Slack Line Wizards

It began three years ago when Justin and Shaun first laid eyes on someone walking along a taunt line of webbing spanning thirty feet across the gym. "It looked amazing," says the 24-year old Shaun. Now, each Monday morning you can find the two of them on the slack line, which Shaun describes as a "tight rope with one inch webbing."

They come to the gym to climb, but more importantly, to practice some moves on the slack line. Their only access to one is at Touchstone Concord. "It's a separate sport in itself," says Shaun, who admits that slack lining has improved his top-rope climbing abilities. "It improves balance and body awareness."

Shaun's favorite trick on the slack line is a hand stand, which he can hold for several seconds before tumbling down onto a crash pad. Justin, however, prefers a daring front flip off the line and onto the floor. Please be advised: these are trained professionals.

Not really, but Shaun and Justin are amazing to watch, and they have been slack lining long enough to offer some tips if you're thinking about trying to walk the line. "Start small," says the 21-year old Justin. "You will get very frustrated in the beginning, but don't give up."