Aerial Silks: Tying to a Carabiner, Essential Equipment, and Safety Protocols

How Do You Tie Aerial Silk to a Carabiner?

Tying aerial silk to a carabiner primarily involves using a secure and load-distributing knot, most commonly the Girth Hitch (also known as a Lark's Head), which creates a stable attachment point for aerial apparatus.

Understanding the Essentials of Aerial Rigging

Proper rigging is the cornerstone of safety and performance in aerial arts. While seemingly simple, the connection between your aerial silk and the rigging point—often via a carabiner—is a critical load-bearing junction. Understanding the mechanics and adhering to strict safety protocols is non-negotiable for anyone engaging in or teaching aerial activities. This guide focuses on the most common and safest method for attaching aerial silks to a carabiner.

Essential Equipment for Safe Aerial Rigging

Before attempting to tie your aerial silk, ensure you have the correct, certified equipment. Substituting proper aerial hardware with unrated alternatives can lead to catastrophic failure.

• Aerial Silks (Fabric): Specifically designed for aerial use, these fabrics are typically made from low-stretch polyester or nylon, rated for dynamic loads.
• Carabiner: This is a crucial connector. For aerial use, you must use auto-locking steel carabiners with a minimum breaking strength (MBS) of at least 30 kN (kilonewtons). Auto-locking mechanisms prevent accidental gate opening, and steel offers superior strength and durability compared to aluminum for static rigging points.
• Swivel (Optional but Recommended): A swivel is often used between the carabiner and the silk's attachment point to prevent fabric twisting and reduce wear on the rigging.
• Rigging Point: This is the overhead structure from which your apparatus hangs (e.g., a professionally installed beam, truss, or a certified aerial tripod). It must be rated to safely support dynamic aerial loads.

The Core Knot: The Girth Hitch (Lark's Head)

The Girth Hitch (also known as a Lark's Head knot) is the standard and most secure method for attaching aerial silks directly to a carabiner or rigging plate. Its primary advantages are:

• Even Load Distribution: The knot wraps around the carabiner, distributing the load across a wider surface area, reducing stress points on both the fabric and the hardware.
• Simplicity and Security: It's a straightforward knot to tie and inspect, and when properly dressed (tightened), it is highly secure under load.
• Minimal Fabric Wear: Compared to other knots, the Girth Hitch minimizes friction and wear on the fabric itself, extending the life of your silks.

Step-by-Step Guide: Tying the Girth Hitch

Follow these steps carefully to securely attach your aerial silk to a carabiner. Always perform a visual inspection before and after tying.

1. Find the Center of Your Silk: Lay your aerial silk out flat on the ground. Bring the two tails of the silk together, allowing the fabric to fold in half. The fold point at the top is the center of your silk.
2. Create a Loop: With the silk folded in half, hold the folded end (the center point). This creates a large loop of fabric.
3. Thread Through the Carabiner: Open the gate of your auto-locking carabiner. Pass the folded loop of the silk through the carabiner, ensuring the entire loop goes through.
4. Open the Loop: Once the loop is through the carabiner, open it up so that it creates a large opening on the other side of the carabiner.
5. Pass the Tails Through the Loop: Take both free tails of the silk and pass them through the large loop you just created. Ensure both tails pass through completely.
6. Pull and Dress the Knot: Gently pull both tails of the silk downwards. The fabric will tighten around the body of the carabiner, forming the Girth Hitch. "Dress" the knot by ensuring it sits neatly and snugly against the carabiner, with no twists or overlaps. The fabric should lie flat against itself around the carabiner.
7. Inspect Thoroughly: Visually inspect the knot from all angles. Ensure it is tight, symmetrical, and correctly formed. Check that the carabiner gate is fully closed and locked.

Critical Safety Considerations

Attaching aerial apparatus is a serious responsibility. Always prioritize safety above all else.

• Use Certified Equipment Only: Never use hardware not specifically rated for aerial or climbing use. Look for certifications like CE (Conformité Européenne) or UIAA (Union Internationale des Associations d'Alpinisme) on your carabiners and other hardware.
• Regular Equipment Inspection: Before every use, inspect your silks for tears, snags, or thinning, and your carabiners for cracks, deformities, or sticky gates. Retire damaged equipment immediately.
• Understand Load Limits: Be aware of the Working Load Limit (WLL) and Breaking Strength (BS) of all your equipment. Dynamic movements in aerial arts can generate forces far exceeding body weight.
• Professional Rigging Consultation: For permanent installations or complex setups, always consult with a certified aerial rigger. They have the expertise to assess structures and ensure safe attachment points.
• Avoid Knot Creep: After tying, periodically check the knot during use, especially during the initial uses after tying. While the Girth Hitch is secure, fabric can sometimes "creep" or settle.
• No Other Knots: Do not use other knots like square knots or granny knots for this purpose. They are not designed for load-bearing aerial applications and can slip or weaken the fabric significantly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using Non-Locking Carabiners: Spring-loaded non-locking carabiners can open under load or vibration, leading to catastrophic falls.
• Using Aluminum Carabiners for Static Points: While lighter, aluminum carabiners are more susceptible to wear and fatigue for static, repetitive loading compared to steel.
• Not Fully Dressing the Knot: A poorly dressed knot may not distribute the load evenly, creating weak points or allowing the knot to shift.
• Damaged Fabric: Tying a knot on damaged or worn fabric significantly compromises the fabric's integrity and load-bearing capacity.
• Over-Twisting the Silk: While the Girth Hitch is forgiving, excessive twisting of the silk before or during the tie can create uneven tension and accelerate wear.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

While this guide provides clear instructions, the nuances of aerial rigging extend beyond a single knot. If you are setting up a new aerial space, unsure about your rigging point, or need to assess the integrity of your existing setup, always consult with a certified aerial rigger. Their expertise is invaluable for ensuring the safety and longevity of your aerial practice.

Conclusion

The Girth Hitch is a fundamental and reliable knot for attaching aerial silks to a carabiner, providing a secure and load-distributing connection. However, its effectiveness is entirely dependent on the use of appropriate, certified equipment and a meticulous commitment to safety protocols. Regular inspection, proper tying technique, and understanding the limitations of your equipment are paramount. Always remember that in aerial arts, your life hangs by your rigging – ensure it's done correctly.