Aerial Silks Safety is our top priority! Our students, teachers and professional affiliates perform aerial skills in the air that are incredibly dangerous! Our goal is educate the aerial community about things to consider when training on silks.
Always Train with A Skilled Professional or Partner
- A skilled professional that is present and insured can coach students so they can provide feedback, direction, instruction, ensure safety and tips on appropriate body movement.
- Never train by yourself. Train with a professional artist who can bail you out or help if you get hurt.
- Social Media Channels such as YouTube, Tik Tok, or Instagram are not appropriate mediums for learning aerial silks as the nuances of proper execution of skills and how your own body operates is NOT conveyed effectively.
- Aerial Fabrics is a progressive skill that is built over time just like any other athletic sport but must start with foundational basic skills before trying more advanced skills.
Train in a Safe and Prepared Space
- Space Preparation: Aerial fabrics requires a minimum of 14 feet of height and 6 feet of width of unobstructed space in every direction.
- Structure & Weight Minimums: An aerial point must support 2000 – 5000 pounds of weight to absorb shock from the variation of skills performed on the silks.
- Crash Mat: Yoga Mats are not effective crash mats. They will not break your fall if you fall 10 ft from the air.
What About Equipment & Practicing At Home?
We are seeing that at home set up aerial rigs are becoming more commonplace. We encourage you to reach out to sources who specialize in installing, inspecting and maintaining aerial equipment so they can guide you on things you may not be aware of.
Below is some additional information to consider:
- Cost & Liability
- Cost: To have a rig properly installed costs at a minimum of $15,000.
- Liability: If someone that is not a resident of your home and gets hurt on the silk, the homeowner is liable.
- Zoning & Insurance:
- Zoning: Having an aerial point is considered commercial use property. Check with your local zoning board and insurance company for proper use, how to insure your home and business from potential liabilities.
- Insurance: Aerial points are not covered under homeowner’s or renter’s insurance and can lead to cancellation or legal action against the homeowner or renter.
- Teaching At Home Safely:
- Teaching at home increases liability for the person teaching. If someone that is not a resident of your home and gets hurt on the silk, the person teaching is liable.
- To ensure safety for your client, equipment maintenance including regular inspections and repairs are necessary.