Slacklining is a fun and challenging sport that involves walking and balancing on a flexible piece of webbing tensioned between two anchor points. It’s a great way to improve your balance, focus, and coordination while enjoying the great outdoors. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced slackliner, here are 13 things you can do on a slackline to challenge yourself and improve your skills.
It’s important to note that slackline tricks are advanced moves and should only be attempted once you’ve developed good balance and control on the slackline. With patience and practice, you can master these and other slackline tricks and take your slacklining skills to the next level!
I am recording my journey learning to slackline as I go from absolute beginner to doing a backflip on the line. I’ll also be learning all of the skills below along the way.
Basic Balance
The first thing to do on a slackline is to practice basic balance. Find a comfortable position on the slackline, and try to maintain your balance without falling off. Keep your arms outstretched to help with balance. This may seem easy at first, but as you progress, you can try to close your eyes or stand on one foot to increase the difficulty. With practice, you will be able to maintain your balance on the slackline for longer periods.
Walking
Once you’ve mastered basic balance, try walking on the slackline. Start by taking small steps and gradually increase the distance you travel. Keep your eyes focused on a fixed point ahead of you, and engage your core muscles to maintain your balance. You can also try walking backwards or turning around on the slackline.
Jumping
Jumping on a slackline is a fun and challenging activity. Start by jumping in place, making sure to land softly on the webbing to maintain your balance. Then, try jumping forward or backward, and vary the height and distance of your jumps. You can also try doing 180-degree jumps or even 360-degree jumps, which involve spinning around in mid-air before landing back on the slackline.
Sitting
Sitting on the slackline is a great way to rest and catch your breath. To do this, sit down on the webbing and try to maintain your balance without falling off. This requires a lot of core strength and balance, so start by sitting down for just a few seconds and gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable.
Kneeling
Kneeling on the slackline is another way to challenge your balance. Start by kneeling with one knee and then try kneeling with both knees. Keep your core engaged and use your arms to help with balance.
Standing on One Leg
Once you’ve mastered standing on both legs, try standing on one leg. This will require a lot more focus and balance. Start by standing on one leg for just a few seconds and gradually increase the time as you get more comfortable.
Lunges
Lunges on a slackline are a great way to work your legs and core. Start by taking a lunge step forward and then return to the starting position. Repeat with the other leg. Make sure to keep your core engaged and maintain your balance throughout the movement.
High Knees
High knees on a slackline are a great way to work your leg muscles and improve your balance. Start by lifting one knee up to your chest and then lowering it back down. Repeat with the other leg. Try to maintain your balance and avoid swinging your arms for momentum.
Butt Bounces
Butt bounces on a slackline are a fun way to challenge your balance and coordination. Start by sitting down on the slackline and then bounce up and down using your butt. Try to maintain your balance and avoid bouncing too high or losing control.
Yoga Poses
Yoga poses on a slackline are a great way to combine balance and mindfulness. Try doing tree pose, warrior pose, or downward dog on the slackline. These poses require a lot of focus and balance, so start with the easier ones and gradually work your way up to more challenging poses.
Handstands
Handstands on a slackline are a challenging and impressive feat. Start by doing a wall-assisted handstand to get comfortable with the movement, and then try doing a freestanding handstand on the slackline. Keep your core engaged and use your hands and arms to maintain your balance.
Slackline Tricks
Once you’ve mastered the basics, try learning some slackline tricks like the chest bounce, the butt bounce 360, or the surfing position.
Chest bounce
This trick involves bouncing the slackline off your chest while walking. To do this, take a step and bounce the slackline up with your chest as you lift your other foot off the line. Then, step down on the other side of the slackline and repeat.
Butt bounce 360
This trick involves bouncing on your butt and rotating 360 degrees in the air before landing back on the slackline. Start by sitting on the slackline and bouncing up with your butt, then twist your body 360 degrees before landing back on the slackline.
Surfing
Surfing on a slackline involves standing sideways on the line and shifting your weight back and forth to simulate the motion of surfing. To do this trick, start by standing on the slackline sideways and slowly shift your weight back and forth to create a surfing motion.
It’s important to note that slackline tricks are advanced moves and should only be attempted once you’ve developed good balance and control on the slackline. Be sure to practice in a safe environment with a spotter or safety harness, and always use appropriate safety equipment. With patience and practice, you can master these and other slackline tricks and take your slacklining skills to the next level!
Longlining
Longlining is a style of slacklining that involves setting up a slackline at longer distances and higher tensions, typically ranging from 50 to 300 feet in length. The setup for longlining requires more advanced gear such as a longer and stretchier slackline, stronger anchors, and more advanced rigging techniques.
Longlining offers a unique challenge for those who have already mastered the basics of slacklining. The increased distance and tension require more focus and control, and can test your balance and concentration in new ways. Walking on a longline requires more patience and persistence, as it may take several attempts before you can make it across.
Longlining is also a great way to connect with nature and experience the outdoors in a new way. With longer lines, you can explore new environments such as over rivers, through canyons, or across mountain valleys. This offers a great way to combine slacklining with other outdoor activities such as hiking or climbing, giving you a new perspective and appreciation for the natural world.
However, it’s important to note that longlining is an advanced form of slacklining and should only be attempted by experienced slackliners with proper training and gear. Safety should always be a top priority when longlining, and it’s important to use appropriate gear such as a safety harness, a backup line, and a spotter. With the right mindset and preparation, longlining can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience for those looking to challenge themselves and take their slacklining skills to the next level.
Conclusion
In conclusion, slacklining is a fun and challenging sport that offers a wide range of activities to try. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced slackliner, there’s always something new to learn and explore on the slackline. So grab a friend and head to the park to try out some of these 13 things to do on a slackline.