Aerial Silk Hammock Rigging: Safety, Components, Processes, and Best Practices

How to Rig an Aerial Silk Hammock?

Rigging an aerial silk hammock safely requires a thorough understanding of structural engineering, load dynamics, and specialized hardware, making professional consultation and adherence to strict safety protocols absolutely paramount to prevent severe injury or fatality.

Understanding Aerial Hammock Rigging: A Critical Safety Overview

Rigging aerial equipment, including silk hammocks, is not a casual DIY project. It is a highly specialized skill that demands a deep understanding of physics, material science, and structural integrity. Improper rigging can lead to catastrophic failure, resulting in severe injuries or even death. For this reason, professional guidance from certified riggers, structural engineers, and experienced aerial instructors is not merely recommended but absolutely essential. Standards set by organizations like the Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP) or the Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians (SPRAT) highlight the rigorous training required for safe rigging practices in performance and industrial settings.

Essential Components for Safe Hammock Rigging

A robust and secure aerial hammock setup relies on a chain of meticulously chosen, certified components, each with specific roles and strength ratings.

• Aerial Point (Anchor Point): This is the structural element to which your rigging system attaches (e.g., a steel beam, concrete ceiling with a rated anchor bolt, or a freestanding aerial rig).
  • Critical Considerations: Must be professionally assessed by a structural engineer to confirm it can safely support dynamic loads far exceeding the user's weight. Its load rating must be clearly known.
• Rigging Hardware: All hardware must be rated for "life support" or "human suspension," typically meeting standards like EN 362 or UIAA.
  • Swivel: A device that allows the hammock to rotate freely without twisting the fabric or putting rotational stress on the rigging line. Essential for preventing wear and tear and enabling dynamic movement.
  • Carabiners: Must be auto-locking or triple-action locking, never screw-gate carabiners for aerial work. They should have a minimum breaking strength (MBS) of at least 25 kN (kilonewtons). Use steel carabiners for primary connections where possible, as they are more durable than aluminum.
  • Daisy Chains/Slings: While daisy chains are often used for adjusting height, they have specific limitations. Only use the end loop and the loop connected to the anchor, or consult a rigger for specific safe-use methods, as individual pockets can fail. Rated rigging slings (e.g., nylon or Dyneema slings) are often preferred for their consistent strength rating across their length.
  • Figure 8 Descender (or Aerial Eight/Rescue Eight): A metal device shaped like an '8' with two rings. Used to create the central loop of the hammock by securely hitching the fabric through it. It then connects to the swivel via a carabiner.
  • Aerial Fabric: The silk itself.
    • Material: Typically a low-stretch nylon tricot, designed for aerial arts.
    • Stretch: Varies; some fabrics are more dynamic (stretchy) than others.
    • Width & Length: Standard widths are 108-118 inches (2.7-3 meters). Length depends on ceiling height and desired use (e.g., 6-8 yards for most hammocks). Purchase from reputable aerial suppliers.

Assessing Your Rigging Environment

Before any equipment is even considered, a thorough assessment of the intended rigging location is paramount.

• Ceiling/Beam Inspection: This is the most critical step. A qualified structural engineer must inspect and certify the load-bearing capacity of your ceiling, beam, or other overhead structure. Never assume a beam is strong enough. Residential ceilings are typically designed for static loads (e.g., roof weight), not dynamic, concentrated loads from aerial activities.
• Load Bearing Capacity: Aerial rigging requires significantly higher load ratings than static weights. A safety factor of at least 10:1 (meaning the anchor point can hold 10 times the maximum anticipated dynamic load) is standard for human suspension. Dynamic loads (e.g., drops, swings) can multiply a user's body weight by several factors.
• Clearance: Ensure ample clear space around and directly beneath the hammock. There should be no obstructions (furniture, walls, sharp objects). Recommended clearance is at least 6-8 feet in all directions, with sufficient height to allow for full extension and safe dismounts.

Step-by-Step Rigging Process: Single Point Hammock

This method creates a hammock from a single overhead anchor point, ideal for rotational movements.

1. Preparation: Gather all certified and inspected equipment: aerial point, swivel, two auto-locking carabiners, a Figure 8 device, and your aerial fabric. Ensure all components are free of damage, rust, or wear.
2. Attaching to the Aerial Point: Secure one auto-locking carabiner directly to your certified aerial anchor point. Ensure the carabiner gate is fully locked.
3. Connecting Swivel: Attach one end of the swivel to the carabiner that is connected to the aerial point. Use another auto-locking carabiner if the swivel requires it.
4. Attaching Fabric to Figure 8 Device:
   • Hold the Figure 8 device with the larger loop facing down.
   • Take the entire length of your aerial fabric and pass the center of the fabric through the large loop of the Figure 8.
   • Bring both ends of the fabric up and over the smaller loop of the Figure 8.
   • Pull the fabric ends down firmly, dressing the knot cleanly, so the fabric is cinched securely by the Figure 8. This forms the "basket" or loop of the hammock.
5. Connecting Figure 8 to Swivel: Attach the Figure 8 device (with the fabric securely hitched) to the other end of the swivel using the second auto-locking carabiner. Ensure the carabiner gate is fully locked.
6. Adjusting Hammock Height: The height is adjusted by how much fabric you feed through the Figure 8. More fabric through means a lower hammock. For fine-tuning, some systems incorporate a daisy chain or a dedicated adjustable rigging sling between the swivel and the Figure 8, but this adds complexity and additional failure points if not properly understood.
7. Load Testing: Before anyone uses the hammock, perform a gradual, controlled load test. Apply increasing weight to the hammock slowly. Have a spotter present. Listen for any creaking, groaning, or unusual sounds. Visually inspect all connections under load. Never jump into a newly rigged hammock.

Step-by-Step Rigging Process: Two Point Hammock

This method uses two anchor points, creating a wider, more stable hammock ideal for certain types of movements or poses.

1. Preparation: You will need two certified aerial anchor points, two auto-locking carabiners, and typically two "Rescue 8" or similar rigging plates (one for each end of the hammock).
2. Attaching Hardware to Points: Secure one auto-locking carabiner to each of your two certified aerial anchor points.
3. Connecting Fabric:
   • At each anchor point, take one end of your aerial fabric.
   • Pass the fabric end through a Rescue 8 device, similar to how you would rig a single Figure 8, creating a secure hitch.
   • Attach the Rescue 8 device (with the fabric hitched) to the carabiner at that anchor point. Repeat for the other side.
4. Ensuring Even Tension: It is crucial that both sides of the hammock are rigged to the same length and under even tension. Uneven tension can cause the hammock to twist or place undue stress on one anchor point. Adjust the fabric length through the Rescue 8s as needed to achieve balance.

Critical Safety Considerations and Best Practices

Safety is non-negotiable in aerial arts. Adhere to these principles rigorously.

• Regular Inspections: Before every use, meticulously inspect your entire rigging system:
  • Fabric: Check for snags, runs, holes, excessive wear, or fading (especially near rigging points).
  • Hardware: Inspect carabiners for sticky gates, deformation, cracks, rust, or sharp edges. Check swivels for smooth operation.
  • Anchor Points: Look for any signs of stress, cracking, or movement around the anchor.
• Weight Limits: Never exceed the lowest weight rating of any component in your rigging system (fabric, hardware, or anchor point). Always account for dynamic loads.
• Knots and Hitches: If using knots (e.g., for height adjustment or specific fabric setups), ensure they are tied correctly, dressed neatly, and backed up if necessary. Learn from a certified rigger.
• Spotting and Matting: Always use appropriate crash mats underneath your aerial hammock, extending well beyond the projected fall zone. For new or challenging movements, have a qualified spotter present.
• Professional Consultation: For any structural assessment, complex rigging setups, or if you have any doubts, always consult with a certified professional rigger or structural engineer.
• Never Use DIY or Unrated Equipment: Do not use hardware from a general hardware store, chains, or ropes not specifically rated for human suspension. Avoid making your own rigging points unless you are a qualified structural engineer.

Maintenance and Longevity of Your Rigging System

Proper care extends the life of your equipment and maintains its safety.

• Fabric Care:
  • Wash aerial silks according to manufacturer instructions, typically in cold water on a delicate cycle with mild detergent, then air dry.
  • Keep fabric away from sharp objects, jewelry, zippers, and rough surfaces that can cause snags or tears.
  • Store fabric clean and dry, out of direct sunlight.
• Hardware Inspection: Regularly check carabiners and other metal hardware for signs of wear, deformation, burrs, or rust. Retire components that show any damage.
• Storage Best Practices: Store hardware in a dry, clean environment, protected from extreme temperatures. Do not store with chemicals that could degrade materials.

Conclusion: Prioritizing Safety in Aerial Arts

Rigging an aerial silk hammock is a complex endeavor that carries significant risk if not executed with professional precision and an unwavering commitment to safety. It is a specialized skill that requires ongoing education and adherence to industry best practices. While this guide provides a foundational understanding, it is not a substitute for hands-on training and consultation with certified professionals. Prioritize your safety and the safety of others by always seeking expert guidance, using certified equipment, and meticulously inspecting your rigging system before every use. Your enjoyment and advancement in aerial arts depend entirely on a secure and reliable setup.