Aerial Rigging at Home: Safe Setup Guide for Aerialists

In this guide we will explore the different rigging solutions designed for aerialists to practice at home. From free standing rigs to ceiling mounts, every rigging point has it's advantages and limitations. Aerial arts is an incredibly empowering sport that you should be proud to be apart of. However, there are dangers and challenges associated with aerial rigging and the use or mis-use of aerial apparatuses. Consult a professional rigger, licensed contractor, or engineer to help you with aerial installations and always use safety tested gear within your aerial set-up.

Before we dive in, let's learn about the physics of aerial movements and forces.

In aerial arts, the force on your body and rigging equipment increases significantly during dynamic moves such as drops due to gravity. As you descend, potential energy converts to kinetic energy, raising your velocity. When the fabric stops your fall, the rapid deceleration generates an impulse force.

The greater the height and mass, the higher the velocity and force experienced. A faster stopping time also means higher forces experienced, which is why safety crash mats reduce injury by cushioning falls and extending the time over which the force is dissipated.

With this in mind, know the limitations and risks of at home aerial training. Always use a crash matt to reduce injury and refer to our 8 tips for home aerial training for more info.

Let's dive into the rigging hardware and rigging points to find what's right for you!

Carabiners are the heart of every aerialists rigging kit. They allow you to clip into your rigging point as well as connect additional components. Swivels add rotation to your aerial apparatus allowing you to freely spin without twisting or knotting straps and fabric. Figure eights come in various shapes and sizes and act as a secure anchor point for your aerial fabric.

Only use carabiners, swivels and figure eights that are designed for aerial use and safety tested. Each component should have a load rating in kilonewtons (kN). This value is known as the minimum breaking strength (MBS) which is determined through industry standard safety testing. Kilonewtons are the standard unit of measure for aerial gear with 1 kN = 225lbs. Check out our guides for a full breakdown of safety testing as well as CE certification.

Note: All Orbsoul aerial silks, yoga hammock, and hoop sets come with CE certified carabiners.

Ceiling mounts are a great way to start your aerial journey at home. Perfect for aerial yoga as well as light aerial strength and conditioning training so that your ready for more advanced moves during your next studio session. While mounts are designed to be strong, their weight limit is ultimately constrained by the lag bolts used in installation and the strength of the structure to which they are attached. Before installation, have a professional assess the ceiling structure to ensure it can support the required load. Install the mount(s) in a location that provides enough clearance for safe aerial practice. Regularly check and maintain the mount and attached equipment to ensure ongoing safety.

Advantages:

• Perfect for aerial yoga, aerial hoop as well as light aerial strength and conditioning on silks
• Designed to be a sleek low profile addition to your ceiling which equipment can be attached or detached quickly

Limitations:

• Not suitable for dynamic movements such as aerial silks drops
• Requires a professional to determine if your ceiling is able to handle the loads associated with aerial arts
• Requires professional installation

Always ensure your carabiner is tensioned on the major axis. Never tri-load or quad-load a carabiner as it greatly reduces the strength and will lead to failure. Always read and understand the instructions for use of your gear. Find the latest technical notices for your gear here.

Aerial rigging straps come in various shapes, sizes, and load ratings, making them a versatile addition to your setup. They can add length to your aerial apparatus or serve as the main hanging point. Round slings can be used as rigging points by wrapping around beams. Understanding weight limitations is crucial, as different straps are designed for specific purposes. Daisy chains and harmony yoga straps are intended for light aerial yoga, while thicker round slings like the Airloop are suitable for more demanding aerial arts. Always inspect your straps for wear before each use and stop using them immediately if worn.

Advantages:

• No installation or drilling required
• Quick set-up to wrap around a beam (with shackle) or extend the height of your aerial set-up
• Versatile

Disadvantages:

• To act as a rigging point, you must have a suitable beam in your home
• Requires evaluation of the beam by a professional to determine if it's suitable for aerial arts
• Daisy chains can never be used to wrap around a rigging point

Never use daisy chains for any aerial rigging or beam wrapping due to their low breaking strength. Only use daisy chains for low impact aerial yoga stretching.

You can also use a round-sling to extend the length of your set-up or use the chocker hitch directly around your hoop. A choker hitch is tied by creating a loop around, wrapping the working end of the sling around the standing part, and pulling it tight to secure the knot. Note: Choker hitches reduces the strength of the sling by 75% or more.

An aerial rig is a sturdy structure designed to support aerial arts equipment. Made from high-strength materials such as steel, aerial rigs can handle significant weight and dynamic movements. Portable freestanding models like the Orbsoul Pegasus feature adjustable height settings, multiple anchor points and ground stakes to prevent tipping. Ideal for both studios and home use, a well-designed aerial rig ensures stability and safety, allowing performers to practice and perform confidently. Regular inspection and maintenance are essential for ongoing safety and performance.

Advantages:

• No installation or drilling required
• Portable and height adjustable
• Can be set-up outside
• Safety tested by the manufacturer

Limitations:

• Large footprint and heavy
• Assembly required as well as disassembly when not in use
• Regular inspection and maintenance required

All rigging hardware, like everything in life, will wear to the point in which it needs to be retired. Frictional wear due to rubbing under load will cause material loss.