Slacklining: the latest Aussie summer trend you need to try

Walking on a tightrope might not seem like the most innovative trend, but slacklining is taking Australian beach suburbs by storm. It's easy, fun, and requires little money to do.

Slacklining: it's the new summer craze. Source: Creative Commons

As the temperature rises, Australia welcomes its latest dorky trend - slacklining.

(Source: Slackline Australia Facebook) Source: Facebook

Slacklining, colloquially called 'slacking', has been around for a few years, however its popularity has spiked in recent summer months.

Social media has also contributed to the fad's popularity.

Slacklining involves walk along a tightrope, without the aid of a harness, and is usually performed a couple meters from the ground or, more often, above water.

It is also seen as a lower risk alternative to highlining, which is done over large crevasses and steep drops.

(Source: Slackline Australia Facebook) Source: Facebook

Slackliners can also get creative with how they travel along the tightrope; some crawl, slither along their back, or walk on their hands along the length of the rope to increase the challenge.

Slackliners can be spotted in North Ryde Common park, Glebe, and the beachside suburbs of Sydney, with most local parks holding weekly group meet ups.

"It's honestly the best way to meet new people, relax after work, and learn incredible new skills," Chris Wallace, a Civil Engineering student in Sydney who has been slacklining since 2011, said to Sydney Morning Herald.

(Source: Slackline Australia Facebook) Source: Facebook

Only time will tell whether slacklining follows the esteemed ranks of fellow dorky trend, planking.