Both ends of the slackline should have the tails coming from the connection point backed up to something. On the non-tensioning side, the tail coming from your webbing anchor should be tied around the anchor. On the tensioning side, both the slackline tail and the pulley system rope tail should be tied off to the tree or anchor point.

Some braking devices have a locking feature on them. These types of brakes should have the lock engaged before anyone walks on the line. Here is a list of some of the brakes that have locks on them (this list is not complete):

• CMC MPD
• Petzl I'D
• Petzl RIG
• CT Sparrow

Here is a list of some of the brakes that do not have locks on them (this list is not complete):

• Petzl Grigri
• Petzl Grigri 2
• Edelrid Eddy
• Petzl Mini Traxion
• Petzl Pro Traxion
• Any ATC device
• SMC Spider

Make sure all the gates on your carabiners and quicklinks are fully closed, make sure all the shackle pins are fully twisted on, and ensure any connection point is connected as it is intended to be connected.

Some pieces of hardware that should be locked or fully closed are:

• Locking Carabiners
• The pins of all shackles
• The nuts on safety-bolt (bolt-type) shackles
• The gates of all quicklinks / maillons

Check both Webbing Anchors to ensure that the webbing is sitting in them correctly. Make sure there are no twists inside your weblock, the rings on your line-locker aren't offset, and that the webbing anchor isn't upside-down.

Every slackline you set up should be using tree protection. After you are done rigging, the slings should be sitting fully on this tree protection. This should be checked before applying tension to the line so that you don't have to detension the line to fix it.

As we saw in a previous Slack Science Article, wind dampeners are very important for the longevity of your gear! Ensure these are installed before stepping foot on your line.

See Slack Science - Wind Dampeners for more information on how to install Wind Dampeners.

 

Other Checks

This list is meant to be a guide to help you determine if a line is safe to walk before getting on it. In no way is this list comprehensive. It is up to you to look for things that are not rigged correctly for your own safety.

In a few weeks we will be releasing an article that will go over various things to avoid when rigging a longline / slackline. These things should also be looked for when getting a line that was rigged by someone else.

 

Discussion

Following these guides will support a safe slackline session and ensure that your gear will last for years to come!