Ziplines, Slacklines & Slackers

Have you dreamed of having a zipline in your backyard this summer?

Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun or adventurous thrills, ziplines offer a unique and unforgettable outdoor experience that's perfect for both.

Understanding slackline and zipline safety measures

Just like any outdoor activity, there are a few safety measures you should consider when installing and using a zipline.

First and foremost, make sure you have the right amount of drop. Drop is the distance between the bottom of the zipline pulley and the ground below, and it’s one of the main components that will determine how fast you zip from point A to point B. The longer and higher your zipline is, the more drop you should have for optimal safety. This helps ensure that you will slow down at the end of your ride instead of abruptly hitting a wall or pole.

Also be sure to properly secure your zipline for added safety. Depending on your setup, this may include installing extra anchors in trees or walls to prevent movement or slipping). Finally, check that your cable is tight before every ride—you don’t want any slack creating instability and making it difficult to maintain control while on the line!

How to Install a Zipline in your backyard?

Installing a zipline in your backyard is a lot easier and less costly than you might imagine. To get started, you'll need a few tools like screwdrivers and pliers, as well as all the necessary components; the pulley, the trolley and all the mounting hardware.

Once you have the tools and components, it's time to figure out where to install your zipline. You'll need to choose an appropriate starting point and end point in your yard, considering the amount of drop needed for your zipline (at least 5 feet) and leaving enough room for your trolley to fit safely on the wire.

To maximize safety, it's important to make sure that you attach each end of your zipline securely. Check that the tension is tight—but not too tight—using a tension gage and adjust accordingly with turnbuckles. Once everything is tight enough and secured properly, you're ready to enjoy your new backyard fun!

Zipline Kits: What to look for

When it comes to installing a zipline in your backyard, you should make sure you have the right kit. A zipline kit will give you all the equipment you need to set up a fun and safe ride.

A good zipline kit should include everything necessary for assembly and operation of your zipline. Here are some essential components:

·       A strong trolley wheel built with aircraft-grade aluminum to ensure a safe and smooth ride

·       High-strength steel cable—make sure it's at least 1/8 of an inch thick

·       A pulley system that delivers maximum speed

·       Reusable attachments for adjusting tension level and cable height

·       Tree protection—this is mandatory if you're using trees as part of your setup

Along with these components, it's good to consider zipline safety features such as:

1.     Protective gear like helmets and gloves that are specially designed for ziplining

2.    Safety brakes to slow down riders during their descent (also known as a zipline speed control)

3.    Guardrails or nets that protect riders from potential falls or debris on the line

Choosing the Drop and Tension for a Zipline

When you're getting ready to set up a zipline, two of the most important things to consider are the drop and the tension. The drop should match your desired speed, and the tension should be tight enough for better control, but not too tight.

The Drop

The size of the drop is how far a person goes down from the highest point of the zipline. For an average zip line, you want about a 10-foot drop for every 100 feet in length, so that if your zip line is 100 feet long you'll need a 10-foot drop at the starting point. This ratio will give you enough speed to have some fun without it being too fast.

Tension

Tensioning your zip line is important because it prevents unintentional bounces and swaying during use. You want to make sure that your zip line has just enough tension that it does not move, but not so much that it will be difficult to pull yourself down.

For more outdoor fun check out more activities from Canadian Tire including our selection of  Riding Toys, Scooters, Backyard Trampolines and more.