Slacklining: What You Need to Know

Ever heard of Slacklining before? I have to admit, I had no idea what it was until very recently! Slacklining is essentially walking on a line off the ground between two trees (or other supports). This kind of activity is certainly not reserved for those who do performance arts and circus tricks on a slackline. All age groups and abilities can benefit from slacklining, as it improves balance, posture, central strength and focus. It is also fantastic for team building exercises in lots of different scenarios and settings. If you’re interested in slacklining, then this easy introduction will give you all the basics you need to get started. Keep reading for your quick, easy guide to Slacklining:

First Things First, What Is Slacklining?

Slacklining is walking, balancing or moving across a line that sits between two trees (or other supports). To be clear, it isn’t tightrope walking because the slackline is flat and thicker and the rope isn’t tight at all, it is designed to move and stretch. Because of the way a slackline is designed, it can be used in many different ways. Slackliners aren’t only able to walk on the rope, but they can perform various types of balancing, tricks, bouncing and more. You can even perform things like yoga on a slackline. Once a person is more experienced in slacklining, it can be used in a more advanced way with activities like longlining, tricklining, and highlining.

Tricklining – Tricklining is often called low lining which gives a bit of a clue about the type of activity it is. When you set up a trickline it is setup very low to the ground and is most commonly associated with tricks, jumping, bouncing and general showmanship of the line. You can use a standard slackline for tricklining.

Longlining – Longlining is where the slackline is set up to be longer than 98ft. The reason it is a more advanced form of slacklining is because the longer a slackline is, the more movement occurs and the more balance is needed. Usually, the rigging is quite specialist as well due to the need for enough tension on the line.

Highline – Highlining is the more risky side of slacklining and involves setting the slackline up really high above the ground. The practice is immensely challenging and also dangerous. A lot of focus and physical ability is needed. Usually, as the fall would kill the person slacklining, a harness connected to the line is used, although some adrenaline junkies don’t use one. This is never recommended. Another safety aspect of highlining is ensuring the rigging system is high quality.

What Type Of Slackline Is Right For You?

Choosing the correct slackline for your needs is really easy, you just need to think about what activity you want to use it for, and who will be using it. Usually, the different categories are; universal use, children, beginners, tricks, and longlining. Once you have an idea, check out slackline reviews and guides to get an idea of the kind of quality you should be looking out for.

Protecting The Tree

When you set up a slackline it is important you take care to protect the trees you use. This is especially relevant if you plan to slackline in a local park or public space. There are a few ways to do this. The first way is DIY where you use any relevant material (cardboard, old towels or clothes, foam or similar) and ensure that is placed under your rigging after being secured onto the tree with a clamp or something similar. You could always buy specialist equipment to protect the tree as well. These devices are usually specially made strips of material that you can place around the tree using velcro. Whichever method you use, it is always important to:-

• Ensure the tree you use is healthy and stable and is at least 12 inches thick.
• Ensure the tree you use has bark that protects the tree underneath, not a tree with thin bark
• Only set the line up when you intend to use it. Leaving it set up between uses can damage the tree and the slackline.

Protecting Yourself When Slacklining

Slacklining is a safe and fun activity to enjoy, however, there are safety considerations to keep it as safe an activity as possible. Key slacklining safety tips include:-

 

• Always keeping your slackline attended to ensure nobody trips on it, or uses it incorrectly.
• Always protecting the trees you attach the slackline to.
• Ensure the marks hanging from the line can be seen clearly.
• If you trickline, ensure your ratchet is backed up to ensure protection in the event of failure.
• Never let children or adults use the slackline unless they are fully aware of all the risks.
• Only ever use healthy, sturdy trees for support.
• Use clear signage, indicators and other visible or audible things to ensure other people can see the slackline.
• Never place the slackline where it could obstruct an escape or fire route.
• Never set up the slackline on a bicycle path.
• Always wear clothing suitable for the activity, IE no trousers that could trip you up, and no dangling jewelry that could get caught or hurt you if you fall.

 

Slacklining safety is always common sense, but it makes sense to be aware of the dangers when you plan to take part.

 

Hopefully, you now feel pretty excited about purchasing your first slackline or joining a slacklining class to get a taste of this fun activity. Remember to always follow safety guidelines as a priority, in order to have memorable, safe fun.

 

Have you ever tried Slacklining before? Let me know in the comments! I love hearing from you!