Is Slacklining Illegal? (Legalities and Rules)

Can you set up a slackline wherever you want or is it an activity that is regulated depending on where you live?

While you can set up a slackline on private property as you desire, some cities, national parks and other public places regulate or prohibit slacklining in certain areas. You need to confirm on a case by case basis because slackline height, length and tree protection restrictions often exist.

In some instances you can be told off by authorities for slacklining in areas that actually allow it.

Confused?

While your best bet is to check the local regulations where you plan on slacklining, you can also learn in general about what to expect and how to prepare for slacklining with the proper equipment so you can abide by whatever rules you encounter.

Let’s take a look at where you generally can and can’t slackline, legal issues to think about and other concerns you might want to consider in advance.

Why is slacklining often banned in certain areas?

Slacklining is generally allowed throughout the US in many public areas such as cities and parks but it’s not cut and dry. The easy answer is that you should always check the specific area you’re planning on slacklining in before setting up a slackline.

The fact is that while some locales do allow slacklining, you’re often at the mercy of the authorities you run into – police, security, park ranger, etc – and how they interpret what the specific rules or laws are. There are plenty of stories online about people being told they can’t slackline in a specific even though it is in fact allowed.

In some cases, slackliners get ratted out by someone who sees them doing it, doesn’t like it and calls the authorities even in instances where it is permitted.

A case of a local authority misinterpreting the rules or just vindictively stopping slackliners from taking part into an allowed activity? Who knows…

Where is slacklining allowed?

For up to date information on popular slacklines locations around the world (!) check out my article called How To Find Places To Slackline.

Slacklining is allowed in some national parks but rules differ and are often amended over time. Check with the specific park you’re visiting prior to your trip to ensure you know the rules:

• Is it allowed or not?
• What is the maximum height you can set up a slackline?
• What is the maximum length you can set up a slackline?
• What sort of tree protection is needed?
• Are certain times of the year prohibited from setting up a slackline?

And if you’re looking for different venues to check out for slacklining, take a look at my article called 8 Best Places to Slackline (You Need To Try) because it doesn’t have to be something you strictly do on solid ground in a park.

What legal issues should I be aware of when slacklining?

The biggest issue with slacklining is the possibility of injury whether to yourself or someone else who accesses your slackline whether on public or private property. The best rule of thumb is to remove a slackline in a public area when you’re doing using it otherwise it can become a liability if someone injures themselves by accessing the line with or without your knowledge.

Another potential legal issue regarding slacklining is if you damage trees or whatever other solid objects you utilize as anchors. While you should always use tree protection when using trees as anchor points, other solid objects may be damaged through misuse so it’s important to set up and remove your slackline properly.

And if you happen to use a tree that is too small and it snaps or otherwise is damaged, you might suffer both personal and financial injury if you’re held liable.

How to protect yourself legally when slacklining

Here are a few ways you can legally protect yourself when slacklining and limit the liability you could otherwise experience.

Pay attention to local laws and regulations – Many cities, states and other public areas are increasingly restricting slacklining opportunities or at least specifying what you must do to adhere to their local laws. Make sure you understand what is required of you before you set up your slackline especially when it comes to where you can set it up, maximum slackline height and length, and the use of proper tree protection.

Speaking of which…

Use tree protection – Always use tree protection regardless of where you are slacklining when you utilize trees. Tree damage is real and over time they can be seriously damaged from slackline friction which can lead to infection and eventual death of the tree in extreme cases.

If you’re slacklining in a public area and cause tree damage, you may be held personally liable for the damage. With the increasing level of security cameras in society, it may not be difficult to ID you even after you’ve left the area.

Remove slacklines when finished – As mentioned above, you want to limit if not eliminate any liability you might have when it comes to slacklining so don’t leave a slackline up in a public area that can be accessed by other people when you’re not around.

Limit access to your slackline – If you have a slackline in your backyard or private property, treat it like a pool, trampoline or other potentially dangerous item and prevent authorized use with use of your gate or fence.

Summary

Is slacklining illegal or otherwise not allowed in certain areas? The short answer is yes, there are some public areas including national parks that do not allow it. Given that laws and regulations do change over time, your best bet is to contact the specific park or public area you’re thinking about slacklining in and learning what is allowed and where.

Laws and regulations regarding slacklining do change and sometimes aren’t even necessarily known by the local authorities who either think it’s illegal when it isn’t or misinterpret the actual laws. In that regard, you’re sometimes at the mercy of the person in authority who you deal with.

Check ahead of time before you set up a slackline to ensure you understand what others before you have experienced and pay attention to laws and regulations closely.

Take a look at my other article called Slacklining Festivals Around The World to learn about how slacklining is celebrated in various countries.