two slackline runs, each a maximum length of 2 minutes. After every competitor had completed their runs, votes were cast (by the competitors). The top five competitors who had the most votes were directly entered in the Slack Masters Final round.

The final round consisted of only one slackline run for each competitor, demanding supreme consistency and focus. However this round was intensified by an additional minute added to the maximum length of the run. The purpose of this was to allow the competitor a longer period of time in order to display a wider variety of their most skillful slackline talents.

The camera's rolled and flashing white lights zipped across the ceiling like ghosts trying to clear a room. The entire recreation hall reverberated to the beat of techno which blended with the cheers of the crowd, creating an atmosphere of intense pressure. Each participant was aiming to impress the huge crowd of onlookers, and most important of all, the previously fallen competitors. They were waiting for someone to prove to them that he was the one who deserved the title of International Slack Master.

After a truly inspiring display of skill and originality from all of the final competitors, the feeling of solidarity within the slackline community was nothing less than incredible. Everyone was smiling from ear to ear, tremendously satisfied from a truly epic day of slacklining. When the MC's voice returned, the crowd cheered and the final competitors anxiously awaited to hear the results! Nils Diamer, a German slacker, placed forth in the competition; after only 7 months of slacklining experience. Damian Cooksey, a Californian slacker, placed 3rd internationally; still entirely fatigued and weakened from the Scottish stomach flu. Michael Aschaber, an Austrian slacker, placed 2nd internationally; not letting even snow, cold, or fatigue get in the way of his practices. Finally, Andy Lewis, another Californian slacker, was titled the International Slack Master of 2008! The four international finalists then lined up with their arms around each other and thanked one another for their energy, friendship, and communal inspirations. This is the definition of competitive slackline. Hope to see you all next year!

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