Slackline0 pages

SLACKLINE

Slacklining is a practice in balance that typically uses nylon or polyester webbing tensioned between two anchor
points. Many people suggest slacklining is distinct from tightrope walking in that the line is not held rigidly taut
(although it is still under some tension); it is instead dynamic, stretching and bouncing like a long and narrow
trampoline. The line's tension can be adjusted to suit the user and different types of webbing can be used to achieve
a variety of feats. The line itself is usually flat, due to the nature of webbing, thus keeping one's footing from rolling as
would be the case with an ordinary rope. The dynamic nature of the line allows for tricks and stunts. Slacklining has
quickly become popular due to its simplicity and versatility and its ability to be practiced in a variety of environments.

Setup The most common slackline setup includes two separate sections. The first
section is a long (10 M.–30 M.) piece of two-inch or one-inch webbing with a loop
sewn on one end, allowing it to cinch tightly around a tree. The second section is
typically much shorter (3M.) and has a similar sewn loop on one end, allowing it
to cinch around a tree while the other end of this shorter piece of webbing is sewn
to a ratchet. The ratchet allows these two sections of webbing to be connected
and tensioned to the user's specifications.
A more traditional slackline setup includes three sections of one-inch webbing:a
long section of webbing (10 M.–30 M.) strung tightly and connected to the two
shorter sections (20cm.–30cm.) that are called "tree slings" and are used as
anchors on either end. The most difficult and widely discussed element of a
slackline setup is the tensioning system. Common setups include simple friction
methods, using wraps of webbing between two carabiners, a ratchet ,a
comealong, a carabiner ulley system, a roped pulley system, or a commercial
slackline kit.

Variations
A special characteristic of slacklining is the ease with which the dynamics of the
he
practice can be altered. Using narrow (2cm) webbing will result in a stretchier
slackline. This allows for more sway in the line and can make a short line feel
substantially longer. Wider webbing (2 -inch) is much more rigid, often creating a
bouncier slackline optimal for aerial tricks. The tension of the line will also
increase or decrease the sway of the line. Weight due to the different methods of
tensioning will also vary the performance of a slackline. A comealong and a
ratchet will both add enough weight to allow the feedback from quick movements
on shorter slacklines to be felt.