Aerial Hammock: Safe Rigging, Equipment, and Setup Guide

How do I rig my aerial hammock?

To safely rig an aerial hammock, you must meticulously select appropriate, certified equipment, secure a structurally sound overhead rigging point, and follow precise installation steps, always prioritizing rigorous safety checks before each use.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Aerial Rigging Safety

Aerial hammock training offers a unique blend of strength, flexibility, and balance, but its practice inherently depends on the absolute integrity of your rigging setup. Unlike ground-based exercises, a failure in aerial equipment can lead to severe injury. As an Expert Fitness Educator, I cannot overstate that proper rigging is not merely a suggestion—it is a non-negotiable prerequisite for safety. This guide will walk you through the essential components and procedures, grounded in principles of structural mechanics and material science.

Essential Equipment for Safe Rigging

Before attempting to rig your aerial hammock, ensure you have the following certified and appropriate equipment. Never substitute components with unrated or unverified alternatives.

• Aerial Hammock Fabric: Typically made from high-strength nylon tricot, specifically designed for aerial arts. Ensure it's rated for human load and dynamic movement.
• Overhead Rigging Point: This is the most critical component. It must be a professionally installed, load-bearing anchor point in your ceiling (e.g., an eye bolt, beam clamp, or dedicated aerial mount), or a certified freestanding aerial rig/A-frame. Never use standard ceiling hooks or light fixtures.
• Carabiners: You will need at least two, preferably three, heavy-duty, auto-locking carabiners. They must be rated for dynamic loads in climbing or aerial applications, with a Minimum Breaking Strength (MBS) significantly higher than your body weight (e.g., 22 kN or higher). Stainless steel or high-strength aluminum are common.
• Swivel (Optional but Recommended): A high-strength swivel prevents the fabric and rigging from twisting, allowing for smoother rotations and extending equipment lifespan. It connects between the rigging point and the hammock attachment.
• Daisy Chains or Adjustable Straps: These are strong, multi-loop webbing straps used to adjust the height of your hammock. Ensure they are rated for aerial use.
• Rescue 8 / Figure 8 Descender (or other rigging plate): For single-point hammock rigging, this device helps gather and secure the hammock fabric, distributing the load evenly and preventing the fabric from slipping.
• Crash Mat: A thick, high-density crash mat placed directly underneath the hammock is essential for cushioning falls, especially when practicing new movements or inversions.

Choosing Your Rigging Location

Selecting an appropriate location is paramount for both safety and effective training.

• Structural Integrity:
  • Ceiling Mounts: If installing in a ceiling, you must consult a qualified structural engineer or a certified aerial rigger. They will assess your home's structural beams, joists, or concrete slabs to determine if they can safely support the dynamic loads of aerial movement (which can be 3-5 times your body weight during drops or dynamic maneuvers). DIY ceiling installations are extremely dangerous and not recommended.
  • Freestanding Rigs/A-Frames: Ensure the rig is placed on a stable, level surface, away from any obstructions. Check its weight rating and stability for your intended use.
• Height: The ideal height allows you to comfortably stand with the bottom of the hammock fabric at hip to waist height. Ensure there's enough vertical clearance above the rigging point for the fabric to extend fully and for any aerial maneuvers.
• Clearance: You need ample clear space around your hammock—at least 6-8 feet in all directions—to prevent accidental collisions with walls, furniture, or other objects during movement. Remove all sharp objects or potential hazards from the area.

Step-by-Step Rigging Process (Single-Point Hammock)

Most home aerial hammocks are rigged from a single overhead point. Follow these steps meticulously:

1. Secure the Rigging Point:
   • If using a ceiling mount, ensure it has been professionally installed and certified.
   • If using a freestanding rig, ensure it is fully assembled, stable, and all locking pins are engaged.
2. Attach the First Carabiner: Connect a high-strength, auto-locking carabiner to your primary rigging point. Double-check that it is fully locked.
3. Attach the Swivel (Optional): If using a swivel, attach it to the first carabiner. Ensure its locking mechanism (if any) is secure.
4. Attach Daisy Chains/Adjustable Straps: Connect the top loop of your daisy chain(s) to the swivel (or directly to the carabiner if no swivel is used).
5. Prepare the Hammock Fabric with Rescue 8:
   • Thread both ends of your aerial hammock fabric through the large opening of the Rescue 8/Figure 8 descender.
   • Pull the fabric through until the midpoint of the hammock is roughly centered on the descender.
   • Bring both ends of the fabric up and over the top bar of the Rescue 8, then down through the smaller opening. This secures the fabric. Ensure the fabric is not twisted.
6. Connect the Hammock to Rigging:
   • Attach a second auto-locking carabiner through the top opening of the Rescue 8 (where the fabric goes over the top bar) and through one of the loops of the daisy chain.
   • Alternatively, if using two carabiners directly on the Rescue 8, attach one carabiner to each side of the fabric loop created by the Rescue 8, and then attach both carabiners to the daisy chain.
   • Ensure all carabiners are fully locked.
7. Adjust Height: Use the loops on the daisy chain(s) to adjust the hammock to your desired height. For most users, the bottom of the hammock should be at hip to waist height when standing on the floor.

Crucial Safety Checks Before Every Use

Never skip these vital safety checks, even if you've used your hammock countless times.

• Visual Inspection: Scan all components—fabric, straps, carabiners, swivel, rigging point—for any signs of wear, fraying, rust, cracks, or deformation. If anything looks compromised, do not use it.
• Carabiner Check: Verify that all carabiners are fully closed and their auto-locking mechanisms are engaged.
• Knots and Connections: If you've tied any knots (e.g., for fabric ends on a Rescue 8), ensure they are correctly tied and tight. All connections should be snug, with no excessive slack.
• Pull Test: Before getting fully into the hammock, apply your body weight gradually. Stand under the hammock, grab on, and slowly put increasing pressure, bouncing gently. Listen for any unusual sounds (creaking, groaning) and observe for any movement in the rigging point or equipment.
• Clearance Re-check: Confirm that the area around and beneath the hammock is still clear of any obstructions and that your crash mat is properly positioned.

Maintenance and Inspection

Regular, thorough maintenance extends the life of your equipment and, more importantly, ensures your safety.

• Routine Inspection: Perform a detailed inspection of all components at least once a month, or more frequently with heavy use. Pay close attention to high-friction areas on the fabric and any metal-on-metal contact points.
• Cleaning: Follow manufacturer guidelines for cleaning your hammock fabric. Dirt and sweat can degrade fabric over time.
• Component Replacement: Replace any component that shows signs of wear, damage, or deformation immediately. Adhere to the manufacturer's recommended lifespan for all equipment (e.g., carabiners, fabric, straps often have a recommended retirement date even without visible damage).

Professional Installation and Training

While this guide provides detailed instructions, it is highly recommended to seek professional assistance for your initial setup, especially for ceiling-mounted rigging.

• Certified Rigger: For any overhead rigging in a permanent structure, consult a certified aerial rigger or structural engineer. This is an investment in your safety that cannot be overstated.
• Qualified Instructor: If you are new to aerial arts, take classes from a qualified and certified aerial instructor. They can teach you proper techniques, safe transitions, and help you understand the nuances of aerial practice.

Rigging an aerial hammock safely requires diligence, attention to detail, and a deep respect for the forces involved. By understanding the equipment, following precise steps, and prioritizing safety checks, you can enjoy the many benefits of aerial training with confidence.