10 tips for your first steps on a slackline

For most people, walking a slackline is an entirely new kind of movement. The most important thing at the beginning is strong determination and the will not to give up after the first unsuccessful attempts. The following tips will help you get through your first steps faster :)

1. Choose a suitable slackline kit. Our article How to choose a slackline kit or this video will help you.
2. To start with, rig the line really short – just a few metres – and not too high. Knee height is quite enough.
3. Don’t look down at your feet. You’ll get better stability by focusing on one fixed point at the end of the line.
4. Learn to stand on the line in the basic position: knees slightly bent, hands raised above your head, back straight.
5. Try to keep your balance with your arms and hips, while keeping your head and chest as still as possible.
6. When the line suddenly starts swinging, it helps to lower your centre of gravity. This stabilises your body, helps you regain your balance and lets your legs absorb the swings better.
7. Use all your muscles to stay on the line and try to keep your balance for as long as possible. That’s the only way to make quick progress and strengthen your body.
8. Start with basic tricks as soon as possible. Sit starts, sitting down, turning around and walking backwards will improve your skills much faster than just walking the line the regular way.
9. You’ll get the most out of group sessions with your friends – they can teach you new tricks and skills.
10. Slackline is a social thing :)