Slacklining: Taking your First Steps on the Slackline

Every day it’s a more frequent occurrence to find ourselves in parks and other spaces of the city with people practicing slackline.

Slackliners’ fascination with swinging on a piece of flat webbing takes them to a whole variety of levels while enjoying this versatile outdoor sport.

What is a Slackline?

The slackline, a piece flat webbing, is a balance sport that consists of walking on flat webbing anchored between two fixed points. Both the width and length of the webbing are variable, as well as its location with respect to the ground, depending on the experience of the performer.

The webbing is tightened at the end level, with an elasticity that allows for stunts and slackline games.

Where did it originate?

It comes from the Yosemite Valley, United States, where it came about in the world of climbing.

Its creation is attributed to Jeff Ellington and Adam Grosowky, who, in the 80s, started including it in their training routine. They began by using loose chains and cables; and later began using their climbing ropes to walk on.

What do you need to do slacklining?

It requires simple installation: there are only two anchoring elements, usually trees, and few implements.

The basic slackline kit features:

It might include an auxiliary line with ratchet and tree protectors.

Benefits of practicing slackline

Slacklining involves a mental and body work, which provides us with important health effects, among which we have:

Balance

Its continued practice improves balance, not only to advance in the discipline, but for any daily living activity.

Propioception

Walking on the unstable line continuously activates our proprioceptive system, allowing the body to respond quickly to avoid injuries, as well as increasing reflexes and strengthening joints.

Concentration

It requires maximum concentration to achieve body control.

Exercise helps us sharpen our ability to focus attention at every step.

Core and leg training

We improve the musculature of the lower body and help strengthen the core, whose main function is to maintain the stability of the body.

How to practice it

It’s an exercise that offers as many modalities and challenges you’re willing to face:

How to start practicing slackline

In principle, it’s suggested to use 5 centimetres wide webbing, with a length between 5 and 9 metres, placed at knee height. Make sure the ground is flat, to cushion in case of falling.

The anchor points must be resistant, choose trees with a diameter of about 25 centimetres.

By adjusting the webbing, you can tailor the training to your performance.

When climbing on the webbing, you should apply the following recommendations:

• Your gaze should be focused straight ahead, preferably at a fixed point for greater concentration.
• It’s easier to stand on one foot than to place both feet on the line. Move forward by taking one step after another.
• Keep your supporting foot and knee in line with your hip, pelvis and shoulders.

Position your arms in the shape of a cross and use them to help with the swing.

• Start from one end of the rope, as it’s more unstable in the middle.
• You can walk without shoes, but it’s better to wear flat rubber-soled shoes.
• Don’t rush it, it’s important to find your balance.

How to make a slackline at home

From now on, you can start doing slackline at home. I’ll tell you how!

First of all, make sure you have the necessary supplies:

Once you’re ready, find a flat area and pick your anchors:

1. Wrap a loop of webbing around the first anchor and connect a carabiner to the two ends.
2. Repeat with the second anchor, using two carabiners.
3. Connect the line to the first anchor, using the carabiner through the two end loops.
4. Fix the line holder and carabiner 80% of the way to the second anchor.
5. Structure a basic 4-carabiner pulley system to secure the line.
6. Stretch the main webbing and test various levels of tensioning.

On the other hand, if you don’t have a garden, you can always resort to acquiring a “ready-made slackline”, particularly if you’re thinking about indoor use.

Bibliography

1. https://www.slackline.es/
2. https://www.pasoclave.com/slackline-que-beneficios-como-empezar/
3. “How to slackline” A comprehensive guide to rigging and walking techniques for tricklines, longlines, and highlines. Hayley Ashburn 2013.

Related Entries

• What is Proprioception and how do you train it? We tell you in this link.
• IF you want to find out about the importance of balance and coordination in sport, click here.
• Avoid commiting these errors when training at home.