Buzz
If you've ever imagined walking on a tightrope high above the circus floor but felt uneasy at the thought, slacklining might just be your answer. Slacklining, an increasingly popular sport in the balancing arts, involves crossing a flexible, taut piece of webbing that's often just inches above the ground. Though we all have an inherent sense of balance that can help us achieve remarkable feats, getting on the slackline can still be intimidating. Remember the fear of balancing on a bike without training wheels? Now, think about how effortless it became. Walking a slackline is simply a matter of confidence and some practice.
Steps
The Essentials
Begin with a shorter slackline. The shorter the distance between the anchor points, the more stable the slackline will be. As the slackline lengthens, a few things change:
- The line's tension increases, making dismounting more risky due to added force;
- The line's height above the ground rises, allowing for more sag when weight is applied;
- It requires more effort to tighten, which can be challenging with certain tightening systems.
Position one foot lengthwise in the center of the slackline.
- Starting barefoot is a great choice. Going barefoot allows you to feel the slackline better and helps you find your balance faster.
- Place your foot so that the line runs between your big toe and second toe, extending back to the middle of your heel. As you improve, try turning your feet and standing sideways, aligning your shoulders with the line.
- Once you gain confidence (or if the landing is not ideal for bare feet), consider wearing shoes for extra protection, especially when performing tricks or landing.
You can mount the slackline anywhere, but beginning in the center is generally safer, as it’s usually farther from obstacles you might hit during a fall. Additionally, the line tends to be lower to the ground in the center when weighted, reducing fall height.
- Consistently practicing from the same spot is helpful because the slackline behaves differently at varying distances from the anchors. It wobbles more quickly and less intensely near the anchors, while it wobbles slower and more dramatically near the center.
- No matter where you start, expect the line to wobble a lot at first. This is normal; everyone wobbles when they start.
Take a few deep breaths and calm your mind. If you stay relaxed, your foot will be steadier on the line.
Concentrate on a single point, like the anchor. This will help you maintain your balance. Avoid the urge to look directly down at your feet on the line. Staring at the wobbling slackline will only make you wobble more. Instead, focus ahead and keep your eyes off the line.
Extend your arms out wide, keeping them slightly bent, and maintain an upright posture.
Align your weight directly over the foot on the slackline. In one smooth, controlled motion, rise up on that leg while maintaining balance.
Balance on one foot while using your arms and free leg to assist in maintaining stability.
Bend the leg on the slackline. Flexing your leg lowers your center of gravity slightly, helping you find your balance and absorb the line's movements more easily.
Keep waving your free arms and legs to help stabilize yourself. You may find yourself twisting and adjusting your body in various ways to stay balanced.
- Once you find your balance, gently return to a centered position with arms extended, knees bent, head up, and focus fixed on a single point.
Keep practicing these steps until you can hold your balance for at least 15 seconds.
Practice with your other foot. Once you've mastered balancing with one foot, try stepping with the other.
After successfully taking your first step, keep practicing!
Beginner Skill Progression Guide
Here are a series of small steps to help you improve your slacklining skills, gradually taking on more challenging tasks.
- Mount the slackline on one foot with a friend seated on the line.
- Increase the distance between you and your seated friend.
- Balance on one foot without assistance.
- Balance on the other foot.
- Balance with both feet, one behind the other, on the line.
- Take small steps forward.
- Take small steps backward.
- Mount the line sideways (shoulders aligned with the line), placing one foot at a time.
- Practice turning on the slackline.
Also, learn how to fall safely.
- As a beginner, you'll likely be using a short, low-to-the-ground slackline, so you can usually land on your feet.
- When attempting new tricks, the slackline might toss you off balance. The best approach is to use the slackline’s motion to help you jump away from it and land safely on your feet.
- If you’re thrown off-balance, consider rolling through the fall to minimize the impact.
Consider starting with "training wheels."
- One approach is to have a friend sit on the line a few feet away from you. This helps minimize the sway and bounce. As you improve, gradually have your friend move further along the line to allow for more movement.
- When you're beginning, you can help each other with balance by having a spotter walk alongside the line. If you practice walking back and forth while using a shoulder for support, you'll soon find you no longer need training wheels!
Advanced Techniques
Once you've mastered the basics, challenge yourself with new tricks!
- Try surfing the line.
- Mount the line from your knees.
- Start seated (on the foot that’s on the line) and stand up. Then sit down again. Repeat this motion.
- Practice yoga poses. This is tough, so do it slowly and keep control.
- Try jumping forward on the line, switching feet, or even doing 180s and 360s.
- Perform cartwheels.
- Try hula hooping while slacklining.
- Juggle while walking the line.
- Try a backflip off the line. It may seem tricky, but it's easier than it looks. Start on a trampoline to practice, then move to a dismount, and eventually try landing a backflip on the line.
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Prepare your mind before attempting this task. Although mounting the slackline may seem like a simple task, it requires focus. Respect the challenge and mentally prepare yourself each time by taking a moment to get in the zone.
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Master one skill before progressing to the next. If walking the slackline feels too difficult, focus on balancing on one foot at a time, transferring your weight, and gradually building up your confidence.
Precautions
- Slacklines are incredibly taut, so when you fall, be cautious about how you land and avoid being struck by the line itself.
- Never repurpose slackline equipment for climbing once it has been tensioned for use as a slackline.
- Take your time and prioritize safety. Always use the appropriate safety precautions.
- Even though slacklines might be only a few inches off the ground, falling can still lead to serious injuries depending on what’s beneath you. Begin practicing above soft surfaces like grass, or use mats or old mattresses to cushion your fall.
Essential Equipment
- Two anchor points
- A slackline
- A pulley, ratcheting system, carabiners, or another method to tighten the slackline.
