Fabric 

How much fabric do I need for a traditional aerial dance set up?

 See our article on How Much Aerial Fabric Do I Need?

What type of fabric is best for aerial dance and aerial yoga?

We sell three different types of aerial fabric. The difference in the fabric is the amount of “stretch” each type of fabric has. See a video here

Our Aerial Fabric, Tricot with Shine is our best selling fabric and Tricot with Shine is our very low stretch option. It is best for Aerial Yoga and beginner to intermediate aerial dance as the stretch when sitting in the hammock or climbing a silk is very minimal.

More advanced aerialists may prefer a fabric with more stretch for comfort in the rebound of drops or for conditioning. We sell a medium stretch fabric, Aerial Fabric With Bounce and a high stretch fabric, called Interlock.

How do I wash my aerial fabric? 

See our article about aerial silks fabric care here 

Aerial fabric and slack drops

Read our article on slack drops here

What are those pinpricks or quarter sized “dots” running on the edge of my fabric? Is this a defect?

These “pinpricks” and “dots” (depending on the type of fabric you ordered) are not defects! This is called a selvage edge and runs the length of the fabric. The selvage edge is where the fabric was attached to the loom in the manufacturing process. The selvage edge is a necessary and important part of the fabric making process and does not impact quality or safety.

 

Can you cut my fabric width to make it more narrow (for kids or smaller hands)?

While this isn’t a service we offer, you can easily “strip” (cut) the width of your aerial fabric to make it less bulky (thinner). Review our article here

 

Hammocks

What is the difference between the Basic Hammock and the Double Point Hammock?

The Basic Yoga Hammock does not come with Multiple Links and is designed to be set at a single height. It is ideal for home use. However, if you need a Yoga Hammock for a studio where you want to adjust the height for each student, the Double Point Hammock is the better choice. The Double Point Hammock includes two Multiple Links, allowing for incremental and easy height adjustments.

 

What is the difference between a single point hammock and double point hammock?

In short, a single point hammock will allow you to spin easily and freely, where a double point hammock will not. 

 

Additionally, as the name implies, a single point hammock only requires one ceiling attachment point, whereas a double point hammock requires 2 ceiling attachment points. A double point hammock is typically used for aerial yoga. A single point hammock is typically used for trick based, cirque-style aerial dance and performance and includes a swivel to allow for spinning.   

 

What type of fabric is best for Aerial Yoga hammocks?

Our Aerial Fabric, Tricot with Shine, is the ideal choice for an aerial yoga hammock. This fabric is 108 inches wide and stretches width-wise, not length-wise, providing a comfortable stretch without excessive sinking under weight. It is tightly knit and exceptionally strong, with annual break tests to ensure quality. Made in the USA, it is easy to clean, and we can provide a certificate of strength upon request. 

 

How long does my Basic Hammock need to be?

A four yard Basic Hammock is Best for a 9 to 10 foot (2.75 to 3 meter) ceiling if you want the bottom of your hammock to be at approximately hip height from the floor. A five yard Basic Hammock is best for Restorative Yoga if you want the bottom of your hammock to be close to the floor and you have a 9 to 10 foot (2.75 to 3 meter) ceiling. 

 

Rigging

Can my ceiling support aerial yoga or aerial dance? If so, how many people can I have in the air at once?

If you are thinking of adding Aerial Yoga or Aerial Dance to your studio, you must first learn if your ceiling can support a dynamic load, or force that is moving. In other words, you need your ceiling to support people who are suspended in the air and moving in the air safely! A structural engineer can tell you if your ceiling and your structure is strong enough to support an aerial program, how many people can be supported, and how best to attach your hammocks or aerial silks to your ceiling. At AFA, we do not consult on attaching to structures. 

Read more about aerial dynamic forces here.

How do I set up a rig point in my home?

It is possible to set up a safe rig point in your home, but it is costly as it requires an engineer to help. The attachment point is often the weakest part of an aerial system. In other words, the attachment of a piece of equipment to your ceiling/structure needs to be handled with care and concern. This is where you need to consult with a structural engineer. At AFA, we do not consult on attaching to structures. 

Read more about rigging safety here

Can I rig my aerial silk from a tree?

We do not recommend rigging off trees. Only an arborist can determine the health of a tree and even so, only at that point in time. There are many anecdotal stories in the aerial community of trees breaking. Due to the inherent risk we do not ever recommend rigging from trees. 

How long does my Double Point Hammock need to be?

Select a four yard Double Point Hammock for a 9 to 10 foot (2.75 to 3 meter) ceiling if you want the bottom of your hammock at approximately hip height from the floor. The Double Point Hammock comes assembled with two 24 inch (61cm) multiple links. This adds another 24 inches or (61cm) for adjustment up or down. Either a four yard or a five yard Double Point Hammock can be used in a 9 to 10 foot ceiling with the bottom of the hammock either at hip height or close to the floor.

 

Equipment Care 

How should I inspect my Carabiner and when should I replace a Carabiner?

The gate of the carabiner should be inspected with much attention. Open and close it, make sure it moves freely without sticking. Make sure nothing is bent or deformed in any way. This would indicate the need to immediately stop using and replace the piece. Assess the frame of the carabiner for abrasive wear, particularly in the crooks where your other hardware touches/rubs. You’ll find over time the most wear on your carabiners will be where other hardware is connected to it (such as a swivel) and rubbing. If more than 10 percent of the metal has been worn away, immediately stop using the carabiner and replace it. You can measure the wear with calipers.   

 

Is a carabiner still safe to use if dropped?

Aerial hardware, including carabiners, can be damaged by falls from a great height (such as off a high ceiling). However, if you accidentally drop your carabiner while walking (a drop of a few feet), it is likely still safe to use. Always inspect your hardware for visual defects and ensure that all moving parts are functioning correctly. 

 

How should I inspect my Swivel and when should I replace a Swivel?

Make sure the swivel rotates freely and doesn’t feel “gritty” when rotating. If the swivel doesn’t rotate smoothly, stop using immediately and replace the swivel as there is no way to clean internal bearings. Assess for abrasive wear, especially where the swivel comes into contact with other pieces of equipment, such as carabiners. If more than 10 percent of the metal has been worn away, immediately stop using the swivel and replace it. You can measure the wear with calipers. 

 

How should I inspect my Rescue 8 and when should I replace a Rescue 8?

Assess your rescue 8 for abrasive wear, especially where it comes into contact with other pieces of equipment, such as carabiners. If more than 10 percent of the metal has been worn away, immediately stop using the rescue 8 and replace it. You can measure the wear with calipers.

 

How should I inspect my round slings (span sets) and when should I replace them?

Round slings (span sets) must be inspected for abrasion or cuts to the slings protective covering. Any signs of abrasion, such as holes or cuts through the outer covering layer would indicate need for immediate replacement and discontinue of use. 

 

How should I inspect my runners and when should I replace them?

Runners should be inspected for snags, holes, or cuts. Discontinue use immediately and replace a runner when they show flaws such as snagging, tearing, or friction burns.