Who Was “That Tightrope Guy” During the Super Bowl Halftime Show?
Indianapolis, IN (PRWEB) February 05, 2012
Viewers of this year’s Super Bowl Halftime Show were treated to a spectacular performance that included thrilling acrobatics, spellbinding choreography and Madonna’s biggest hits, but millions of people across the globe are probably still buzzing over the young man who performed an impressive array of tricks on what seemed to be some kind of tightrope. It wasn’t a tightrope, but rather a 2-inch wide trampoline known as a slackline, and that was Gibbon® Slacklines athlete, Andy Lewis, introducing millions to this new sport.
Slacklining is the act of balancing along a narrow, flexible piece of webbing which is low to the ground and usually anchored between two trees. It’s not just for epic performances, but rather something anyone can do in their own backyard. Originating in the climbing world, slacklining has evolved into a cross trainer, family activity and sport all its own.
The global slackline market leader, Gibbon Slacklines has been aggressively building the community of slackliners by hosting competitions, integrating with school curriculums, sponsoring professional athletes and spearheading product advancements. Slacklining is now skyrocketing in popularity. Cirque du Soleil and Madonna have taken note of the growing interest and are using this new and unique sport to add excitement to their Super Bowl Halftime Show.
The world of professional slackliners is relatively young, but the advancement in the level of skill over the past few years has been incredible. New athletes as young as 13 years old are competing, creating new tricks and forming a new slackline culture. Gibbon athletes train year round and tour the world teaching the sport while competing for top ranks. Current world champion, Michael Payton notes, “I’m amazed at the speed which people are reaching competitive levels. I constantly have to push my own limits to keep pace with sport. ”
“Gibbon Slacklines provide a perfect mix of fun and fitness that is incredibly addictive. This is a sport that appeals to skilled mountain climbers, as well as families who are looking for a backyard activity,” said Emilio Torres, vice president of Sales & Marketing for Gibbon Slacklines USA. “We are thrilled to have the Super Bowl expose millions of people to our exciting sport.”
Gibbon has fueled the next generation of slacklining by making it easy and accessible to everyone. The 2-inch webbing and ratchet tensioning design make the Gibbon line friendlier to walk on and easier to set up than the systems of the past. “Learning how to dance with Madonna and her dancers is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Using a Gibbon slackline is simple by comparison,” said Andy Lewis.
About Gibbon Slacklines USA
Based in Boulder, Colorado, Gibbon Slacklines USA is the exclusive North American distributor for Gibbon Slacklines. Gibbon Slacklines are a fun and accessible way to increase balance, build muscle, and rehabilitate injuries.
Gibbon Slacklines are available at over 1,700 retailers across the U.S. The company holds slacklining competitions across North America and sponsors a group of athletes to travel the country introducing and teaching the sport of slacklining.
For more information about Gibbon slacklines or the sport of slacklining, visit http://www.gibbonslacklines.com
Note: Gibbon is a registered trademark of ID Sports GmbH. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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