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Guide to Becoming a Haunt Slider

Haunt sliding is an exciting and physically demanding activity often seen in haunted attractions and scare events. Sliders use knee pads with metal plates to create sparks and sounds as they slide across the ground, adding an element of surprise and thrill to the experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Understand the Basics

  • Definition: Haunt sliding involves performers ("sliders") using specialized gear to slide on surfaces, often in haunted houses or scare zones, to surprise and scare guests.

  • Skills Needed: Physical fitness, agility, coordination, and a flair for performance and theatrics.

2. Gather Your Gear

To safely and effectively perform haunt sliding, you'll need the following equipment:

  • Gloves: Durable full-finger gloves to protect your hands.

  • Steel Fingers: Steel fingertips to protect your gloves and hands.

  • Knee Pads: Heavy-duty durby knee pads with replaceable plastic caps.

  • Footwear: Sturdy shoes or boots with good grip.

  • Toe Caps: Steel toe caps for protection.

First-time recommendations:

  • Helmet: A must for protecting your head from potential falls.

  • Elbow Pads: For additional protection during slides.

Additional Gear:

  • Knee Sleeves: For additional protection for first time slides.

  • Metal Washers or Plates: A must for protecting your head from potential falls.

  • Sparks: A MUST for every single sliders gloves and footwear!

3. Choosing & Customizing Your Gear

You need to consider what works for you:

  • Gloves: Use durable abrasion resistant gloves. Ensure they fit comfortably and securely to allow for free hand movement to minimize the risk of injury.

  • Knee Pads: Ensure Pads fit comfortably and securely. Pads shouldn't be able to slide left, right, up or down on your knee.

  • Footwear: Ensure footwear fit comfortably and securely. Wear your typical shoe size.

  • Toe Caps: Find a pair from old boots 2 to 3 sizes larger than your shoe size.

  • Metal Plates: Consider washers or a smaller plate plate with enough room for sparking gear. Furthermore, large plates restrict hand mobility and agility.

3. Gear Preparation

View our How-To page for instructions on putting together your new gear.

4. Physical Preparation

To safely and effectively perform haunt sliding, you'll need the following equipment:

  • Strength and Conditioning: Work on building lower body and core strength to handle the physical demands of sliding.

  • Flexibility: Stretch regularly to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.

  • Cardio: Enhance your cardiovascular fitness to maintain stamina during performances.

5. Safety First

Before you get started, do a safety check!

  • Surface Awareness: Always be aware of the surface you're sliding on. Avoid uneven or overly rough surfaces with rocks, cracks, or indentations.

  • Protective Gear Check: Regularly inspect your gear for wear and tear, ensuring it remains in good condition.

  • Warm-Up and Cool Down: Always warm up before sliding and cool down afterwards to prevent injuries.

6. Learn and Practice Basic Techniques

To safely and effectively perform haunt sliding, you'll need to learn the basic techniques first:

  • Basic Slide: Start by learning to slide on one knee. Run, drop to one knee, and slide forward. Focus on balance and control.

  • Stopping Safely: Practice stopping safely by using your non-sliding knee or your hands to slow down.

  • Directional Control: Learn to control your direction while sliding by shifting your weight and using your hands.

7. Advanced Techniques and Tricks

Take it to the next level.

  • Jumps: Slide and pop yourself over obstacles (not people!)

  • Turns and Spins: Practice turning and spinning while sliding to add flair to your performance.

8. Performance Tips

  • Theatricality: Develop your scare techniques and character to enhance the audience's experience.

  • Timing: Perfect your timing to surprise and scare guests effectively.

  • Interaction: Learn to read your audience and interact with them for maximum impact.

9. Join a community

There's other out there!

  • Local Groups: Look for local haunt slider groups or haunted attractions that might offer training and practice opportunities.

  • Online Forums and Social Media: Join online communities to connect with other sliders, share tips, and learn from experienced performers.

10. Continuous Improvement

  • Feedback: Seek feedback from peers and managers to improve your performance.

  • Stay Updated: Keep up with new techniques and innovations in haunt sliding by attending workshops, conventions, and watching videos.

Conclusion

Becoming a haunt slider requires dedication, practice, and a passion for performing. By following this guide, you'll be well on your way to mastering the art of haunt sliding and bringing thrilling scares to your audience. Stay safe, have fun, and keep honing your skills!