Aerial Fabric: Tying, Rigging, and Safety Essentials

How do you tie aerial fabric?

Tying aerial fabric involves securely attaching the fabric to a designated rigging point, most commonly utilizing a girth hitch or similar knot in conjunction with specialized aerial hardware, a process critical for ensuring the safety and structural integrity of the apparatus for aerial arts.

The Critical Importance of Secure Rigging

Properly tying aerial fabric is not merely a procedural step; it is the foundational safety measure in any aerial discipline. The forces exerted on aerial equipment during dynamic movements can be substantial, often exceeding an individual's static body weight due to acceleration, deceleration, and impact. A poorly tied fabric or compromised rigging can lead to catastrophic failure, resulting in severe injury or even fatality. Understanding the biomechanics of load distribution, static versus dynamic forces, and the structural integrity of all components is paramount. This process demands precision, adherence to established safety protocols, and often, the expertise of a certified rigger.

Essential Components for Aerial Rigging

Before attempting to tie aerial fabric, it is crucial to understand and inspect all the components involved in the rigging system. Each element plays a vital role in the overall safety chain.

• Aerial Fabric: Typically made from high-strength polyester or nylon, aerial fabric is specifically designed for load-bearing and has varying degrees of stretch (low-stretch for silks, medium-stretch for hammocks). Inspect fabric for any signs of wear, tears, snags, or discoloration, as these can indicate weakness.
• Rigging Point: This is the overhead structural element to which the aerial apparatus is attached. It must be professionally engineered and certified to withstand the anticipated static and dynamic loads. Examples include I-beams, trusses, or dedicated rigging points in a studio. Never assume a ceiling joist or pipe is sufficient without professional assessment.
• Specialized Aerial Hardware:
  • Rescue 8 Descender (or Figure 8): Often used as the primary interface between the fabric and the rest of the rigging. Its design allows the fabric to be girth-hitched securely without sharp edges that could damage the material.
  • Swivel: A rotational device that allows the fabric to spin freely without twisting the rest of the rigging system, reducing wear on the fabric and improving performance fluidity.
  • Carabiners: Load-rated, auto-locking or screw-gate carabiners are used to connect components (e.g., rescue 8 to swivel, swivel to rigging point). They must be rated for the loads involved and always locked.
  • Slings/Straps: Often used as an intermediary between the rigging point and the hardware if direct attachment is not feasible or desired. These must also be rated for aerial use.

Understanding the Primary Attachment Method: The Girth Hitch

The girth hitch is the most common and recommended method for attaching aerial fabric to a rescue 8 descender (or similar hardware) due to its simplicity, security, and the way it distributes the load evenly across the fabric.

Step-by-Step Tying Instructions

1. Prepare the Fabric: Lay the aerial fabric flat and find its midpoint. Fold the fabric evenly in half lengthwise, creating a loop at the top and two tails extending downwards. Ensure the two tails are of equal length.
2. Thread Through the Hardware: Take the folded loop of the fabric and pass it through the large opening of your rescue 8 descender (or the top loop of your chosen rigging hardware). Push a significant portion of the loop through.
3. Create the Loop for Tails: Bring the two tails of the fabric (which are now hanging below the hardware) back up and pass them through the smaller opening of the rescue 8 descender. They should go over the top of the fabric loop that is already threaded through the large opening.
4. Pull Through and Tighten: Pull the two tails completely through the smaller opening and downwards. As you pull, the fabric loop that was initially threaded through the large opening will cinch down tightly around the rescue 8, creating the girth hitch.
5. Dress the Knot: Ensure the fabric lies flat and untwisted, with no cross-overs within the knot. The fabric should be snug against the hardware, and the two tails should hang freely and evenly. This "dressing" of the knot is crucial for its strength and longevity.
6. Test the Load: Once tied, gently apply weight to the fabric, gradually increasing the load. Observe the knot to ensure it holds securely and does not slip or deform.

Alternatives and Considerations

While the girth hitch is standard for aerial silks, some aerial apparatuses or rigging setups may use variations or different knots:

• Basket Hitch: Sometimes used for aerial hammocks or slings, where the fabric loops around a connecting point (like a carabiner or round bar) and then both ends are brought together and clipped. This distributes the load more broadly across the fabric.
• Direct Attachment: Less common for silks due to potential fabric damage, but some specialized hammocks or single-point slings might have integrated hardware or reinforced loops for direct carabiner attachment. Always verify the manufacturer's recommendations.

Pre-Flight Safety Checks

Before any aerial session, a meticulous safety check of the entire rigging system is non-negotiable.

• Visual Inspection: Thoroughly inspect the fabric for any tears, frayed edges, or excessive wear, especially near the knot. Check all hardware (carabiners, swivels, rescue 8) for cracks, deformation, sharp edges, or signs of wear. Ensure all carabiners are fully closed and locked.
• Knot Security: Verify that the girth hitch (or other knot) is tight, properly dressed, and has not slipped. The fabric should be fully cinched around the hardware.
• Rigging Point Integrity: Briefly confirm the rigging point looks secure and that all connections to it are sound.
• Clearance: Ensure there is adequate clear space around and below the fabric for the intended movements, free from obstructions.

Maintenance and Longevity of Aerial Gear

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

• Fabric Care: Follow manufacturer's washing instructions (typically cold water, mild detergent, air dry). Store fabric untied, clean, and away from direct sunlight, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.
• Hardware Inspection: Regularly inspect all metal components for rust, burrs, sharp edges, or any signs of stress or wear. Retire hardware if it shows any signs of damage or if it has been subjected to extreme loads (e.g., a hard fall).
• Retirement Criteria: Aerial fabric and hardware have a finite lifespan, often specified by the manufacturer or industry standards (e.g., 2-5 years for fabric, 5-10 years for hardware, or sooner if wear is visible). When in doubt, retire and replace.

The Imperative of Professional Guidance

While this guide provides a detailed overview, it is critical to emphasize that rigging aerial fabric is a complex skill that should only be performed or supervised by qualified professionals. This includes:

• Certified Aerial Riggers: Individuals with specialized training and certification in rigging for performance arts. They assess structures, select appropriate hardware, and ensure all components meet safety standards.
• Experienced Aerial Instructors: Reputable aerial studios and instructors will have established safety protocols and experienced staff to set up and maintain equipment.

Never attempt to rig aerial fabric in an uncertified space or without the guidance of a professional. Your safety, and the safety of others, depends on it.