How to Tension Your SlackBoard Line (Step by Step)

Quick answer

SlackBoard lines loosen a little with regular use. That's normal and easy to fix. Use the tensioning dowel that came with your board to tighten the line, following the steps below or the video. Heavier users may need to do this a bit more often.

Why the line loosens

Each time you step on the board, the line stretches and springs back. Over many sessions the webbing settles and the line sits a little lower. You may notice it sooner if you train often, do a lot of bouncing moves or weigh closer to the board's 400 lb rating. GIBBON doesn't expect this to damage the board; it just means the line is due for a quick re-tension.

Signs your line needs tightening

• The line sags more than it used to when you stand on it.

• The line feels mushy rather than springy.

• The line touches the board when you stand on it

What you need

• The tensioning dowel that came with your board

Lost your dowel? Click here to order one

How to re-tension your SlackBoard

1. First, put the tension rod through the loop of the line.

2. Push down hard on the tension rod – with both hands.

3. Test the line: stand on it and check that it feels springy again.

4. Repeat the steps until the tension of your SlackBoard feels tight and to your preference.

On a SlackBoard Plus or Pro:

1. First, put the tension rod through the loop of one line.

2. Push down hard on the tension rod – with both hands.

3. It’s important to do one line at a time. Tensioning the lines will not work if you put the rod through both loops.

4. Test the line: stand on it and check that it feels springy again.

5. Repeat the steps until the tension of your SlackBoard feels tight and to your preference.

How tight is right?

Tighter isn't always better. A little sag is what lets the line move under you, and that movement is what trains your balance. Harvard researchers who built a mathematical model of slackline balance found that there's an optimal amount of sag where staying upright takes the least effort (Paoletti and Mahadevan, 2012). Their model is for full-size slacklines, but the idea holds on a SlackBoard: aim for a line that's springy and responsive, not rigid.

Stuck pins or a line that won't come off?

If you've converted a Plus or Pro and the line is too tight to remove the pins, GIBBON support explains two ways to take tension off the line without cutting it. See What should I do if I used the wrong pins? and the video How to remove and reinstall the line on a SlackBoard.

Caring for your board

• Store it indoors when you're not using it. The board is wood, so don't leave it wet or in direct sun for long periods.

• Check the line for fraying from time to time.

FAQ

Q: Is it normal for my SlackBoard line to get loose?

A: Yes. Lines loosen slightly with regular use, and you can re-tension them at home with the included dowel.

Q: How often should I tighten my SlackBoard line?

A: Frequent users and people who train often may need to do it a little more often.

Q: Will a loose line damage my board?

A: GIBBON doesn't expect loosening to damage or break the board, but re-tensioning keeps it feeling springy.

Q: Can I replace the line?

A: Yes. Replacement lines and parts are available. 

Next steps

• How to Use a SlackBoard: The Complete Beginner's Guide

• SlackBoard Plus Workouts: Two-Line Exercises to Start With 

Sources

• GIBBON Support Center, "How do I re-tension my SlackBoard?": https://support.gibbon-usa.com/en-US/how-do-i-re-tension-my-slackboard-6296593

• GIBBON Support Center, "What's the weight limit on a SlackBoard?": https://support.gibbon-usa.com/en-US/whats-the-weight-limit-on-a-slackboard-6296598

• Paoletti P, Mahadevan L. Balancing on tightropes and slacklines. Journal of the Royal Society Interface. 2012;9:2097–2108. https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2012.0077