Tricklining is one of the most popular forms of slacklining – there are dozens of stunts to perform and the only thing you need is a simple slackline kit, no expensive equipment.

And what's great on this activity is that it is still fairly new, so new interesting tricks with attractive names are born every day and you can even create your own! Here you can find a huge list of them, with videos, pictures and tips, organized by their difficulty. (and in case you also do pogo jumping, we have a similar trick list as well ;-) Enjoy!

Beginner slackline tricks



These are the most basic slackline tricks you can encounter – easy to learn, so you can start practicing them as soon as you learn how to keep balance and walk.

I have chosen a balanced combination of walking, static and jumping tricks as well, so that you can quickly learn the basics and form a solid base for the more advanced stuff. So let's start!

Turn around

Difficulty: Type: Walking An easy and fundamental move, essential for all walking action on a slackline. First video will show the basics – just walk a few steps, eyes fixed on a single point, then turn your head and body, and fix your eyes on some point again – do not look on your feet when turning! The second video delves deeper into the actual turning technique – a few slackliners explain what is their favorite method. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video turn Learn To Walk A Slackline How to slackline Walking a Slackline Sol Steerin #Slackline

Watch this video on YouTube More detailed: How to turn on a slackline

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Walking backwards

Difficulty: Type: Walking The first advanced walking style is moving backwards – quite easy to do, just follow some basic advice: As always, do not look under your feet – after some practice, you'll be able to place them on the right place automatically and without looking. Also, keep your core tight and straighten, do not bend (see the video). Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video SL Lessons: Walking Backwards

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Tree

Difficulty: Type: Static I'll have chosen also some easy static tricks for beginners – for the Tree (originally a Yoga pose), you don't even have to know how to walk on slackline, just how to keep balance on one foot. Remember, the key to all static poses is to keep your body as still and calm as possible – so try not to shake or press too much against the line. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Sitting down

Difficulty: Type: Static And here we have another quite easy static pose: You start on the line, get into a squat, then move one leg forward and sit down. You can then stay with one feet in the air, or put both feet on the line and continue to keep balance just using your arms. Afterwards, you can get up using the Seated mount or, after you learn it, the Pistol mount for example. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline sit down

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Seated mount

Difficulty: Type: Mount A classic mounting technique, also called a sit start. You start sitting on the line with both feet on it (the closer they are to your body, the easier it is), rock yourself backwards and then lean forward and get up without using your hands for support. This can be a little difficult, so practise just sitting on the line first. Also, make sure the slackline doesn't run directly under your tail bone (which can be painful), but rather slightly to one side. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

Watch this video on YouTube Slackline Challenge #2 – Sit start

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Bounce walk

Difficulty: Type: Walking, Jump A playful and funny type of walking – as you can see in the first video, you can start with only small jumps on both feet, then try them on just one leg. There are no strict rules, just bounce along the line as you like, forwards or backwards. After mastering that, try higher and longer jumps (second video) and finally, you can even do Lemur leaps all the way across the slackline. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline Bounce

Watch this video on YouTube Moonlight Beach Trick Session

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Vertical jump (Ollie)

Difficulty: Type: Jump Air tricks are probably the most attractive, so we'll certainly include them in our repertoire. Your first one of these would be a simple jump above the line: Push your weight down onto the slackline and then utilize its power to throw you up (you can bend your knees while in the air). And while landing, start with putting your feet sideways. After you master that, you can try landing with your feet inline, or add a 180°, 360° or 540° spin. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Line snap

Difficulty: Type: Jump Also one of the easiest jumps. The beginning is the same as with Vertical, but instead of jumping upwards, you slide your feet from the line in opposite directions – which makes it "snap". Afterwards, you land with your feet sideways (again, you can try inline later). Some advanced variations of this trick include multiple snaps in a row, doing it on just one foot or even walking the line using just line snaps. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Advanced slackline tricks



After you master the basic stunts, it is time to proceed to more challenging tricks. Bouncing, jumps, new types of mounts and also some more advanced static poses – all of that is waiting for you!

Front flip dismount

Difficulty: Type: Jump The first and easiest of the large flip family, I guess you have already tried it on trampoline or into water. It's quite easy (you can watch the second video for some tips), just be careful not to put too much power into the jump as you can easily rotate too much and fall on your face (third video). Also use some protective mats for your first tries. You can make the flip parallel with the line or perpendicular, the choice is yours. This move is essential for getting into the flips category (you can continue with Backflip dismount or FF landing on the line), but also provides you with an effective way how to exit the line. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline Frontflip out

Watch this video on YouTube Tips how to do a front flip: How To Front Flip – Safe Easy Steps For Good Flips – Beginner to Expert Instructions w/ EXOcontralto

Watch this video on YouTube Be careful not to rotate too much: slackline front flip pain

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Front lever

Difficulty: Type: Static An elbow lever from gymnastics, in tricklining called the Front lever more often – balancing on your arms while keeping your body straight in a horizontal line. It requires a good deal of both balance and strength, so start practicing on the ground, then switch to the line (but still starting from the ground) and finally start in the standing position on the line. You can also try various tilts with your body and legs, instead of just staying still (see the second video) – or even do it inline with the line (third video). And after you master that, the insane one handed version is waiting for you! Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

Watch this video on YouTube Add some variations to the pose: One Legged Slackline Surfing

Watch this video on YouTube Inline elbow lever: Slackline, Jumps and Tricks by Daniel Mauser

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Crow

Difficulty: Type: Static Another static trick with high demands on your balance skills and strength, so it may be a good idea to starting practicing it on the ground first. After you develop your arm strength, move onto the line and continue. And after you really master this pose, you can even combine it with the Front lever for example – and switch from one position to the other. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Butt bounce

Difficulty: Type: Bounce One of the most popular stunts, easily linkable with many others. During the true Butt bounce, you don't use your feet to get back on the line (just touching the ground with your heels is ok and even inevitable, unless you set the line really high) – but that can be difficult to learn. So I would advise you to start with easier versions of this trick – mounting using Butt bounce, the Sticky bounce and then the original BB using one or both legs to help you get back on the line (see the video). Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video The Butt Bounce | Trick in a Minute | Episode 1 | Slackline Industries

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Knee bounce

Difficulty: Type: Bounce A more difficult type of bounce – it may look quite scary at first, so you may want to try starting from lower positions (like knee-bend) first, and do the true knee bounce from standing position later. You can also start with a Kneeling mount and instead of standing up normally, practise the bounce. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Butt bounce mount

Difficulty: Type: Mount, Bounce The last piece to our Butt bounce puzzle – this time it's a mounting technique. Run along the line, jump and land on your butt on the slackline. Use your hands to keep balance during the bounce and while getting into the standing position. It will probably take some time to learn, however it's a dynamic and fun way how to start your trickline compilation (or any other slacklining action). Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Kneeling mount

Difficulty: Type: Mount The kneeling mount is a great move for improving your crossline balance and strengthening your muscles as well. This trick also uses the Drop knee positition so make sure you learn that first. The key here is to find the right spot on your knee where to touch the line – it's the soft spot just below your knee cap. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Pistol mount

Difficulty: Type: Mount Also called a single leg press, perfect for building up your leg strength. Simply place one foot onto the line (start with your stronger one and practise the other later as well), put all your weight on it and then raise the other foot up and in front of you, fully extended. The final move is a strong push against the line and you'll get into the standing position. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Space shuttle

Difficulty: Type: Mount If you are looking for a funny way how to get onto the line, this one is for you. Ask a friend to lie on the ground and then push you into the air using his feet – so that you land on the slackline. You would probably have to try it many times to find the right angle and also how strong the push should be – but I am sure it will be a lot of fun! Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Lady Bounce

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Lying down

Difficulty: Type: Static You start the same way like during Sitting down – get into squat from a standing position, move one leg forward and sit. Afterwards, start lying down slowly (keeping balance using your arms) until your entire body is in one straight line. Stay in that position for a while, and then get up the same way.. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline Trick Attempts

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Foot plant

Difficulty: Type: Static, Linking An advanced version of the Drop knee move – you start the same way, but then shift all your weight on your back foot (you can even sit on it) and extend your front leg along the line. It can be used as a standalone trick as well as for linking some other moves together. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Drop Knees | Trick in a Minute | Episode 2 | Slackline Industries

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Drop knee turn

Difficulty: Type: Linking Great move to join multiple tricks together and also not so difficult to learn. After you master the Drop knee position, all you have to add is a turning move on one foot – after that you'll end up in another drop knee and ready for whatever other action. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Inside drop knee turn

Difficulty: Type: Linking Similar to the Drop knee turn, but more difficult and (at first) quite awkward to do. You start in some kind of combination of a Drop knee and Foot plant and once you are ready, you make a turn and end up in a Drop knee position. Like it's easier version, it provides a nice way to join some other tricks together. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Buddha drop

Difficulty: Type: Static, Linking After you master the Buddha, you can further enhance it using this trick, also called a cross legged knee drop. After getting into the sitting position, rock yourself backwards a little and the lean forward and vault over into the final position. While it is an interesting static pose, it can be also used to join some other tricks in a natural, flowing way. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Playing musical instrument

Difficulty: Type: Other, Walking A real fun to do! If you play any musical instrument, grab it and try playing it while balancing on the line (or even walking!). Smaller stuff like ukulele or flute is easier of course, violin looks really cool. Other interesting choices include a guitar of course, hand drum, trumpet or even a didgeridoo. And I would really like to see a tuba or helicon in action! Plus, this activity gets an entirely new dimension on highline :) Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video ukulele slackline

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Juggling

Difficulty: Type: Other, Walking A funny and impressive activity to do on a slackline – you would probably start with this trick while balancing on one foot (first video) and later try also walking while juggling – don't haste, make only small, slow steps. Using juggling clubs instead of balls (second video) can be a nice variation as well. Of course, if you have never tried juggling, you have to learn it first – so watch the third video, a nice explanation of the learning process. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline Juggling!

Watch this video on YouTube With juggling clubs: Waking Slackline with 3 juggling clubs!!

Watch this video on YouTube Learn how to juggle: How to Juggle Three Balls

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Expert slackline tricks



And finally, the tricklining masterclass – the most powerful jumps and bounces, challenging static poses and intricate walking styles.

For your own safety, do not try these stunts until you get enough experience and balance skills. Also, protective mattresses or similar pads are highly recommended for some of them.

Aerial flip dismount

Difficulty: Type: Jump A slightly less known flip, but certainly worth learning. Instead of jumping forward or backward, you rotate to the side, making something like a cartwheel without hands, and land on your feet. As with Front and Backflip dismount, it's best to start on waterline, if you have such possibility. While on the line, use some mats for protection. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline dismount 101

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Buddha bounce

Difficulty: Type: Bounce A combination of Buddha sit and bounce – you start in a standing position, fall onto the line (crossing your legs during that) and then bounce back. Again, try landing a little sideways, not directly on your tail bone. It can be also used as an interesting start of a bouncing combination. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Back bounce

Difficulty: Type: Bounce One of the more difficult bounces, but it's also a valuable part of many bouncing combos and a real fun to do. While the first video shows some nice action, you can find a detailed tutorial in the second video (the key is to start slowly, from the ground, and gradually continue to the true back bounce). While bouncing, keep your back tense. During practicing, you can also wear a sweatshirt to make the landing smoother. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video The Back Bounce | Trick in a Minute | Episode 3 | Slackline Industries

Watch this video on YouTube Detailed tutorial: Tutorial : Gambit Origins "Backbounce" Freewalker/Gambit Slacklines

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Atomic butt bounce

Difficulty: Type: Bounce, Jump Here we have a combination of a Lemur leap and Butt bounce. It's better to start near the center of the line so that you land closer to the anchor – the sag isn't that high there so you won't hit the ground, also the line angle will help you get back on your feet. This trick requires a great deal of practice and precision – but you will be rewarded with an awesome looking stunt. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Chest bounce

Difficulty: Type: Bounce The most difficult and scary from the bounce family – but also a cool looking stunt and an essential part of all advanced bouncing combos. You start in a standing position and then dive onto the line, grabbing it with one hand and laying on it with your chest, stomach and the opposite leg. After the bounce, you can get up again, or continue with some another trick right away. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Mojo tap spin

Difficulty: Type: Combo, Bounce A quick combo using two Chest bounces – start with the first one, and then use your arm and leg to push off and do a 180 degrees flat spin into the second bounce. It takes a lot of practice to perform this trick, but once you get it down, it will certainly become one of your favorites. And after that, you can start working on the Mojo flat spin! Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Gambit swap

Difficulty: Type: Linking A challenge both for your arm strength as well as balance skills. So in case you have problems, you can start practicing this move on the ground and then try it on a slackline again. And after you master it, you'll get a nice way how to join several other tricks together. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Somersault

Difficulty: Type: Linking One of those little gymnastic tricks we know from school – while easy on ground, it's much more difficult to do on a slackline. Start in a Drop knee position, then bend forward (your head next to the line from one side) and continue with a somersault over your shoulder – after that you can immediately continue with some other stunt. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline, Jumps and Tricks by Daniel Mauser

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Cartwheel

Difficulty: Type: Linking Another gymnastic move, also called a Bloody Stef by Daniel Mauser – proceed the same way you would do it on ground, just hold the line with both hands. You would probably start slowly (see the second video) and develop the full leg swing after you master keeping the balance. Bear in mind this stunt could be quite dangerous, so tighten the line a lot to prevent it from swinging to the sides. After you master it, you'll also get a great looking move to join some of the other tricks together – watch the third video for some inspiration. And finally, you can continue with learning the Bloody grab! Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline, new Trick called "Bloody Stef"

Watch this video on YouTube Another version: cartwheel on a slackline

Watch this video on YouTube In combo with backflip: first "Cartwheel to backflip" Slackinecombo

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Bloody Grab

Difficulty: Type: Linking An advanced version of the Cartwheel, basically on one hand while you grab you foot with the other. If you don't have any gymnastic experience, it would be probably very difficult for you to learn. But don't let that discourage you, train it a lot and you will be rewarded with such a great looking move! Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline, the Bloody Grab performed by Daniel Mauser

Watch this video on YouTube Another view: Slackline, Jumps and Tricks by Daniel Mauser

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Back handspring

Difficulty: Type: Linking And one more gymnastic move, this time in backwards motion. Again, practice on ground first (see the second video for instructions) and after you master it, continue on slackline. You'll have to adapt to several differences (for example the position of your hands), but just a little patience and training and you can add another stunt to you library. Also, it can be also used to prepare yourself for the Backflip landed on line. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Back hand-spring update

Watch this video on YouTube How to do a back handspring on ground: Gymnastics : How to Do a Back Handspring

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Plane walk

Difficulty: Type: Walking, Linking The first of the two crazy walking styles developed from a Drop knee position. It's slightly less painful and easier, because instead of that leg shuffling, you make a step with one leg and then slide the other over the line (shin is the contact point). During the slide, you shift your weight onto the front leg and lean forward, turning that leg's contact point from sole to the knee. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Drop knee walk

Difficulty: Type: Walking, Linking And here's the second crazy walking style. Again, start in the Drop knee position, then switch into a Buddha drop and start walking, drop a knee with each step. It may be a good idea to wear pants or longer socks to protect your shins, as this trick can be a little painful. Also, it provides a perfect way to link other knee tricks together. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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One handed front lever

Difficulty: Type: Static A much more difficult version of the standard Front lever – after you get into that position, raise one hand and put it in front of you to better keep balance (first video) or behind your back (second video). Again, you can try it inline with the line as well (third video). Either way, you'll be be probably able to hold only for a very short time, but that's perfectly ok, every second counts. This trick puts extremely high demand on your strength, but once you accomplish it, you'll have a really cool looking stunt in your arsenal. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Moonlight Beach Trick Session

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Watch this video on YouTube Inline one handed elbow lever: Slackline, Jumps and Tricks by Daniel Mauser

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Plane

Difficulty: Type: Static Another trick that starts in the Drop knee position – once you get into it, lower your front knee down to the line, lean on it and start straightening your back leg. Lower your head and extend your arms out to the sides. The line should run under the knee and shin of your front leg, and the back leg should be as straight as possible.. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Origami

Difficulty: Type: Static Origami is a difficult but really cool looking move – basically you fold yourself into a crossline variation of a Buddha position. Again, start practicing it on the ground and that move onto the line. When getting up, you just unfold your body the same way. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video slackline tricks

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Handstand

Difficulty: Type: Static One of the most advanced static poses. It can be dangerous as well, so start on slackline after you can do a handstand on ground without any problems. Do not hurry, start from ground (second video) and switch to the line-start (first video) later. Use some mats or similar protection under the line in case you fall, you can also ask a friend (or two) to give you a helping hand during your first tries. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline, Handstands Slowmotion, Drip Drop Surfing, Buttbounces and Yokohama BB by 000Slacker000

Watch this video on YouTube Starting from ground Slackline Handstands

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Extreme slackline tricks



This section is rather a subcategory of the expert tricks – the most crazy and difficult ones. To master these, one has to acquire a truly exceptional strength and balance skill!

Fearless – buttflip to chestbounce

Difficulty: Type: Combo, Bounce An impressive move, first landed by Brenden Gebhart (first repeats by Alex Mason and Andy Lewis). You start in a standing position, dive into a Butt bounce and then do a full front flip and land using a Chest bounce. And after that, you can continue with some other combos right away (see the video). Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video The Line King IV: Obsession to Progression

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Back magic – back bounce, backflip, back bounce

Difficulty: Type: Combo, Bounce Joining two already really difficult moves together by a backflip, that's just sick. You start by falling into a Back bounce, then use a backflip into a second BackB, and finally into a standing position. First landed by Andy Lewis in August 2012, not using padding when practicing (see the beginning of the video)! I guess you would rather want to use some… Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Slackline: Quest for Back Magic

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Splits

Difficulty: Type: Static An impressive pose to do on slackline, however you'll probably spend a lot of time just stretching your muscles and training it on ground (watch the third video for some tips). It's possible to try both normal and straddle splits position. Start in a standing position on the line, spread your legs and bend one knee slightly (see the first video), then start getting lower and lower slowly, until you finally reach the desired pose. If that's too difficult for you, try another technique – get into a Foot plant first and then straighten your back leg behind you. Also, try to stay as long as you can in the pose – like in the second video. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video WettenDass? Daniel Mauser, Spagat auf 2,5cm breitem Band!

Watch this video on YouTube Staying longer in position: Long Split auf der Slackline!

Watch this video on YouTube Tutorial how to do splits: splits3 How to Do the Splits Quick

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Double backflip landing on the line

Difficulty: Type: Jump The ultimate flip, what more should I say… Similar to the insane Double backflip dismount, but the different landing requirement makes it much more difficult. Till this day, there has not been any successful attempt (landed on feet) – so when you see somebody perform this monster trick, let me know! The video is Andy Lewis' DBF dismount attempt from ISPO 2010, I think it provides a nice illustration. Show Video Show Video Hide Video Hide Video Andy Lewis Slackline Double Backflip Attempt

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Thank You List



The encyclopedia would not exist without dozens of great videos filmed by passionate slackliners – I would like to extend a very heartfelt thank you to all of them!

Written by Stepan Hrouda