Slackline and lifestyle
1. A sport that unites
Even if you walk alone on a slackline, it’s a community activity that is often done in a group.
It is not uncommon to see slackliners meet in parks, in mountains, for the day or on small expeditions to have fun together!
To find slackliners around and near you, go to the section “Where to practice Slacklining?”.
And don’t forget to check our calendar with all the Slackline related gatherings, go to the “events” section.
2. Nature lovers
Often, slackliners are great nature lovers. What a joy to be able to enjoy magnificent places, while practicing your passion!
Simply in your backyard or in the park next door, Slacklining is also a good opportunity to take a deep breath of fresh air and clear your head.
Beyond the performance, the chosen spot is of great importance. Finding a nice place to setup a slackline is an integral part of the activity!
One of the main rules of good behavior for any responsible slackliner is to take care not to leave any trace of your passage. In parks, you should always read the rules, and use tree protections.
3. A challenging activity
Slacklining is a challenging sport. In its evolution, it is a practice that has always been taken to the limits (longer, higher). The quest for the record is a very present leitmotiv. Even if more and more, the aesthetic and artistic part take on a real importance.
For example, in 2015 , Nathan Paulin (FRA) broke the highline world record by crossing 403m, at the heigth of 300m. In 2019, the highline world record, set by Lukas Irmler (ALL) and Mia Noblet (CAN) was…. 2000m long. Surely beaten as we write these lines!
The Flying Frenchies, for their part, push the limits of slacklining by adding spectacular artistic touches while performing, such as installing a highline between 2 gondolas or between two hot-air balloons!
4. An unregulated activity
Until now, slacklining, which has gain lots of popularity in recent years, still does not have a official federation recognized by the institutions, whether in France or elsewhere.
So, in addition to the community of slackliners, some players help promote slackline on a daily basis, such as the Internation Slackline Association (ISA). It was created in 2015, with the aim of consolidating and pursuing the efforts of multiple national and local associations around the world. It has now become the international reference and source for the sport.
Without a federation, Slackline has not seen any particular rules develop. No specific regulations concerning the practice itself, the equipment (safety standards) or its supervision (courses / workshops) are currently in force (2021).
For more details on the « unofficial rules » established in slacklining and highlining, go to the “Safety” section.
The general rules related to the practice of outdoor activities are still applicable according to the places where you will practice. Ask about the regulations of public parks, protected nature areas (natural parks, etc.), or the requests to be made for installations that may cause problems such as very large and/or very high slacklines – highlines that may affect aviation and air rescue for example – ask for a NOTAM.
5. The typical slackliner profile ?
Originally, slacklining was an activity derived from rock climbing (see “Origins of slacklining”). Until 10 years ago, the vast majority of slackliners were also and above all climbers.
Nowadays, profiles are much more varied. It is not uncommon to come across slackliners who have never practiced rock climbing. It has become a full-fledged activity and no longer a complement to practice as it was in its early days.
In 2021, most slackliners are between 18 and 35 years old. Women represent about 20% of the community, compared to 80% for men.
In Europe, France is the largest community, followed by Germany and Switzerland.
Slacklining is also practiced in the United States (Utah, Califonia, Oregon) as well as in South America (Brazil, Colombia).
Read more on the International Slackline Association website.
