Sticking to some slackline safety rules and good practices is the way to protect our sport

When we go out to practice our sport we have to consider some basic slackline safety rules and good practices. Using public spaces, we must follow rules of good coexistence, to protect ourselves, to protect others and slackline.

Slackline Safety & Basic Rules

Anchor Points

You should only mount slacklines on structures if you know that they are strong enough to endure the forces exerted by the slackline. Sturdy, healthy trees and reinforced concrete pillars are mostly a good solution. Check more about forces occurring in slacklines.

In no case should you fix a slackline to light poles, volleyball poles, road signs, handrails or similar structures. This one is a major slackline safety rule!!!

Trees

Slacklines should be attached to trees with a minimum diameter of 30 centimeters. Also, if the tree raises doubts or seems to be unhealthy, you should look for a safe alternative.

You must also always use tree protectors and never break branches to facilitate the setup.

Signalisation

Slacklines that match the height of someone’s eyes are almost invisible to that person. So if you mount a slackline on such a height, make sure to signal it to prevent someone from crashing against it and getting hurt. Wind dampeners are a good solution, the help you managing the line on windy days and increase slackline safety.

Pathways

When you choose a public space to set up your slackline, you should ensure you do not block any roads or path ways.

Surveillance

You should never abandon or leave our slackline unattended. If you have to leave for some reason, either find someone who takes care or disassemble the slackline. You might always be taken into responsibility if someone gets hurt on or by your slackline.

Backup

Whenever you mount a slackline to high tension (mainly tricklines or longlines), you should back up all metal pieces e.g. with a strong rope. This also accounts during the tensioning process. Although accidents are rare, you should protect yourself and protect other users of the public spaces.

Safety area

Keep an eye of other users of the public space. Especially kids or dogs can be pretty much unpredictable and run towards the slackline unexpectedly.

Authorities

When you are approached by law enforcement officials, security guards or police officers, you should take the opportunity to share good practices in slacklining. Explain why you practice this sport and that it benefits your health and well-being. Always stay polite to help spreading a good image of this sport and ideally prevent prohibition.

Education

When you find other slackliners who are doing something less correctly, you should approach them, sensitize or teach them how to do it better. It may seem uncomfortable and intrusive but you have to be aware that a damaged tree or an accident could mean the prohibition of slackline practice in your park.

Maintenance

Slacklines (specially tricklines or longlines ) are subject to great forces. In addition they are exposed to the sun, moisture and dust. Therefore you should regularly check the condition of your equipment and, if necessary, replace it.

FAQ’s