Why Is It Called Slacklining? (Key Questions Answered)

Slacklining involves balancing and walking on a flexible nylon or polyester webbed line that is attached to a fixed point like a tree or pole at each end.

The name slackline comes from the fact that when set up properly, the flexible slackline offers a bit of slack depending on how much you tension it.

Below we’ll take a look at common questions people want to know the answer to when considering taking up slacklining and whether or not it’s something you might like to partake in.

Where did slacklining come from?

Slacklining is widely understood to have been invented if you will in the early 1980s in Yosemite National Park by climbers who were looking for a new challenge.

Having said that, it remained a niche activity for decades and really wasn’t until the early 2000s when it began to really take off in Europe. Now, many of the well-known slackliners are from Europe, Germany’s GIBBON Slackline is a preeminent slackline and equipment manufacturer and many slackline locales are located in Europe.

But slacklines are now being set up around the world and many countries organize local festivals too.

Click here to view an updated map to locate slackline venues around the world you can visit.

Slacklining vs tightrope walking

While the concept of balancing on a fixed object wasn’t new – tightrope walking comes to mind – the difference is that whereas a tightrope uses a solid line that doesn’t move much and you hold a solid pole in your hands to keep your balance, a slackline is very flexible and elastic and you use only your body and arms to keep your balance.

Let’s take a quick look at the difference between slacklining and tightrope walking given that the comparison between them is often made.

You’ll see that in fact they are not only very different, but one activity – slacklining – is much cheaper to partake in to easier to get started with.

Slacklining	Tightrope walking
The slackline is a flexible nylon or polyester webbed line that stretches, acting somewhat like a trampoline.	A tightrope is a solid line that doesn’t flex nearly as much as a slackline.
Slacklines are typically 1″ or 2″ wide and should be a minimum of 16′ (5m) long to be usable. More experienced slackliners may use lines that are much longer for a greater challenge.	Modern tightropes are typically 1″ wide and made with a polyethylene core and braided polyester jacket covering. The length can vary depending on the skill and experience of the person using it.
Slacklines are less tensioned and can flex and bounce depending on what you want to do on the line i.e. only walking, doing tricks, etc.	Tightropes are heavily tensioned and are generally used for walking only.
You use your body and arms to balance on a slackline.	You hold a long, solid pole to keep your balance while tightroping.
A slackline is typically set up at knee level off the ground but can also be set up much higher, over water and in other ways such as between poles or at the beach. A slackline can be set up and taken down easily. Thus, it’s very portable.	A tightrope is typically set up much higher than a slackline and a safety harness is used to protect in case of a fall. A tightrope is typically set up more permanently.
Slacklines are typically fastened between two trees, poles or other immovable objects. You can also purchase slackline kits that don’t require trees and can be set up in a backyard, beach, etc.	Tightropes are typically set up between buildings or other solid objects such as trees or poles.

What is the point of slacklining?

Slacklining is a recreational activity that tests both physical and mental traits including your balance, concentration, flexibility and core strength among other things.

While regular slacklining involves climbing on the slackline and walking from one end to the other while maintaining your balance, you can add to the challenge by increasing the length of the slackline, doing tricks or by setting up the slackline in different places such as at a beach, campsite or over water.

You might also attempt slacklining during winter for a different challenge.

What are the benefits of slacklining?

Other than the skills that slacklining tests that we discussed above, slacklining is a great reason to get outdoors and can be a fun and competitive (if you like) activity to share with family and friends.

Slacklining is also used during rehabilitative programs since it’s low impact and also aids in improving flexibility while also being a fun challenge for someone who is recovering from an injury.

Slacklining is also relatively inexpensive. A decent slacklining kit including tree protection can be bought for around $50 and up. You can also slackline barefoot or with shoes, your choice.

In that regard, the equipment required isn’t significant.

Is slacklining a good exercise?

Slacklining can be a great activity for a variety of different reasons due to the challenges it offers. Slacklining can improve your balance and coordination, strengthen your core, prevent back pain, increase flexibility, work your legs and aid in rehab.

It’s also portable meaning you can potentially take your slackline kit to different locations like the beach, park, campsite or forest for a variety of different challenges.

Ready to keep learning about slacklining? Check out my article called How Long Should A Slackline Be to understand how the length of your slackline can increase the challenge you face.