Flying in Rope: First Suspension Series

Class Description:

This 3-part series is designed for tying pairs who have played with partial suspension and wish to experience full flight in a risk-aware environment. Tying pairs will explore multiple suspension positions, put familiar harnesses and patterns under full load, practice moving in and out of static poses, and learn how to adapt ties to prolong “flying time”. Those tying will learn how to control and assess how load is distributed across multiple uplines, predict when and where harnesses deform, and solve basic challenges as they arise. Those being tied will learn how to communicate effectively while in suspension, begin to calibrate to their endurance in a variety of ties and positions, and identify early signs of nerve impingement or injury.

In order to benefit from this class, those tying should be able to rig suspension uplines using both top and bottom locks-offs as well as have previously practiced a simple partial suspension under supervision. Those being tied should have previous experience in a partial suspension and possess some basic familiarity with sensations related to circulation loss and nerve/injury signals.

These classes are crafted for partnered learning; attendees need to sign up in pairs. All tying pairs must commit to all classes in the series.

We encourage those who have completed the Ascent in Rope curriculum to register. For those who have not attended this series, please see the prerequisites listed below.

Prerequisites:

• Familiarity and comfort in rigging suspension uplines using both top and bottom lock-offs. This class will not cover learning uplines and we will assess your skill at the beginning of the first class.
• Previous experience with partial suspensions.
• Ability to learn a new pattern and tie along with the instructors.
• Experience tying or being in a suspension-worthy single column, double column, two-band futomomo, and upper-body harness. 
• Ability to advocate and enforce personal boundaries for rope and in rope.
• Ability to conduct safety checks and use hand checks while in rope.

Cost:  $150 per tying pair for Premium members. This covers all 3 class dates: 11am to 2pm on September 13th, October 11th, and November 8th. $180 per tying pair if one or both participants are not Premium members. The class is limited to 8 tying pairs.

Gear Requirements:

• 8-10 hanks of rope that are 30ish feet in length per hank. We recommend fibers like hemp, jute, or POSH*. Stretchy or stiff ropes (i.e. cotton, silk, coconut, paracord, or climbing rope) are not appropriate for this series.
• At least 3 (preferably 5) carabiners with a rating of 24 KN or greater
• Safety shears or other appropriate cutting tool
• Water bottle
• Notebook and writing tool (optional)
• Rigging plate or steel/wood ring (optional)
• Snack or blanket (optional)

*Our instructors primarily use jute, a natural fiber rope, for body harnesses and use POSH for critical uplines.

Expectations:

• Contact Bight & Bind Collective if you have questions about content or prerequisites.
• Come dressed to move in comfy, snug-fitting clothing - loose, drapey clothes and slippery fabrics can present a challenge during lessons. Avoid wires, buttons, zippers, or anything else that may feel irritating underneath the rope. Consider bringing layers as the indoor heating system can be inconsistent or loud. 
• Tying exercises will be done on the floor, kneeling, and/or standing. Padded mats are provided during class. Chairs and stools can be made available by request.
• Tying pairs will observe all requests made by instructors during class time, including being asked to sit out exercise(s) when there is a concern about safety.
• There are two bathrooms and a water cooler on site. Outside food is allowed.
• Contact Subspace if you need accommodation assistance. We will do our best to create a space that facilitates learning for kinksters of all abilities and needs. The entrance can be reached via a ramp or two stairs on either side of the building.

Instructor Details:

The Bight & Bind Collective has been teaching foundational, partnered rope classes since 2024. Our progressive curriculum helps people learn to tie and be tied from the first single column to the first suspension. Our style is informed by Japanese heritages with emphasis on tight binding and minimalism. Our instructor team is passionate about teaching in an adaptive, risk-informed manner to accommodate bodies of all sizes, abilities, and skills. To learn more and see a list of our instructors, visit our Fetlife page: @BightandBind.