Beach Slackline

At the end of the summer, I had the chance to set up my slackline on the beach. Apart from being in the sand and by the water, the main difference was the anchors. Usually, a slackline is attached to a tree or something of that shape, and as a result, takes just a few minutes to set up. To anchor the line on a beach, you have to dig two large holes, each three feet deep, four feet wide, and one foot long. The ends of the slackline each go around a 4x10 board that is four feet long and then lowered into the hole and buried. To hold the line off the ground, I made my own A-frames, which support my weight, as well as share the tension load (as much as 5000 lbs.) with the ground anchors. The result provides for a very strong system that can hold up against bounces and jumps. The only issue is the time it takes to measure out and dig the holes. I think it took me somewhere around 45 minutes to dig and rebury each board. However, if you’ve never done it before, it's worth it, as I was able to use the line all day, even at 11:00 during a bonfire. 

Picture from personal collection

Introduction

You step up onto the yellow nylon band, arms flailing as you try to catch your balance. Eyes locked onto the end of the line, you can’t seem to get a solid feel in your step. Slacklining came into my life about a year and a half ago when we met in a Colorado climbing gym. I loved it right away, and bought one within a couple months after my return. Ever since, (except for the winter), I’ve been trying to get out on my slackline whenever I have the time and motivation. I’ve been pogo sticking all my life, but it wasn’t until last Christmas that I could bounce higher than a foot. And that quickly turned into about 4-6 feet. My Vurtego has allowed me to get way higher off the ground, as well as give me the airtime to try tricks. I’m not very good yet, but I hope to get there. So, crank your slackline tight, pump some air in your pogo stick, or do whatever odd sport you may do and tell me about it right here. I look forward to seeing what you come up with.

 

picture from personal collection