Slacklines Set Up at Retreat Yourself Festival
Viper Slacklines sent 7 slacklines to Retreat Yourself Festival in support of the ‘Journey into Slacklining’ hosted by Britt, Emma, and Laurence. Together, they created a dreamy forest space with 9 slacklines to share their passion for this growing sport. In addition to the workshop on Friday and Saturday, the team rigged a waterline across the river.
Slacklining Workshop at the Festival
Surrounded by green sweetgum trees, the slackline space proved to be a quiet sanctuary of ‘play’ tucked behind the forest stage. Two workshops lent a helping hand for those interested in trying slacklining for the first time and offered a space for those deepening their practice.
Preparing the Body for Balance with Britt
Each workshop began with an introduction, followed by deep breaths and a moment to calm the nervous system. This process of grounding the body proved to be a powerful way to connect with the present moment and prepare for the focus required when walking the line.
Next, the group explored slackline movements together while standing on solid ground. Feet shoulder-width apart; participants shifted their weight onto one leg and played with the sensation of balance, then closing their eyes to deepen the experience.
2-inch Kits, Primitive 1-inch Slacklines, and a Longline
Laurence introduced attendees to the different slacklines at the venue. Six short two-inch kits with low stretch were set up using ratchets to tension them tight and low to the ground. While ideal for beginners, when set up tight and short they do limit side-to-side movement.
Two primitive slacklines were rigged using 1-inch-wide webbing. This is a lightweight option well-suited for lengths up to 25 meters. Worth noting: the tensioning system relies on wraps of webbing, so a 30-meter kit is needed to set up a 25-meter line.
A 20-meter longline was also set up using a longline kit. The pairing of a weblock with a soft release made it possible for two team members to pull enough tension using a hangover and Grippex to position the line lower to the ground at hip height.
Slackline Set Up Across Water on Sunday
The river near the forest stage had a perfect depth for a waterline of 30 meter length. Anchors were set at a hip height on each side around the trunks of large trees. When tensioned, a 100kg slackliner walked 10cm above the water in the middle. Unweighted, the line returned approximately a meter and a half above the water’s surface.
Simply walking across the line drew amazement and applause from a large crowd gathered along the riverbank. If you would like to set up this longline across the water, here's the gear you'll need: 30 meters of webbing, three two-meter slings, one weblock, one soft release, two soft or steel shackles, and three tree protectors.
Until The Next One
If you attended the slacklining workshops and would like to connect to a slacklining community, reach out to the Viper Slacklines team. They host regular slacklining events in Cape Town.