Slackline South Africa

Easy tutorial to set up your first 1″ slackline kit

antonschroggi — Fri, 15 Dec 2023 18:53:07 +0000

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.

Easy tutorial to set up your first 2″ slackline kit

antonschroggi — Thu, 14 Dec 2023 17:00:58 +0000

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.

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

Stick the end of your webbing through the slot in the ratchet from the top down and pull through all the excess.

Hold the webbing tight and start moving the ratchet handle back and forth to start tensioning your 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.

9 Reasons why you should try slacklining

antonschroggi — Sun, 21 May 2023 16:04:15 +0000

Slacklining in the dunes in 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.

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Great Christmas presents for kids 2021

antonschroggi — Fri, 03 Dec 2021 07:16:41 +0000

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.

Best rope devices for slackliners and Highliners in 2021

antonschroggi — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 18:14:53 +0000

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.

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The best and worst slackline tensioning systems

antonschroggi — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 13:48:54 +0000

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.

Parts needed

Single Ratchet kit

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.

Parts needed

2-6 Oval carabiners
1-2 Linelockers

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.

Parts needed

Weblock / linelock / Locking Pin
Shackle / Carabiner

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.

Best slackline to buy for beginners in 2021

antonschroggi — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 11:28:10 +0000

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 kit is designed for people who specifically need a light slackline kit for travelling, backpacking, camping etc. and for anyone training to eventually get into longlining or highlining since they both require a 25mm wide webbing.

This is a very versatile kit that can be used for setting up a rodeoline or surfline as well as walking training.

Pros:

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

Cons:

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

This kit is a lot easier to set up and has a wider and softer 50mm that is a lot more approachable for beginners and kids.

This slackline kit allows you to practice your slackline walking skills but also allows you to do more things on the line as you progress including jumps, yogalining, tricklining.

Overall both kits are great beginner friendly slacklines and you will enjoy either one. The 23m Active slackline kit is generally more suited for permanent or semi permanent slacklines as well as kids.

This is the best slackline for anyone getting into slacklining without a specific discipline in mind.

Pros:

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

Cons:

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.


Title	20m Lightweight Primitive Slackline	23m Active Slackline
Price	R1,350.00	R1,950.00
Add to cart	Read more	Read more

The post Best slackline to buy for beginners in 2021 appeared first on Slackline South Africa.

The best connectors for slacklines, midlines and highlines

antonschroggi — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 09:02:21 +0000

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

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

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

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 essential knots every slackliner and highliner should know

antonschroggi — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 07:18:35 +0000

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 most important slackline terminology and slang

antonschroggi — Wed, 17 Nov 2021 14:15:34 +0000

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.

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