Slacklining is a fun pastime both for children and adults. It engages all the muscles and challenges both the body and the mind. Slacklining requires a lot of concentration and the same goes for kids obstacle courses. Whether you have a slackline or an obstacle course and you want to use it with or for your kids, there are, however, a few safety concerns regarding the equipment’s installation. Learn how to tackle them in this guide.
How to Correctly Mount a Slackline?
Here are the steps you should take to safely install a slackline or obstacle course in your backyard, a park, or anywhere else.
Step 1
Choose a safe, free of obstacles place to mount it
Ideally, the slackline should be mounted between two trees that are approximately 20 feet apart or less and don’t have low-hanging branches that could impede you from using it. The distance between the trees can vary according to preferences. The longer the distance is, the more prone the slackline is to swing and sag to the ground.
You should only mount the slackline on mature trees that have a circumference of at least 40 inches (1m) or 12 inches (30cm) diameter and a maximum circumference of 70 inches (1.8m).
Don’t attach the slackline to trees that don’t seem sturdy enough or have dry rot.
Make sure there are no hazards, projections, or obstacles in the area where you plan on installing the slackline.
If you use another type of anchor for this slackline, it’s recommended to choose anchors that are specifically designed for this slacklining or very sturdy poles.
Step 2
Wrap the tree protection
Start wrapping the tree protectors carefully around the trees at the height where you intend to install the slackline. The height will depend on the user, but it should not exceed the user’s knee height. We do not recommend installing the slackline higher than 18 in (50cm) from the ground.
After the tree protectors are wrapped around the trees, secure them by using the type of closure your equipment provides (usually Velcro closures). Make sure the protectors are wrapped tightly and can’t come off the trees.
Step 3
Anchor the webbing
After the tree protectors are mounted, start wrapping the webbing flat around the trees, over the tree protectors. Then, pass the webbing through the loop and adjust it so that it fits tightly around the tree trunk. Make sure the webbing remains flat after you pass it through the loop.
Step 4
Mount the ratchet
Start wrapping the part of the webbing that’s attached to the ratchet flat around the opposite tree, over the tree protector, at the same height you’ve attached the previous end. Then, thread the ratchet through the loop while making sure the handle is facing down toward the ground, and adjust it so that it fits tightly around the tree trunk. Make sure the webbing remains flat.
Remember!
- When mounted, slacklines and obstacle courses are under tension and if they are not properly released, they can cause injuries.
While threading the slackline into its slot, the ratchet’s handle must be facing the ground. When you pool the webbing through the ratchet’s axle, it’s important to make sure it is as tight as possible. The webbing shouldn’t look or feel loose.
- When installing the slackline, make sure it doesn’t rotate around the axle more than 2 and a half times, which could make it tangle around the bolt.
- Always make sure the webbing is pulled to the maximum and doesn’t slack before you start tensioning, this way, you prevent the ratchet from becoming over-spooling.
- When it becomes difficult to move the ratchet and the lever’s range of motion decreases, you should no longer tension.
- After the webbing has reached the tension you aim for, put the ratchet on the fully closed locked position and make sure the ratchet, as well as the lever, are fully closed.
- Never use the slackline if the ratchet is not fully secured and locked!
You can have lots of fun using this equipment safely. If you’re interested in buying a slackline or obstacle course for your kid, check out this engaging product with unique accessories that will maximize your kid’s fun time!
Hello! We bought the Champion obstacle course but we don’t have any trees. We are trying to figure out what kind of poles to buy, how tall and wide, etc.
Please give us some guidance as to the size and style of poles we should buy and how to assemble the obstacle course with them (since we aren’t using trees). Any pictures would be helpful too. Thank you!
Hi and thank you for your inquiry.
The slackline was thought out with the idea that it will be used with trees – obviously, to support the weight of the child or children using it simultaneously, the tree roots will provide the perfect tension and support.
However, if you intend to use it with poles, here is what we suggest: use steel or metal poles. they will have to be 3ft deep and reinforced with cement.
We recommend using poles that are at least 10 cm in diameter and we don’t recommend wooden poles because wood will bend and curve in time.
I hope this answer was helpful, please get in touch with our customer service if you need further help.