Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Gina OrRico on June 17, 2011 at 5:51am

I would be VERY cautious about this. One wrong or forgotten wrap and you could end up slipping out (falling) or (worse)  hanging yourself. Rotate in the wrong direction and you are hitting the ground, not enough tension, same thing.

If you are too low and don't have the weight of the silks "pulling" below, you won't catch, you will hit the ground. This just happened to me last week on a new trick- next try I climbed just a little higher and no problem - see what I mean?  

If you don't have AT LEAST  20 feet, and you do something as simple as 1 rotation - you run the chance of a hand or foot hitting the ground on the way around - I have seen a few people break bones in their hand this way. It is not just about keeping your head off the ground. 

However - if you are confident in your tricks and just looking for more practice time - ask around to your local gymnastics gyms. They usually have "open gym" times.  They may let you hang your silks and practice and the price is usually minimal. They will also have high ceilings and lots of mats. 

and ALWAYS  bring a partner / spotter.

 

StudentPermalink Reply by Fleur de Hoops on June 17, 2011 at 6:36am

This is a great idea to ask around to gymnastics places.  I hadn't even thought of that.  There are quite a few of those around here, I think, so I will definatley have to look into it. 

I was already considering taking 20 classes before I even started trying on my own. I talked with my husband last night about it and he said he would feel more comfortable with more classes under my belt, as would I.  I love all of the information you have shared with me; I'm so new to this and am absolutley clueless at what to do, but I know I want to do it as safe as possible, considering I have enough med problems as it is. I'm so used to to using the pole and I always seem to think things will be the same will silks, but of course I am very wrong.  Hopefully my instructor can give me more insight when I start the classes next weekend.  If you have any other good info or stuff that only aerialists themselves would know, tips, tricks, etc, let me know. :)

StudentPermalink Reply by Hannah Solace* Wiens on June 18, 2011 at 9:03am

I agree with all the above, but I'd like to add, no matter where you decide is best for you to practice, make sure to get someone who _knows what they're doing_ to rig your silks for you, or show you how.

StudentPermalink Reply by Snowflake on June 18, 2011 at 9:23am

good advice! Most accidents with aerial stunts happen due to improper rigging.