Slacklining doesn’t require a great deal of equipment but beyond the slackline itself, there are several items that you do require and a few others that you might consider to add to the experience.
While you can purchase a slackline on its own, you can also buy a kit that includes everything you need depending on your level of skill, age and desired slacklining goals.
The main aspects of a typical slackline set include:
- Slackline – 1″ to 2″ in width and a minimum of 16′ (5m) in length
- Ratchet – typically 1 or possibly 2
- Tree protection to protect the outer bark of trees that you use
- Top line to hold onto if you’re a beginner
- Carrying bag to hold everything
You can also buy slackline-specific shoes that we’ll discuss in more detail below but you can also choose other appropriate shoes or you might even choose to slackline barefoot, too.
Below, we’ll go into more detail regarding options to consider as you buy slacklining gear to get you started.
What equipment is needed for slacklining?
Other than the slackline itself, tree protection and ratchet system, other materials are pretty much nice to have if you don’t actually want them.
A top line is a line that gets added above your head directly above the slackline. You can hold onto it while you climb on the line and use it to keep your balance as you learn slacklining. Think of it like training wheels on a bike to help you maintain your balance.
You don’t have to use a top line of course and you might want to start slacklining and take your lumps by falling off the line until you can maintain your balance.
Tree protection is an important aspect of slacklining. It wraps around the tree and the slackline is then attached over top. Trees can be badly damaged by the friction and tension from a slackline and increasingly you are required by various authorities to use tree protection. So in that regard, tree protection of some kind is a must have.
A ratchet system is necessary to tighten the slackline and get the proper tension. A slackline set will come with 1 or 2 ratchets. Each ratchet can only hold so much of the slackline so having a second ratchet means you have twice the capacity when tightening the line.
One item you might invest in is a pair of slacklining shoes which could be actual slackline-specific shoes or other soft sole sock-like shoes with a grip on the bottom. Slackline shoes that specifically serve that purpose usually go on like socks, are waterproof and have a grip on the bottom to help maintain balance on the slackline.
Slackline-specific shoes tend to look like a combination of socks and shoes but are very flexible to the point that they can be folded up in some cases.
A good pair will usually combine comfort with functionality. They should be waterproof with a non-slip grip sole and be thin enough to still feel like you’re standing barefoot on the slackline. An antibacterial material is also desirable given that your feet will sweat and if you like slacklining over water, they’ll get wet too.
What locations should I consider for slacklining?
Check out my article called How To Find Places To Slackline for apps and maps to find permanent slacklining locations.
Slacklining has traditionally been done with the use of two trees as anchor points whether on public or private property. However you no longer have to be constrained by access to trees as before since technology exists that removes this requirement.
These days, public parks have poles set up specifically for use for slackliners and many permanent slacklining venues exist that you can take advantage of around the world.
Plus, you don’t even necessarily need anchor points like trees or poles since you can also buy treeless slacklining kits to set up on your property!
With that in mind, here are common places you can set up your slackline depending on what equipment and anchor option you choose:
- Backyard
- Local park
- National park
- Forest
- Beach
- Lake
- Mountains
- Urban location i.e. downtown area in a city
When accessing a public area, check ahead of time to learn what rules exist and if slacklining is even allowed. Regulations can change and while some National parks for example used to allow slacklining, some have either prohibited it, regulated it or now allow it in certain areas or times of the year only.
What length slackline should I choose?
It’s generally accepted that a minimum slackline length of 16′ (5m) is required but you can certainly go a bit longer if you like. If you set up a slackline shorter than this, it will sway more than you’d like and will be very difficult to master as there won’t be enough length to adjust and balance itself out.
Keep in mind that we’re talking about setting up the line to be that long. You could buy a slackline that is say 20′ long so that you don’t quickly outgrow it, but set it up so that it’s 16′ long. Then over time you can increase the actual length used as you gain experience.
If you go for a slackline length that is too long, you’ll also have to deal with amplitude which is the swaying of the line. The more it sways and the more your foot shakes as you try to get on the line, the more difficulty you’ll have.
Remember though: If you’re thinking of just running out and buying the longest slackline you can find and simply setting it up to be much shorter between two trees, you need to understand that the ratchet system you use can only accommodate so much on its spool. When you ratchet up a slackline, the ratchet spool turns and holds onto the excess slackline material but it can only hold so much! Once it’s full, it can’t tighten up any more.
Final thoughts
Should you wear shoes when slacklining? It’s a personal choice. Some people like feeling their bare feet on the slackline while others like to have waterproof shoes with a grip on the bottom.
Should you use a top line when beginning slacklining to help learn quicker? This is another personal choice. Some experienced slackliners will tell you to skip the top line and take your lumps by falling off the slackline until you get comfortable. Mind you if you tend to give up easily, using a top line may help to keep you motivated and positive as you learn how you keep your balance.
If you want to skip the topline, you can consider partnering up with a friend and lean on them (literally) or at least use their body to help you maintain your balance on the slackline as you learn.
Bottom line: Don’t give up.
Slacklining isn’t easy but once you get the hang out of it, it can be a fun activity you can enjoy for years to come without a great expenditure on equipment.
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