Slacklining depends on personal responsibility, consideration and an open approach to one another. These ten principles summarise what matters when we slackline together.
Share the sport
Talk with interested and critical people. Share your experience and help others improve and avoid mistakes.
Respect your surroundings
Keep paths clear and remember that meadows and public places are for everyone. Respect restrictions and leave neither traces nor litter.
Check together
Four eyes see more than two. Check each other's equipment and actions. Responsibility for your slackline remains with you.
Watch the surroundings
While someone is on the line, another person should watch the surroundings and intervene if necessary. Children, cyclists and older people may not notice the slackline in time.
Choose suitable anchors
Check whether a tree is healthy and whether rigging is permitted at that location. Trees should have a trunk diameter of at least 30 centimetres. Every anchor must safely withstand the forces involved.
Protect every tree
Full-surface tree protection absorbs friction between the tree and sling. Felt or carpet offcuts can be suitable. Kindly point it out when others are missing protection.
Inspect your system
Regularly look for wear and weak points. Apply only light tension first and inspect the entire system again. Are shackles and carabiners closed, the ratchet locked and all components secured?
Avoid aluminium and tri-loading
Use suitable steel connectors instead of aluminium carabiners for this application. Use shackles rather than carabiners with round slings to avoid tri-loading.
Back up metal parts and tensioning systems
Back up ratchets, pulley systems and other metal components with the remaining webbing, a rope or accessory cord.
Know the ethics and manufacturer guidance
Learn about slackline ethics and always follow the manufacturer's instructions for your equipment.