Aerial Hammock Rigging: Knots, Components, and Safety Essentials

How to tie aerial hammock rings?

To securely "tie" aerial hammock rings, which refers to connecting the hammock fabric to your suspension hardware, you'll employ specific knots or attachment methods, most commonly utilizing figure-8 descenders or carabiners with a robust larks head or choke knot, ensuring all components meet safety ratings.

Understanding Aerial Hammock Rigging

The safe and effective use of an aerial hammock fundamentally relies on proper rigging. While the phrase "tying aerial hammock rings" might sound like a singular knot, it refers to the critical process of securely attaching the fabric of your hammock to the metallic or high-strength textile components (often referred to as "rings" in a general sense, or more specifically as figure-8 descenders, carabiners, or loops in daisy chains) that form your suspension system. This process demands precision, an understanding of load dynamics, and strict adherence to safety protocols. Improper rigging can lead to equipment failure, falls, and serious injury.

Essential Rigging Components

Before attempting to rig your aerial hammock, it's crucial to understand the components involved and their respective roles and safety specifications. All equipment must be rated for aerial use, with clear Working Load Limits (WLL) and Minimum Breaking Strengths (MBS).

• Aerial Hammock Fabric: Typically made from high-strength polyester tricot or nylon, designed for flexibility and durability.
• Figure-8 Descenders: An aluminum or steel device with two holes, resembling the numeral '8'. Commonly used to attach the hammock fabric to the suspension system, allowing for easy height adjustment.
• Locking Carabiners: Oval or D-shaped metal connectors with a spring-loaded gate that can be locked. Essential for connecting various components. Always use auto-locking or screw-gate carabiners.
• Daisy Chains or Slings: Strong nylon or polyester webbing with multiple sewn loops (daisy chains) or a continuous loop (slings). Used for height adjustment and as intermediate connection points.
• Swivels (Optional): Devices that allow the hammock to rotate freely without twisting the rigging lines.
• Rigging Plate/Anchor Point: The overhead structural point (e.g., ceiling beam, truss) from which the entire system hangs. This must be professionally installed and rated for dynamic aerial loads.

Safety First: Pre-Rigging Checklist

Safety is paramount in aerial arts. Before you even begin to "tie" your hammock, ensure you've completed these critical checks:

• Professional Anchor Point: Verify that your overhead anchor point has been professionally installed and certified by a qualified structural engineer or rigger to safely support dynamic aerial loads. Never rig from unverified structures.
• Equipment Inspection: Visually inspect all components (fabric, descenders, carabiners, daisy chains, slings) for any signs of wear, fraying, cuts, rust, deformation, or damage. Discard and replace any compromised equipment immediately.
• Load Ratings: Confirm that the Working Load Limit (WLL) of every single component in your rigging system exceeds your anticipated maximum dynamic load (your body weight plus any forces generated by movement).
• Clearance: Ensure ample clear space around and below your hammock to prevent collisions with walls, furniture, or the floor during movement.
• Spotter: If you are unsure or performing a new setup, have an experienced spotter present.

Method 1: The Figure-8 Descender Knot

This is one of the most common and secure methods for attaching aerial hammock fabric, offering adjustability. The "rings" in this context refer to the openings of the figure-8 descender.

1. Prepare the Fabric: Take one end of your aerial hammock fabric.
2. Thread Through Large Hole: Pass the end of the fabric from the front through the larger of the two holes in the figure-8 descender. Pull a significant length (at least 2-3 feet) of fabric through.
3. Wrap Around Small Ear: Take the pulled-through fabric tail and wrap it behind the main fabric strand, then around the smaller "ear" or "neck" of the figure-8 descender.
4. Continue Wrapping: Continue wrapping the fabric tail around the small ear, parallel to the first wrap, for a total of 2-3 tight, neat wraps. Ensure the wraps lie flat against each other.
5. Secure with Half Hitch: With the remaining tail end of the fabric, pass it underneath the last wrap you made, going towards the main body of the descender. Pull this tail end firmly to create a secure "stopper knot" or half hitch against the wraps.
6. Dress the Knot: Inspect the knot carefully. All wraps should be snug, parallel, and neat. The half hitch should be tight against the wraps. The goal is a clean, compact connection that minimizes friction and wear on the fabric.
7. Connect to Suspension: The figure-8 descender, now securely holding the hammock fabric, can then be connected via a locking carabiner to your daisy chain or other suspension point.

Method 2: Carabiner and Sling/Daisy Chain Connection

This method uses a locking carabiner directly with a specific knot tied into the hammock fabric. This is often used when a daisy chain provides the primary height adjustment.

1. Prepare the Fabric: Take one end of your aerial hammock fabric.
2. Create a Larks Head (Girth Hitch):
   • Fold the end of your hammock fabric in half, creating a loop.
   • Pass this loop through the opening of your locking carabiner (or through a loop of a soft sling/daisy chain).
   • Take the two free tails of the hammock fabric and pass them through the loop you just created.
   • Pull both tails firmly and evenly to tighten the knot around the carabiner. Ensure the fabric lies flat and is not twisted.
3. Alternative: Choke Knot: For some aerialists, a "choke knot" (similar to a larks head but with an additional wrap around the carabiner's body before passing the tails through the loop) is preferred as it can distribute pressure more widely across the fabric, potentially reducing wear.
4. Connect to Suspension: Ensure your locking carabiner is securely closed and locked. Attach the carabiner (with the fabric knot) to your desired loop on the daisy chain or directly to your suspension point.

Post-Rigging Safety Checks

Once your hammock is "tied" and connected, a final series of checks is essential before use.

• Full Visual Inspection: Re-examine every knot, every carabiner, and every connection point. Ensure all carabiners are locked, all knots are properly dressed and tight, and there are no twists or snags in the fabric or rigging.
• Gradual Weight Test: Carefully and gradually apply your body weight to the hammock. Start by sitting, then gently leaning back, and finally, full weight. Listen for any unusual sounds (creaking, groaning) and observe for any slippage or movement in the rigging.
• Height and Levelness: Confirm the hammock is at your desired height and is level. Adjust if necessary, re-performing the safety checks after any adjustments.

Maintenance and Inspection

Ongoing vigilance is key to aerial safety.

• Regular Fabric Inspection: Before every use, thoroughly inspect the hammock fabric for any signs of wear, snags, holes, or thinning, especially near connection points.
• Hardware Inspection: Routinely check all metal hardware (descenders, carabiners, swivels) for cracks, burrs, sharp edges, deformation, or rust. Ensure locking mechanisms function smoothly and securely.
• Manufacturer Guidelines: Adhere strictly to the manufacturer's recommendations for equipment lifespan, cleaning, and replacement.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

While this guide provides detailed instructions, there are times when professional expertise is invaluable:

• Uncertainty: If you are ever unsure about any aspect of your rigging, consult a certified aerial rigger or experienced aerial instructor.
• Anchor Point Installation: Always have your anchor points installed and certified by a qualified professional.
• Complex Setups: For multi-point hammocks or custom rigging configurations, professional consultation is highly recommended.
• Periodic Inspections: Consider having your entire rigging system periodically inspected by a certified aerial rigger.

Properly "tying" your aerial hammock is a skill that requires practice and meticulous attention to detail. By understanding your equipment, following these instructions, and prioritizing safety, you can enjoy the many benefits of aerial fitness with confidence.