Damian Cooksey Walks the World's Longest Slackline (Hardwear Sessions)

By Robin Avery

Slackline is a sport of balance and concentration. See Wikipedia.org for a full explanation of slackline.

Click on the video below to see Damian walk the slackline wearing a Mountain Hardwear Compressor PL Jacket

On March 4, 2007, Damian Cooksey walked the longest slackline on record in Pole Mokotowskie, Warsaw, Poland. The length of this slackline was 405 ft 5 in (123.5 meters).

Mountain Hardwear recently interviewed Damian on March 22, 2007.

What inspired you to walk the world's longest slackline?
Just too to see what my own personal limits were, it's not about breaking other people's records it's about finding your own personal limits and going beyond them. Walking a slackline is an individual experience.

If you could say something to our readers what would it be?
What's neat about walking a long line is you get to see other people push their limits as well as push your own. It's about setting the bar high and jumping over it. When you get together with a group of talented slackers you tend to vibe off of one another's energy. Basically, when we're really into our session 2+2=5.

Do you have any tips or tricks for slackline beginners?
For people starting out, practice at least a couple times per week for a couple of hours and be consistent, that way you'll make rapid progress.

What are some safety tips if you are going to set up a long line?
Anchors themselves should be backed up and made ridiculously strong with span sets, shackles, or steel carabiners.

-MHW

Important note: Make sure you protect the trees you are using. An article on slackline setup and tree protection can be found by clicking here