What is slacklining? A slackline is a length of flat webbing strung between two anchors for a person balancing on the webbing while walking, running, sitting, or performing tricks. It's taken off in popularity in recent years, and these days you can see folks all over the world slacklining in backyards, gyms, local parks, and campsites. A quick online search will bring up countless videos of people performing unbelievable tricks and some pretty funny fails.![]()
Well, for starters, slacklining is pretty fun! There are real health benefits, too. It improves balance, which is key to not only improving your performance in other sports, but the improved balance can help prevent lower-leg injuries to the knees and ankles by fine-tuning your ability to stay on your feet when the ground is shifting beneath you. It also helps concentration because you have to focus on the slackline and nothing else, a key benefit of meditation for those of us who have trouble sitting still.
Like any equipment, this can vary by the amount of use, environmental exposure, maintenance, and proper storage. These factors can make a slackline last up to 10 years or as little as 1 year. Make sure to carefully inspect the condition of your slackline before using it, and replace it right away when it begins to show excessive wear. Check to be sure you don't have abrasions, weathering, mold, or other issues (the manufacturer's instructions will usually help you determine safe levels of wear).
Like any physical activity, there are inherent risks to slacklines. These risks can be mitigated or reduced by following the best safety practices and knowing your limitations. The most important first step is ensuring that your slackline is properly anchored and installed. Keep it low to the ground, the actual height of the slackline won't affect your performance but the higher you are, the harder you fall. Allow yourself to progress before you begin trying tricks or other risky moves. Most people you see doing all of those cool tricks online have been practicing for years and have backgrounds in similar sports like gymnastics and balance beams.
Unlike yoga, which is undoubtedly good for balance and coordination, a slackline adds the element of dynamic movement that more closely approximates real-world conditions that you'll find in climbing. It fine-tunes your balance while helping you strengthen your legs and core.
Shop at CampSaver.com for Slacklines from the best brands like Gibbon, Slackline Industries, and Mammut. Learn more about a whole host of outdoor recreation in our ever-growing Guides section. Have questions? Please reach out and contact us anytime!
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