Review of my first slackline:

Slacklining has brought me tremendous growth through physical challenges and a connection to the balance community in Cape Town. Looking back, my introduction to walking on a slackline feels serendipitous. I met Anton and Dillan from Viper Slacklines at my friend Kai’s house, and the rest is history.

Not long after taking my first steps, I was in Jack Muller / Danie Uys Park and noticed two people slacklining. I simply couldn’t walk past and ran up to introduce myself. The following week, two Baristas outside Boston Coffee set up a line during their lunch break and we soon formed a friendship.

This connection between slacklining and social interactions helped to fuel my interest. Little did I know how far and where this interest in slacklining would take me.

Progress is not linear

After a years of making improvements occasionally when my path crossed with other slackliners, I bought my first slackline early in 2021. The 23m active slackline kit (50mm wide webbing) made it possible for me to set up a 20 meter long tensioned line low to the ground between two trees.

I developed my ability to walk forward, backwards, and stand in exposure. I felt comfortable standing up from sit start and chongo, working on static tricks next. Drop knee, double drop knee, and a seated buddha position. Each slackliner I met opened my eyes to new posibilites. Dillan taught me to butt bounce (dabbing with my feet) – persisting until I could bounce to my feet.

Review of the 23-Meter 2-Inch Active Slackline Kit

The slackline kit came with everything I needed to set up the line for walking and bouncing. All the components have lasted more than 4 years of continous use at reasonable tensions.

The webbing has less stretch in comparison to a Gibbon Surfer line. This makes it suitable for walking lengths of 20 meters without needing to make the anchors above shoulder height. It can reach high tensions for tricklining by positioning a ratchet on each anchor.

Pro’s: Affordable and long-lasting

Con’s: Less suitable for proffesional level tricklining

What Did I Buy Next

My next slackline purchase was a 50m length of 1-inch webbing with sewn loops on each side from Viper slacklines. Paired with a primitive tensioning system, this light-weight setup allowed me to walk lines up to 40-meters in length. Furthering my practice of the skills and techniques beneficial for highlining.

Beginner Slacklining Guide

Slacklining is a journey, not a race! Enjoy every step, celebrate your small wins, and practice often. Keep these tips in mind as you learn:

• Keep it Short and Low: Start with a line that’s 4-6 meters long and set the anchors about knee-height off the ground.
• Stand Tall: Focus on keeping your head, shoulders, and hips centered above your feet. Look straight ahead.
• Use Your Arms: Keep your arms up above your head with your hands relaxed and loose—they are your balance tools!
• Practice Makes Progress: Master the basics: standing, walking forward, turning around, and facing the line sideways (exposure).

Buy Beginner Gear that Lasts

You can buy a beginner slackline kit or build one yourself. The type of tensioning system you use will depend on the width of your webbing. Below is a breakdown of the most common and affordable gear.

Gear Item	Breakdown	Key Tip
Anchors	Slings are the safest and easiest way to secure the line. They are padded and simple to use around a tree.	Always use tree protection to prevent damage to the tree and your gear (helping to keep slacklining welcome in public spaces).
Webbing	You have a choice between two-inch (easier for beginners and shorter lines) or one-inch (great for longer lines and more of a challenge).	Most beginners start with a two-inch kit for learning to walk distances of about 5–20 meters.
Tensioning	A two-inch line usually comes with a simple ratchet in the kit. A one-inch line typically uses a more affordable primitive system (using carabiners and the tail of the webbing for friction).	The primitive system is cost-effective but requires 5-10 meters of extra webbing to set up.

Eager to Slackline Before Buying Your Own?

Learning to slackline? Reach out to your local slacklining community to join social days. The ‘sharing’ spirit of the balance community means your snacks and your presence at the park will be most welcomed!

If you want to join the South African Slacklining whatsapp community, send us a message with your details.