Safety First!
You've reached this page because you want to know more information about rigging up your aerial apparatus at home.
Misfit Strength & Circus strongly cautions against the rigging of aerial equipment in the home.
Here are a few considerations:
Whatever you rig to must be able to support a car (up to 5,000 pounds). Even the most static of moves involve a lot of load (up to 10 times your weight). This means that eyebolt in the ceiling is not going to work. That beam going through your high ceiling? Likely decorative. Considering purchasing an aerial rig? See point 6...
You need to hire a structural engineer to ensure the place you want to rig to can support the weight and loads.
You need to hire a professional rigger to hang your equipment.
You need to purchase professional grade equipment. That cheap silk on Amazon is a no go. The local craft store won't have what you need, either. Like mentioned earlier, aerial puts a ton of strain on our equipment. You will also need to purchase a high-quality mat.
Don't forget you also need a spotter and a rescue plan. Do you know what to do if you get stuck (because even the best aerialist gets stuck)? Do you have a spotter that does? NEVER practice aerial alone. Children have died as the result of practicing aerial alone at home. This is not mentioned to scare you, but to reinforce the importance of proper safety protocols. Please do not think it’s safe just because nothing bad has happened yet. It only needs to happen once.
Aerial practice is also NOT covered by renter or homeowners insurance and can negate your claims if not noted. Specialty coverage or insurance is often required. This is also inclusive of an aerial rig - and outdoor rigs are often prohibited by HOAs.
And finally - does your instructor believe you or your child is ready to practice without an instructor present?
Aerial is potentially dangerous - and expensive. Our relatively small and simple aerial rigging cost $40,000 to fabricate & install. While a home setup would be smaller, investing in safe rigging is quite expensive. Trust in experienced coaches to guide your journey and keep you safe in the air. The cost of your class fees keeps you safe and supports a small circus business - all at the same time.
Want to practice your skills and get stronger? We offer Circus Strength classes to build strength specific to circus practice, Lift Lab for general strength training, and Functional Core & Pelvic Floor to help you gain the stability and support you need to control your body safely in the air. We also offer Open Circus Training times. These are for minimum age 18, no instructor, but supervised by a coach. Requires approval, contact us for more info.
If you would like to purchase an apparatus to use at the studio, please let us help guide you in the right direction. Please note, we do not recommend the use of equipment purchased for in studio use anywhere but inside a professional aerial studio.
If after reading this, you still feel like a safe home rig is something you’d like to invest in, please send us an e-mail or talk to us in person. Amazon is not a good source for purchasing equipment, it’s cheaper for a reason. We can direct you toward reputable, safe companies and provide good resources.
Adapted from the info on Central Oregon Aerial Arts website.