Beginner Tips For Slacklining

“I started slacklining two weeks ago and still can’t get my balance and can’t seem to figure it out!”

If you’ve looked online or spoken directly with people who are trying to learn slacklining, the biggest frustration is usually the absolute beginning part when slackliners are trying to get their balance on the slackline and then actually start to walk without falling off.

A short slackline distance of 15′ – 25′ is a good distance to start with as it provides more stability on the line and less vibration that can knock you off and make it difficult to get your balance to start with. Figure out how long you can practice each session to learn without getting frustrated.

Here are beginner tips for slacklining in the form of questions and responses to each.

What is a good slackline distance for a beginner?

A good slackline distance for a beginner is about 15′ – 25′ between the trees or whichever solid objects you are using. Work your way up to longer distances as you gain experience and confidence.

As we’ve spoken about on this website:

A 1″ or 2″ wide slackline is largely personal preference as some suggest 2″ is better for beginners because it’s double the width whereas others say go directly to the 1″ width. Test each of them out if you can. If you’re unsure go with the 2″ width as it tends to provide more stability which you can certainly use as a beginner. A slackline length of 30′ – 100′ (10m – 30m) is expected for a beginner’s kit.

The shorter the distance of the slackline length, the more control and stability will be on the line. The longer the distance of the slacking length, the more the line can vibrate and the more frustrated you will be if you aren’t able to keep your balance.

A good quality beginner slacklining set for kids or adults will guide you in that regard.

How should I stand when slacklining?

Keep your back straight and your legs slightly bent. Always focus not on your feet but towards the end of the slackline where you’re walking to. Put your arms out at your sides at or above your head and use them to balance yourself.

Always to remember to use your arms to balance yourself rather than your torso. Use your head too both literally and figuratively: Keep your head back rather than allowing it to hang forwards.

As far as how to actually stand on the slackline, you’ll notice in pictures and videos that people tend to stand with their feet parallel to the slackline. You’ll find out what is most comfortable for you. Stand on the slackline but don’t try to push it into the ground.

You’ll work many muscles and your brain when you slackline so if you have a weakness in certain muscles, you’ll start to develop them too.

Check out my post on What Is The Point of Slacklining to learn more about the muscles worked during slacklining.

How long should I practice to start with?

Maybe you’re a 20 – 30 minutes at a time, 2 – 3 times per week person when it comes to practicing slacklining. Perhaps you would like to spend 2 – 3 hours at a time slacklining with short breaks in between.

Your practice time should be determined by what works best for you. While practicing for 10 minutes here and there won’t help, it may not be the best use of your time if you spend 2 + hours at a time if you’re feeling very frustrated to start with either. Sometimes learning a skill takes longer than we’d like and while more practice can help, at some point you might meet the law of diminishing returns.

Especially as you’re starting out, make sure you don’t keep practicing if you’re having a bad day and can’t seem to make things work. Stop practicing and come back the next day to start fresh.

Should I use a top line while I learn how to balance?

A top line or safety line is fastened above your head parallel to the slackline that a beginner can hold onto for balance as you’re learning how to slackline. Many experienced slackliners will suggest ditching the top line and just going for broke and falling as many times as you have to in order to learn how to slackline properly. Sort of like throwing someone in the deep end to teach them how to swim but not nearly as dangerous.

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to decide whether or not you should use a top line while you’re learning how to balance. The problem with slacklining is giving up too early when you can’t get your balance, getting frustrated and then quitting. If that’s what you’re facing, you’re better off using a top line.

Short of that you can work with a partner who can stand near you and help you maintain your balance when needed. Over time with practice you will learn how to keep your balance.

Since we’re all wired differently and have different body types, the amount of time that it takes to successfully balance on a slackline will vary. So your method of getting there should vary too depending on how quickly you pick it up.

Summary

The important part of learning slacklining is to not give up too soon. Slacklining may take some time to master and even just to get your balance on the line without aid.

Also see what works best for you. Some people may absolutely state that you have to do things a certain way but if it doesn’t work for you, don’t do it.

Don’t overcomplicate things. Start with a shorter rather than longer slackline and increase your distance as you gain confidence.

Other things to think about are whether you will slackline while wearing shoes or while barefoot. It’s generally felt that beginners may benefit from wearing slacklining shoes.