IMPCT Weekly
On The Edge
On the 12th March, 140 metres above ground in Sierra Nevada, Spain, Arthur Delamare was singing loudly to himself. Winds as strong as 20 knots were threatening to send him falling and still Arthur continued singing and dancing, all whilst balancing on a 1km long line of flat webbing. For most people, even standing upright here would be a challenge, but for Arthur, it is where he found peace.
No, Arthur was not re-enacting Rihanna's Super Bowl half time show. Arthur was slacklining. It initially emerged as a sport in the early 1980’s from the climbing scene in Yosemite National Park. Adam Grosowsky and Jeff Ellington were the adrenaline junkies who first came up with the idea after using their climbing gear to balance on. Since then, the sport has slowly gained in popularity and started to trend in Europe.
Arthur Delamare 1km Highline Sierra Nevada, Spain
IMPCT Weekly
The Art of Slacklining
Slacklining is essentially balancing on 2 to 5 centimetre wide pieces of webbing, composed of polyester, nylon and dyneema and these webbings are strung between two points, typically trees, which a brave soul then carefully makes their way across.
It is commonly misunderstood that slacklining is the same as tight roping - which is not the case. In slacklining, as the name suggests, the lines are not under much tension, causing the webbing to stretch and move dynamically, which creates excessive wobbling but allows for more tricks to be performed. Tight roping on the other hand typically includes using tight steel cables and heavier, more technical gear.
"Slacklining is basically the modern version of what people have been doing for centuries or even millennia; that is, balancing. It is a synergy of using your mind and body, like a meditation in movement”
Mastering the Line
Arthur has been slacklining for eight years now and is Vice-Chair of the UK Slackline Club (UKSC). His journey into slacklining began when he witnessed someone with a line up in Platt Fields Park, Manchester and asked if he could try it out.
“If you see anyone slacking in the park, go and say hello! It might just change your life. It certainly did for mine,” Arthur encourages.
Arthur knew it was time to tackle slacklining in Sierra Nevada after completing a 1.15km rig in the Lake District several summers ago. However the Spanish valley would be slightly different. Along with 11 others, Arthur rigged the 1km line across the valley in one day yet his first attempt at walking the line would not be successful.
“All of the voices in my head were telling me not to fall and how good it would be if I didn’t fall were ringing loud and false,” Arthur admitted.
50 metres from the end of his first attempt, his fears came all too true and he fell from the line. Gutted but laughing it off, Arthur reattempted, and this time with a different mindset.
“I laughed and joked as I left the anchor, I sang at the top of my lungs the whole way whilst walking and I danced in the middle of the line to relax my shoulders.”
After 52 minutes of signing and dancing along the slither of webbing, Arthur successfully reached the other side and completed the 1km walk. It was then when he hit solid ground on the other side that Arthur found complete peace in himself and realised taking things too seriously and trying too hard only held him back.
It is clear that the sport has not only done so much for Arthur, but also the whole community.
He said: “As a sport, it is incredibly rewarding both physically and mentally. You get lots of improvements after breaking through the first difficulty barrier. Almost anyone can do it despite the initial feeling that it is incredibly wobbly and difficult! Being up high allows new challenges that being close to the ground doesn’t”
IMPCT Weekly
Yes, it’s real
Check out the video below from Arthur’s crazy 1km highline in Sierra Nevada, Spain!
Over To You
The future of slacklining is now, new tricks are being invented every week and Switzerland has even officially recognised it as a sport. There are also annual World Cups that bring athletes from all over the world together to compete in both freestyle and speed lining races. The sky is the limit with slacklining and Arthur and his fellow athletes promise they’re only getting started.
The UK Slackline Club operates nationwide and is run by dedicated volunteers who support each other slacklining across the UK. Arthur encourages people to visit their website to get a feel of what their club offers. UKSC will be hosting beginner friendly sessions throughout the summer to engage with as many people as possible who want to get started in the sport.
IMPCT Weekly
Has This Sport Peaked Your Interest?
Where to Watch?
1. Start Local
Look for slackliners in public parks, especially in active cities like Manchester or London. Green spaces and climbing hubs are common spots.
2. Approach the Community
Slackliners are usually welcoming. If you see a setup, politely ask questions. Most are happy to explain or even let you try (at low height).
3. Attend Events or Meetups
Clubs like the UK Slackline Club often run open sessions, festivals, and beginner days. These are the safest and most social way to experience the sport.
4. Watch Highlining Safely
Highlining (lines set at height) often happens in mountainous areas like Sierra Nevada. If you’re watching:
Stay well back from rigging zones
Never distract someone on the line
Follow guidance from organisers
Want to Try Yourself?
1. Get Basic Gear
You’ll need:
A slackline kit (line + ratchet)
Tree protection (to avoid damaging bark)
Beginner kits are widely available and easy to set up.
2. Pick the Right Spot
Find two sturdy trees about 3–5 metres apart. Keep the line:
Low (knee height or lower)
Over soft ground like grass
3. Set It Up Properly
Wrap tree protection first
Anchor the line securely
Tension it enough to hold weight, but not overly tight
4. Learn to Stand First
Start by sitting on the line, then stand
Focus on a fixed point ahead
Use your arms for balance
Expect wobbling, it’s part of the process!
5. Take Small Steps
Don’t rush across
Aim for 1–2 controlled steps at a time
Step off safely when you lose balance
6. Practice Consistently
Progress comes quickly at first. Within a few sessions, most people can cross short lines.
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