The post Easy tutorial to set up your first 1″ slackline kit appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>How to set up a 1" slackline
You’re interested in learning to walk a slackline but first you need to learn how to rig your 1″ primitive slackline kit, such as this beginner slackline kit from Viper Slacklines.
We have a post about most of the different types of slacklines you’ll encounter on your slackline journey as well as this guide on how to set them up or “rig” them as it’s known in slackline lingo.
- How to rig a 1″/25mm primitive slackline
This is the most common type of rigging method for beginner 1″ slacklines. All you need to set up a 1″ primitive slackline kit is:
- A length of 25mm/1″ webbing between 15m-50m long with a sewn eye on one end
- 2-4 steel oval carabiners
- A chainlink linelock / steel rappel ring
1. Slackline Anchors and tree protection
The most common way to rig a slackline is between two sturdy trees. When rigging on trees it is vital that you use tree protectors to not only protect the trees but your slackline equipment as well.
Tree protectors are all very similar in principal and are generally made of a long strip of durable fabric. Simply wrap the tree protectors around your trees at the height you will set your line up and secure it with velcro or string.
2. Connecting your slackline to the tree
The next step is to connect your slackline to the tree. For lines up to about 15m or low tension rodeolines it is sufficient to attach your webbing to the tree using a girth hitch.
To attach the slackline to the tree using the girth hitch method, wrap the sewn eye around the tree where you previously placed the tree protector and pass the ratchet through the sewn eye.
Pro tip: Once you have all the webbing pulled through you can fold (Taco) the webbing in the sewn eye to ensure that it comes out flat.
For longer slacklines over 15m or higher tension lines you will need to attach your slackline to the tree with a sling and shackle.
To attach the sling to the tree, wrap it around where you had placed the tree protector and attach the shackle to both ends of the sling. Then place the sewn eye of the webbing into the shackle and tighten the shackle pin.
3. Setting up the Primitive tensioning system
- Take your second sling and place it around your second tree and girth hitch it. To do this, wrap the sling around the tree and pass it through itself.
- Attach one of your carabiners to the sling.
- Next pull your slackline webbing across leaving a gap between 2m-4m to the tree.
- Take a bite of webbing and pass it through the chainlink, wrap it around a the chainlink a second time and attach another carabiner to it.
- Now pull the tail of webbing coming out of the carabiner and pull it across to the tree
- Pull the webbing up through the carabiner and back towards the first carabiner
- Pull the webbing down through this carabiner and back towards the tree
- Now pull the webbing up this carabiner and underneath the first piece of webbing
- Pull it back towards the first carabiner and pull it underneath the first layer of webbing
3. How to tension your 1″ slackline using the primitive method
- Pull the end of the webbing coming out from the carabiners and tighten it up as much as you can
- You can get two people to pull on this webbing to tighten up the slackline
- If you have a line longer than 20m you might want to add a multiplier to the system
How to add a multiplier to a primitive slackline system
Using two additional carabiners you can gain mechanical advantage and increase the tension of your slackline.
- add one carabiner onto your anchor below the primitive system
- take the tail of webbing leaving the tensioning system and run it down through this carabiner
- now take a second chainlink and add it between the tensioning system and the carabiner
- to do this simply pass a bite of webbing through it and attach a carabiner to the loop
- now run the tail back through this carabiner and start pullings
Video tutorial to rig a primitive 1″ slackline kit
They say a picture says a thousand words, well then you can understand why a video can describe this whole process of rigging a slackline much clearer. below is one video explaining the process of rigging a 1″ primitive slackline and below that a video demonstrating how to rig the multiplier.
How to rig a primitive slackline
How to use a multiplier on a primitive slackline
The post Easy tutorial to set up your first 1″ slackline kit appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The post Easy tutorial to set up your first 2″ slackline kit appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>How to set up a 2" slackline
You might have seen someone slacklining at your local park or come across a video of it online and thought to yourself “That’s awesome!”. But then quickly discovered that there’s more to walking a slackline, you first need to learn the basics of how to set up a slackline yourself.
Well I’ve got good news for you, you’ve come to the right place!
We have a post about most of the different types of slacklines you’ll encounter as well as this guide on how to set them up or “rig” them as it’s known in slackline lingo.
How to rig a 2″/50mm ratchet slackline
This is the most common type of slackline you can find online and is catered towards beginner to intermediate slackliners. Ratchet slackline kits such as this one from Viper Slacklines in South Africa are extremely easy to rig and are recommended for anyone looking to get into this hobby.
1. Slackline Anchors and tree protection
The most common way to rig a slackline is between two sturdy trees. When rigging on trees it is vital that you use tree protectors to not only protect the trees but your slackline equipment as well.
Tree protectors are all very similar in principal and are generally made of a long strip of durable fabric. Simply wrap the tree protectors around your trees at the height you will set your line up and secure it with velcro or string.
2. Connecting your slackline ratchet to the tree
The next step is to connect your slackline to the tree. With most beginner kits you receive a ratchet with webbing and a sewn eye on the end.
To attach the ratchet to the tree, wrap the sewn eye around the tree where you previously placed the tree protector and pass the ratchet through the sewn eye. Ensure that the ratchet has the handle facing towards the floor. You might need to twist it 180 degree to get it like that.
Pro tip: It is possible to wrap the ratchet around the tree multiple times before passing it through the sewn eye to shorten it.
3. Attach the webbing to the Tree
In your kit you should also receive a length of 50mm/2″ slackline webbing with a sewn eye on one end. You will attach it to your second tree in the same way as the ratchet side.
Sewn eye around the tree, pass the rest of the webbing through it and pull tight.
You can now walk the webbing towards the tree with the ratchet removing any twists or knots as you go.
Pro tip: Once you have all the webbing pulled through you can fold (Taco) the webbing in the sewn eye to ensure that it comes out flat. This also works on the ratchet side.
3. Tensioning a 2″/50mm slackline
4. time to start walking! Have fun on your slackline journey
The post Easy tutorial to set up your first 2″ slackline kit appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The post 9 Reasons why you should try slacklining appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>
Slacklining is a fun and challenging activity that can provide many benefits for your physical and mental health. Here are 10 reasons why you should start slacklining today:
1. Slacklining improves balance and coordination
Slacklining requires you to balance on a narrow line, which can help improve your balance and coordination skills.
2. Slacklining strengthens core muscles
Balancing on a slackline engages your core muscles, which can help strengthen them over time.
3. Slacklining boosts focus and concentration
Slacklining requires you to focus on your movements and balance, which can help improve your concentration skills.
4. Slacklining reduces stress
Engaging in physical activity like slacklining can help reduce stress levels and improve your mood.
5. Slacklining increases flexibility
Balancing on a slackline requires you to use your whole body, which can help increase your flexibility over time.
6. Slacklining improves posture
Slacklining can help improve your posture by strengthening the muscles in your back and core.
7. Slacklining provides a full-body workout
Slacklining engages multiple muscle groups in your body, providing a full-body workout.
8. Slacklining boosts confidence
Successfully balancing on a slackline can be challenging, but it can also be very rewarding and boost your confidence.
9. Slacklining encourages social interaction
Slacklining is often done in groups, which can provide opportunities for social interaction and community building.
10. Bonus reason! Slacklining is accessible to all ages and ability levels
Slacklining is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and ability levels.
So what are you waiting for? Grab a slackline and start reaping the benefits today!
If you’re in South Africa you can get yourself a complete starter slackline kit from Viper Slacklines or pick up the items you need from our online shop.
The post 9 Reasons why you should try slacklining appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The post Great Christmas presents for kids 2021 appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>Christmas present ideas for active kids, teenagers and adults
Christmas present ideas for kids
Finding a Christmas present for your son or daughter can be tough. You might be thinking to yourself “What’s a trendy Christmas present in 2021” or “What’s a good Christmas present for my energetic child” well we’re here to help you out.
The perfect Christmas gift for any age
A slackline is the perfect Christmas gift for hyper children who like soccer, surfing, skateboarding or any other sport for that matter. Slacklines can teach kids to concentrate and focus while also teaching balance. But they’re not only for children, slacklines are great for the whole family from kids right through to adults.
Slacklines are a great gift for boys and girls of any age. Not only is slacklining really fun for the whole family but it has also been shown to help your fitness and improve many mental and physical skills.
So what are you waiting for, get your child, teenager or loved one a slackline this Christmas and you’ll get to join in on the fun too!
The slackline we recommend for kids and beginners is the Active Line available in our online shop.
The post Great Christmas presents for kids 2021 appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The post Best rope devices for slackliners and Highliners in 2021 appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>Best rope devices for slackliners and Highliners in 2021
Best Rope devices used for highlining and slacklining
These are the best rope devices for slackliners and highliners originally designed for other sports and industries such as mountain rescue and rock climbing. These devices can be used in conjunction with one of the oval carabiners or steel shackles in our online slackline shop.
Assisted braking belay devices
Assisted braking belay devices are great for pulley system progress capturing, hauling gear with ropes and abseiling.
There are many different types on the market these days. We recommend the following ones for slackliners and highliners.
Petzl Grigri belay device
Edelrid Eddy belay device
Mad Rock Safeguard
Pulleys for tensioning systems and taglines
Pulleys always come in handy as multipliers and redirects when rigging highlines. They work great for multiplier systems for your tagline.
Most taglines are between 2,5mm – 5mm diameter sheathed polyester accessory cord which work great with the following devices:
Petzl fixe
Petzl partner
Petzl rescue
Petzl Oscillante
Rock Exotica
SMC CRx
Progress capture devices for highline taglines
If you’re already using a pulley to haul your highline tagline you need something to capture your progress as your go along. One option is using a prusik to capture your progress, otherwise you can get a progress capture device such as the following ones, the Cape Town highline crew uses a Petzl micro traxion for hauling taglines in Cape Town but any of the following devices should work great.
Most of these companies recommend ropes from 5mm-7mm and up but many slackliners have used them to varying degrees with double wraps as well as just letting it assist in breaking.
Petzl Micro Traxion
Edelrid Spoc Oasis
Petzl nano traxion
Best Rope Ascenders for slacklining and highlining
Anyone who has had to pull highline taglines over 150m knows that it can get very old very quickly. Rope ascenders are the perfect tool for the job. Here are a few good options to make your next highline rig a little bit more efficient and enjoyable.
These ascenders are also great for tensioning longlines in the park with pulley systems.
Petzl Gold Ascender
Black Diamond Ascender
We believe these are the best rope devices for slackliners and highliners, please let us know if we missed any of your favourite devices
This post contains amazon affiliate links to the best rope devices for slackliners and highliners that we recommend, clicking the links does not cost you any more it does however give us a slight kickback to help create more informative content in the future.
The post Best rope devices for slackliners and Highliners in 2021 appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The post The best and worst slackline tensioning systems appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The best and worst slackline tensioning systems
One of the most asked questions that we get is “Should I get a ratchet kit or a primitive kit?” and the truth is there is no right or wrong answer.
We will compare the various tensioning systems and give you all the pros and cons of each. You can ultimately decide which slackline tensioning method works best for you.
This post may contain affiliate links to gear that we recommend, clicking the links does not cost you anymore it does however give us a slight kickback to help create more informative content in the future.
Ratchet slackline tensioning system
We will start with the ratchet tensioning system because it is by far the most popular slackline tensioning system out there. It is mostly only used with 50mm / 2 inch wide slackline webbings but with some spacers it is possible to use it with 25mm / 1 inch wide webbings.
This is the tensioning system that comes with the Active Slackline kit that we sell and is the best choice for beginners and kids.
Pros
- Easy to set up
- Quick to set up
- You can easily get high tension on a slackline
- Works with 50mm webbings
- Cheaper to replace than most other systems
Cons
- Adapter spacers necessary for 25mm/ 1 inch webbing
- Can be tricky to de-tension
- Limited to about 30m slacklines
- Heavy
- Bulky
How to set up a ratchet slackline
Primitive slackline tensioning system
This is the tensioning system that we use with the lightweight slackline kit. The Primitive slackline tensioning system is the original method that was created for slacklining. It is still used and loved by many for its portability and low price.
It is also known as the Ellington slackline tensioning system.
Pros
- Low cost tensioning system
- Uses easily available parts
- Doesn’t require sewn loops or special weblocks
- Cheap to replace parts
- Can be used with a multiplier
Cons
- Only for slacklines up to 50m
- Requires a multiplier over 20m
- Damages webbing over time
- Lower breaking strength than other methods
How to set up a Primitive / Ellington slackline
Pulley slackline tensioning system
Pulleys can be used for both 25mm/1 inch webbings as well as 50mm/2 inch webbings. They are able to achieve incredibly high forces for tricklining as well as longlining with the downside of being heavy and expensive.
We only recommend pulleys for experienced slackliners, highliners and trickliners or professionals trying to rig extremely long lines.
Parts needed
- Weblock
- Pulley system
- Rope
- Grigri / Mad Rock Lifegurad / Edelrid Eddy
- Multiplier Pulley
- Linegrip (to softpoint)
- Shackles
- Ascender / Shunt / Prusik
Pros
- Can achieve incredibly high tension
- Can be used with any size webbing
- Can tension”any” length slackline
- Can be made with off the shelf parts from climbing manufacturers
Cons
- Pulleys systems require a lot of additional gear
- Pulley systems require rope and end up being big and bulky
- Pulley systems are heavy
- Risk of surpassing safe working loads of gear if you are not very experienced
- Requires extra gear to remove it from the slackline set up
- Complicated to use
- Pulley systems are expensive
How to set up a pulley slackline
Buckingham slackline tensioning system
The Buckingham slackline tensioning system is the most popular amongst intermediate and professional slackliners.
It does not require a lot of additional gear and is very lightweight and portable.
We recommend this tensioning system for anyone planning to keep slacklining for a while or wants to start longlining or highlining.
Parts needed
- Weblock
- Hangover / Rollex
- Linegrip / Slackline wafer / slackline snatch
- Soft Release
Pros
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Can tension”any” length slackline
- Only requires 3 small parts
- Dual purpose parts for highlining
- Really easy to use
Cons
- More expensive than other methods
- Requires a hangover or Rollex
- Requires a linegrip
- Requires extra parts to rig lines over 50m
- Requires slow release in system
How to set up a slackline with the Buckingham method
Rodeoline no tension system
This is by far the easiest method to rig a slackline and only requires one Locking Pin or one linelock or one weblock.
You simply connect your slackline directly to your anchor with a linelock or weblock so that it doesn’t touch the ground and you’re ready to start slacklining.
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Very compact
- No tension required
- Very quick setup
- Very cheap
- Really easy to use
Cons
- Can be tricky to get the tension just right
- Only for short lines
- Requires very high anchors
- Only works with 25mm /1 inch slackline webbings
How to set up a rodeoline with only a weblock
The post The best and worst slackline tensioning systems appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The post Best slackline to buy for beginners in 2021 appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>What is the Best slackline to buy in 2021?
We have our top two recommendations for slackline kits to buy in South Africa at the end of this post. Before we get there though we have a little bit of extra information on slacklines so you can make an informed decision before parting with your hard earned money.
Which slackline company should I buy from?
There are a lot of slackline companies around the world that are run by slackliners for slackliners. We highly recommend buying from them to support the slackline industry which in turn leads to improved slackline gear by those companies.
We also recommend to buy locally manufactured slackline products over imported products as it’s not only better for your wallet but the environment too.
Should I buy the cheapest slackline for sale?
The cheapest slacklines online are often slacklines being produced in large scale by companies that have no idea what the sport is about or how it works that are simply trying to imitate products to turn a profit.
This has sadly lead to slacklines that barely work or could potentially even be dangerous. We recommend that you do your own research on companies before parting with your money or letting your child get one one those slacklines.
What is the best slackline company in South Africa
We stock slackline kits, spare parts and slack gear by Viper Slacklines. Viper slacklines is a South African company started by two local slackers with the sole purpose of creating the best slackline gear in South Africa as well as teaching and growing the South African slackline community.
What is the best slackline for kids and beginners
Viper Slacklines Primitive 20m Kit
This is a very versatile kit that can be used for setting up a rodeoline or surfline as well as walking training.
- lightweight and compact
- Can be used as rodeoline, surfline or walking line
- Great for practicing to highline
- Great for walking practice
- Great for practicing static slackline tricks
- Cheaper than a ratchet set
- More complex to set up
- 25mm wide slackline webbing can be intimidating for first time slackliners
- 25mm can be sharper on the skin
- Steeper learning curve for walking
Viper Slacklines 23m Active Kit
- Wider 50mm slackline webbing is very approachable for beginners
- Easier to learn to walk on
- Softer slackline webbing which is nicer for tricks and yoga slacklining
- Easier and quicker to set up
- Requires less components
- A lot bigger and heavier than the lightweight kit (not an issue if you’re not planning to carry it around a lot)
- Slightly more expensive
The best slackline kits compared
Ultimately both of these kits are fantastic for both beginner and experienced slackliners.
For kids and beginners we would recommend getting the Active Slackline kit.
The best slackline for adults would be the Primitive Slackline kit if you’re planning to get into highlining or longlining and the Active kit if you’re slacklining recreationally or would like to get into doing tricks and yoga slacklining.
The post Best slackline to buy for beginners in 2021 appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The post The best connectors for slacklines, midlines and highlines appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>Slackline connectors for tricklines, midlines, highlines and more
Quicklinks, shackles, soft shackles and carabiners are some of the most common connectors used in slackline, midline and highline rigs.
We have linked to products in our shop where possible but have also included affiliate links to amazon for international shoppers as well as items that we do not stock.
carabiners
Steel oval carabiner
The most commonly used and versatile carabiner in slacklining and highlining
You can use steel oval carabiners to rig primitive slacklines or connect your slackline sewn loop to your anchor slings on short slacklines. You can also use an oval carabiner in combination with a chainlink to make a webbing linelock.
Aluminium carabiners can be used for slacklining but only if they are not used in the system as this would subject them to cyclic loads which they are not designed for.
Shackles
Slackline Bow Shackle
The most commonly used shackle for slacklining and highlining
The most common shackles used in slacklining, tricklining and highlining are 12mm Stainless steel bow shackles with a 25mm opening width.
You can use the bow shackle to connect your slackline sewn loop, weblock or soft release to your anchor.
The bow shackles are also designed to be used in combination with the Viper Slacklines Constrictor.
Soft Shackles
Soft Shackle
Example slackline soft shackle available from Balance Community, click to view it on their website
The most common soft shackles used in slacklining, midlining and highlining are 5mm-8mm button knot soft shackles.
You can use the soft shackles to connect your slackline sewn loop or weblock to your anchor or connect segmented highlines using an Inov-Split, W-method or Schroggi Split.
Quick links
Quicklinks are often sold under the brand name Maillon Rapide and the most commonly used ones for slacklining and highlining are between 5mm – 10mm Stainless Steel.
Quick links are great connectors between sharp climbing bolt hangers and rope anchors such as a Sliding-X or BFK.
Quick links can also be used to connect segmented highlines.
The post The best connectors for slacklines, midlines and highlines appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The post The essential knots every slackliner and highliner should know appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The essential knots every slackliner and highliner should know
Out of all the hundreds if not thousands of knots out there you only need to learn a few basic ones for slacklining and highlining. These serve as a great base of knots that you can always expand on. Think of these as your basic tools that can do almost anything while there are specialised tools that are capable of doing individual tasks better.
Overhand knot / Granny knot
The overhand knot is probably the easiest knot out there and usually the first knot that anyone learns how to tie.
How to tie an Overhand knot by Animated knots
Water knot
If you know how to tie an overhand knot you can tie a water knot. A water knot is simply an overhand with another piece that traces it. The water knot is a great knot for connecting two pieces of webbing and making slings for climbing or slacklining.
How to tie a Water knot by Animated knots
Figure of 8 Bend
The figure of 8 is one of the most essential knots when it comes to highlining. The follow through figure of 8 is the knot used to tie your highline leash to your harness. This is the same knot that climbers use to tie in as it is both strong and very easy to inspect.
How to tie a Figure 8 by Animated knots
How to tie a Figure 8 bend by Animated knots
How to tie a Figure 8 follow through by Animated knots
How to tie a double figure 8 by Animated knots
Frost knot
The frost knot is one of the best knots for making a fixed loop in webbing. The figure 8 frost knot is commonly used in highlines to connect the backup webbing to your anchor.
This video shows you how to make an overhand frost knot but the same technique is used for the figure 8 version.
How to tie a Frost knot for slacklining by Robinood
Bowline
The bowline, as with many other knots in highlining comes from the sailing industry and is one of the most useful knots out there. If you need a fixed loop that is easy to untie after a heavy load, this is the knot you’re looking for.
How to tie a Bowline by Animated knots
Munter / Munter Mule
The munter mule is a great knot that can be used instead of a belay device or descender when absolutely necessary. It is also a great knot to lower gear or tie off the rope from your pulley system. The munter mule is an easy way to tie off the munter to stop it from slipping.
How to tie a Munter mule by Animated knots
Alpine Butterfly
The alpine butterfly is one of the best knots to tie if you need a fixed loop along a rope and you don’t have access to the ends. The alpine butterfly is usually also quite easy to untie after a high load.
How to tie an Alpine butterfly by Animated knots
Fisherman's bend / scaffold knot / barrel knot / stopper knot / double overhand / poachers knot
This knot almost has as many names as it has uses. It is a really versatile knot, when used to connect two ropes it’s called a fisherman’s bend, when used to tie a rope to a carabiner it’s called a scaffold knot and when it’s tied at the end of a rope it’s called a stopper knot or barrel knot.
How to tie a double fisherman’s bend by Animated knots
How to tie a poachers knot / scaffold knot / barrel knot by Animated knots
Let us know if we’ve missed any other knots that you frequently use when highlining or slacklining. You ca get in touch via our social channels or our Contact page.
The post The essential knots every slackliner and highliner should know appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>The post The most important slackline terminology and slang appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>Slackline Terminology / Slang
A comprehensive list of common slackline terminology and slang
Whip
When you fall from a highline and get caught by your slackline leash and swing underneath the highline.
Send / Send IT
When you cross a Slackline or Highline in one go without falling.
Full-Man / Full-Babe
When you cross a highline, turn around at the other end and cross it back in the other direction without falling.
Cross
When you walk across a slackline or highline with multiple falls / catches or stops to rest.
Exposure
When you turn 90 degrees on a slackline or highline and have to balance back and forth instead of side to side.
Warrior
When two slackliners stand at either ends of a slackline and battle to see who can stay on the longest.
Crusher
Someone who does really well on a slackline or highline, or someone who is working really hard to improve.
Onsight
When you send a slackline or highline the first time that you see it and try it.
PR / Personal Record
Your personal best that you have done, depending on the slackline discipline that you do that could be length walked, biggest trick, longest highline freestyle combo or any other form of measuring your progress.
Humping
When highlines get to a certain length they can sometimes start to sway back and forth.
Surfing
When you swing side to side on a slackline in a surfing motion usually on a rodeo line.
Soft Point
Soft-pointing a slackline or highline means that you remove your pulleys from the system before you walk the line.
Hard Point
Hard-pointing a slackline or highline means that you leave your pulleys in the system while you walk the slackline.
This is a comprehensive list of the most common terminology and gear that is used for slacklining. If you spot any mistakes or would like to add to this list please contact us at info@slacklinesouthafrica.com.
This post may contain affiliate links to gear that we recommend, clicking the links does not cost you anymore it does however give us a slight kickback to help create more informative content in the future.
The post The most important slackline terminology and slang appeared first on Slackline South Africa.
]]>