Description of the sport
Free Running is basically a sport consisting of efficient acrobatic movements in a normal urban environment. One basic attribute is getting to one's destination in a unique and direct way. For example, instead of walking around a city block, Free Runners would go straight
through the middle using common obstacles to their advantage. The way one overcomes these obstacles is a huge part of Free Running. Anyone can walk down stairs or climb over a wall, but the ability to do these things in the most efficient way possible is the key idea in this sport. As tricks and techniques are learned, new paths become available and the precision of one's movements increases.
Parkour is another term for the sport, which involves minor differences. The main difference is that flips and certain specific tricks are not practiced in Parkour, but are included in the sport of Free Running. Because flips are believed to be less efficient, they do not play a role in Parkour, in which the goal is oriented around precision and efficiency. I both agree and disagree because I find that doing flips in the right situations can, in fact, be the quickest path to reach my destination.. Another difference is that Parkour is typically
non-competitive. Those who practice Parkour believe that competition will contradict the ideals they hold, making the sport a big 'race to the finish' instead of something one enjoys doing with friends who share a passion for the sport.
Free Running in SB
Although Santa Barbara is not the ideal place for Free Running, by any means, there are definitely some great locations in the city that are conducive to the sport. Most schools,
churches, hospitals, and playgrounds are convenient places to practice Free Running. One of the best places to learn and practice would definitely be the 'Kid's World' playground on Garden St. and Micheltorena. This playground has a multitude of structures fitting for persons at every level of the sport, with a layer of
wood-chip padding for security. Readers interested in learning tricks like flips should consider learning them on a trampoline or mat first. Practice is important! At least 2 years of professional training went into developing adequate skills to reach our level of Free Running. We take it one step at a time.
Dangers!
“I would kill myself Free Running" - anonymous onlooker.
would assume. It looks highly dangerous but, while maintaining awareness of our environment and sensitivity to our physical boundaries, we remain relatively safe. We did not develop our skills for Free Running in a single day. We pursued our goals and worked in order to achieve them. Although we have only been training professionally for a few years, these types of stunts our in our blood. One of the most important things to consider is one's comfort zone. To put it simply, if you do not feel comfortable performing a stunt, do not attempt it!
Free Running is an extremely acrobatic sport consisting of flips, jumps, spins, rolls, and immediate reflexes. Appearing dangerous, Free Running as actually not as high-risk as one
When we prepare to do something fairly challenging and potentially dangerous for the first time, we use advisement thoroughly and wisely. After we conclude that the stunt is technically possible and envision ourselves successfully accomplishing it, then we make an
attempt. It would seem that we would injure ourselves frequently, but it is actually a fairly rare event. We know our physical capabilities. So, by restricting ourselves from performing stunts beyond our level, we almost never get hurt. Thus far all of our injuries have been minor, to a degree where we could get up and continue Free Running. My statements are not meant to dismiss the dangers of Free Running because the sport is fraught with potential danger that could result in serious injury. This is true of many sports; it is essential to know one's own physical range to stay safe.
©2008 Santa Barbara Free Running. All rights reserved.
The stunt sequences shown on this web site are potentially dangerous and should under no circumstances be attempted or reproduced by any individual who is not a trained professional. Site Owners are not responsible for any injuries and/or damage to private and public property. The purpose of this site is to introduce to the public this relatively new sport. Be aware that the information in this web site may contain errors, omissions, inaccuracies, or outdated information.
