There may be a soap box involved here, but as our time at home draws longer, I’ve been receiving an increase of inquiries into how to set up, purchase, do aerials, etc at home.
I am not a rigger, and yes, a professional, insured rigger and structural engineer are two very important components of this equation! A contractor may be able to assist rigging for a static load, but! we are talking about dynamic loads and safety factors. If you’re not using or working with this vocabulary, there’s your first red flag!
I do not condone rigging at home, especially in a tree! Especially, especially! if you are not actively taking classes with an insured instructor who can guide proper technique and form, which are essential in minimizing your risk off the ground and injuries in the long-term.
With THAT being said/typed, I also acknowledge people are going to do what they want, and our outlets to aerial studios are severely limited at this time. I do not want to shame or embarrass people who are pursuing setting up their own apparatuses at home. I would prefer to share correct information and guide against the misinformation that is equally and readily available.
So, the information I feel comfortable in sharing regards the vendors and resources I use.
Our fabrics and hardware for the studio are purchased through : https://aerialessentials.com/
They are a great resource, with reliably-rated hardware and informative tutorials on how to tie the fabrics, select the correct length, etc. There are other retailers online as well, but I would dissuade from purchasing through ebay or Amazon who may not provide correctly-rated hardware, even though it’s advertised as “aerial rigging.” You would be surprised the dynamic load even climbing creates on an apparatus! A beginner can add 60 lbs (give or take) of dynamic force pulling and twisting on a rigging point when first getting onto an apparatus. (If you really want the nitty-gritty: http://www.orionriggers.com/doc/documentazione/Measuring_forces_in_aerial_performances.pdf)I also recommend AK Athletics for mats: https://akathletics.com/
Please! Do NOT practice without a mat!I will caution with online learning, too. There are a lot of great videos out there, but there are also some very unsafe practices with rigging and apparatuses I have stumbled across online. There is a lot of misinformation in how to tie knots, rig, etc, so I'm happy to help suss through videos or tutorials if you have a question about safety. Send me your videos!
If you are searching via YouTube, here are some online resources from trusted, insured professionals who teach in a methodical, systematic approach to keep bodies safe on and off the ground:
Aerial Physique https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsv_GqL575lWivFqi8LZ8XA
Paper Doll Militia https://www.youtube.com/user/paperdollmilitia
Jennifer Crane https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqRHuBhBox5zMd1HMAEWy6g
Rebekah Leach https://www.youtube.com/user/A2JDancer
Kerri Kresinski https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTyHMPRZlAQYDYBYLWJ1zVgIf you have a question about a resource or video, again, please send it my way & I will do my best to determine the reliability of the source!
I AM available as a resource! Tying your fabrics or learning the basics, I can guide you virtually. Not sure which way the swivel goes or how to open your carabiner? I can help.
I have been an insured aerial instructor for over five years; I have completed multiple teacher trainings; and I am also a NASM Certified Personal Trainer. I would love to work with you and help guide correct information, so you can have a safe and successful practice.
Fly Safe & Be Well, Friends!
~ Kristen