Longlines – Getting Started in the Wide World of Long Slacklines

Longlines – Getting Started in the Wide World of Long Lines

From about 35 metres, slacklining enters a new dimension. The line bounces more slowly, swings more sluggishly – and it is far less forgiving of mistakes you make when getting on. Welcome to longlines.

What is a longline?

A longline is generally any slackline of 35 metres or more. There is no official limit – but from this length onwards, both the technique on the line and the tensioning system change fundamentally.

The longest longline ever walked was over 600 m long – a project that required years of preparation and specialised equipment.

What changes with a longline?

How the webbing behaves:

  • The webbing swings more slowly and sluggishly
  • The sag in the middle is much greater
  • Every movement travels along the line as a wave
  • Getting on and keeping your balance require much more body tension

The equipment:

  • Normal ratchets are no longer sufficient from ~30 m
  • You need a pulley system
  • The webbing must stretch much less than for short lines
  • The breaking strength of all components must be higher

The right webbing for longlines

For longlines, 25 mm polyester webbing with low stretch is the first choice. The longer the line, the more important low stretch becomes – otherwise the sag gets too big and tensioning too laborious.

Our recommendations:

For getting started with longlines (35–80 m):

For long longlines (80 m+) and highlines:

  • Sigma ReBL – 34 kN, very low stretch, ideal for demanding setups
  • Y.a.W. 2.0 – 24 kN, 38 g/m, ultralight for backup and travel

The right tensioning system for longlines

Up to approx. 45 m – Ellington webbing pulley

The Ellington is the simplest pulley system for medium longlines. The tensioning webbing is routed several times through the Ellington, multiplying the force.

Downside: Efficiency decreases with increasing length – from approx. 45 m tensioning becomes very tedious.

From 50 m – 5:1 rope pulley

The rope pulley with Orbiter M pulley and Roll n Lock rope clamp is the system of choice for real longlines.

5:1 means: you only need a fifth of the force you would need without a pulley.

Tree anchor

Longlines need stable anchor points. Our tree anchor allows secure attachment to trees with tree protection – flexible for any trunk size up to 1.2 m diameter.

Equilocker – the pro linelocker

For longlines, the Equilocker is the linelocker of choice. Direct connection to 12 mm shackles, a large aluminium redirect and a freely rotating front pin make it the perfect companion.

For really long lines with soft release: Equilocker Plus incl. 10 m soft release.

Technique on the longline

Longlines require a different technique from short lines:

Getting on: The Chongo mount is the most stable way up – sideways with one hand on the webbing, then push up in a controlled way. Go easy on your knees!

Keeping your balance: Your centre of gravity has to be held much more actively. Anticipate the waves in the webbing – don't react, look ahead.

Walking your first longline:

  • Start with 35–40 m
  • First practise short sections in the middle
  • Work your way from the anchor point to the middle
  • Be patient – crossing a longline takes weeks to months of training

Safety on longlines

⚠️ Anchor points must have a holding force of at least 1,500 kg
⚠️ Spectators must keep a distance of at least 5 m
⚠️ Maximum height: do not rig higher than 90 cm
⚠️ Check all parts for damage before every setup
⚠️ Always release slowly and in a controlled way – never abruptly!

Download: longline setup guide

👉 Longline Pure setup guide (PDF, German)

What you need for your first longline

Component Recommendation
Webbing Sigma Impact Low Stretch or Sigma ReBL
Linelocker Equilocker
Tensioning system Ellington tensioning webbing (up to 45 m)
Pulley Orbiter M + Roll n Lock (from 50 m)
Anchor point Tree anchor
Tree protection Tree Protection Plus

👉 All longline components

Back to blog