How do you tightrope

Tightrope walking isn't just limited to the circus. It has international appeal! For a fascinating look at the cultural importance of tightrope walking in one unique town, read through The Tiny Russian Village Where Everyone's a Tightrope Walker. If you lived there, would you become a tightrope walker, too? Why or why not? Want to become a circus performer one day? You'll learn how to get started and what kinds of balance exercises will help you learn the skills you'll need to master the tightrope!

Did you get it? Test your knowledge. Wonder Words exotic fan taut strung stunt chasms unique acrobat poised trapeze daring canyon impressive defying storied entertainment experience horizontally Take the Wonder Word Challenge. Join the Discussion. Cole May 2, You need to put the video at and you can see the guy land on his face. Also, I would like to walk on a tightrope.

May 3, Looks like it would be tough! Let us know if you get to try one, Cole! Nov 17, That's right, lola, it would take lots of practice to achieve! Anneliese Nov 4, Nov 4, We think so too, Anneliese! It must take a lot of practice to master. Liam Nov 4, This is something I've practiced for years but have ever been able to do.

Jack Nov 3, We found that interesting, Jack! Thanks for commenting! Payton Jones Nov 3, I enjoyed this book i thought it would be garbage but really good. Thanks for sharing what you thought, Payton! We're glad it was better than garbage! We agree with you, violet! It may take many, many tries to master it! At the same time, a tightrope walker has to remember that the wire itself tends to rotate. Each step along the cable invites it to spin underfoot, potentially throwing the walker off balance.

To keep from falling, the walker must increase something called rotational inertia—effectively, positioning the body so that it fights against the wire's want to rotate. As any child on the playground knows, the best way to improve your balance on a cylindrical object is to stick out your arms horizontally.

This spreads out your mass and improves your ability to fight rotational forces, giving you enough time to correct your motions if you start to slip. Many tightrope walkers boost this effect by carrying a long balancing pole. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. By using our site, you agree to our cookie policy.

Cookie Settings. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article methods. Tips and Warnings. Things You'll Need. Related Articles. Method 1. Start with a short slackline. The shorter the distance between the two anchor points, the more stable the slackline. As the slackline gets longer, a few things happen: The tension in the line increases, making dismounts more dangerous due to the extra force; The height of the line off the ground increases to allow for greater sag when weighted; It requires more force to tighten it, which can be difficult with some tightening systems.

Place one foot lengthwise in the middle of the slackline. Starting barefoot is a good idea. Using bare feet will allow you to feel the line better and find your balance more quickly. Step on the line so that it runs from between your big toe and second toe back to the middle of the heel. As you improve, practice turning your feet and standing sideways, with your shoulders parallel to the line. Once you improve or if the landing is not safe for bare feet , you may want to switch to shoes since they provide greater protection when attempting tricks and landing.

You can mount the slackline at any point, but starting in the middle is generally safer, since it is usually away from obstacles you might hit when falling. The line is also lower to the ground in the middle once weighted, reducing the height of the falls. Practice from the same place each time since the slackline oscillates differently at different distances from the anchors. The wobbles are faster and smaller near the anchors and slower and larger near the middle.

But wherever you start, it is going to wobble a lot. This is natural; everyone wobbles the first time. Take a couple deep breaths and settle yourself. If you are relaxed, your foot will be less shaky on the line. Focus intently on a single point, such as the anchor. This will help you find and keep your balance. Resist the temptation to look straight down at your feet on the line.

Looking down at the wobbling line will simply make you wobble as well. Look ahead instead of down at the line. Put your arms out wide, slightly bent and keep an upright posture. Center your weight directly over the foot on the line. With one smooth, balanced motion stand up on that leg. Balance on one foot, while using your arms and other leg to help maintain your balance. Bend the leg that is on the slackline. Which location makes it easiest for you to keep your balance?

Stand on a pillow in a safe, open, soft area. Can you balance on one foot? Now put on a blindfold. How does that affect your sense of balance? Please call We encourage duplication for educational non-commercial use! Made possible by a grant from 3M. Educational materials developed with the National Science Teachers Association. How do high-wire artists balance on such a thin wire?

Why do they carry such long poles?