Recreation Center

Slacklining is defined as an activity in which the participant walks on a span of nylon climbing or Slacklining webbing, positioned horizontally with the ground below and securely anchored at two fixed points. The practice as defined, and commonly known, as Slacklining and all associated equipment are regulated by this policy for property controlled or maintained by the University of Colorado Boulder (“UCB”).

Participation in this activity is limited to UCB Affiliates only. Slacklining is permitted between the hours of sunrise and sunset. To provide for the safety of the campus community the following guidelines have been established:

• Assumption of Risk:

Participants and spectators assume any and all risk associated with this activity. For participants, the risks include but are not limited to, death, paralysis, and serious injury. Participants and spectators take full responsibility for following these CU Slacklining guidelines and best safety practices within this activity.

• Set Up and Tear Down

All slack lines may be affixed on a temporary basis while in use by a responsible person and slack lines must be removed when not in use. The owner of the slacklining equipment is responsible for setting up and taking down the equipment by sunset each day and may not leave equipment unattended. Unattended slack lining equipment may be removed and stored without notice.

All equipment associated with the practice of Slacklining should be maintained in an operable and safe condition. This is the sole responsibility of the participants to ensure.

Lines may only be affixed to appropriately sized trees and in the manner set forth below:


Only trees greater than 1 foot in diameter may be used as anchor posts.

To protect the bark on the trees some type of fabric, e.g. burlap, carpet squares, or similar material, must be placed between the tree and the line that is tied to the tree. A clear and flat landing surface must be present under the full length of the slack line.

Trees and/or landscaped areas showing damage from Slacklining activities may be restricted from future Slacklining activities at the discretion of the Manager of CU Facilities Management Outdoor Services Division or his designee.

• Spotters are strongly recommended.

This policy may be enforced by the Police Department for the safety of the community and to maintain the functions and processes of the university. Violations of this policy may result in both university sanctions and/or criminal prosecution. All University policies and regulations, State laws, local ordinances are in effect and may be enforced.

• The slack line may not be elevated to a height of more than 3 feet at the center of the span.
• Slack lines may not exceed a length of 40 feet.
• Memorial trees or other trees posted by sign may not be used as anchors for this activity.
• University Officials may direct that equipment that appears to be unsafe or improperly set up be removed.
• Participants may not be under the influence of drugs or alcoholic beverages.
• Slack lines may not be set up within a Special Event Zone.
• Slack lines may not be affixed within 20 feet of sidewalks, buildings, roads, streets,, bikeways, water features, sport courts, bike racks, handrails, art objects, fences or light poles.
• Lines may only be attached to approved campus trees as noted above, and may not be affixed to any other campus fixture including but not limited to buildings, bike racks, handrails, art objects, fences or light poles.
• Activities such as stunts or tricks involving flips are not permitted.
• At the direction of University officials for any reason, the activity must be curtailed and all equipment removed immediately.