For most aerial artists, trees have always been a great idea to perform their skills. And outdoor settings provide more enthusiasm. So, as an aerial performer, you are not the only one to think about how to hang aerial silks from a tree.
Attaching silks on a tree requires tying the cadmium saver, ropes, and clips with different types of knots. Only then can one pull up silks to the branches. Before hurrying to the process, do not forget to go through the risk factors listed below.
How to Hang Aerial Silks from a Tree: Step-by-Step Guideline
Hanging aerial silks on a tree is far different than rigging aerial silks for home because if you do not tie the knots, loops, and silks outdoors properly, injury awaits you.
So, be very careful to follow these steps and make sure someone is there to look after you –
Step 1: Tie Clove Hitch
With a shoe, rock, or heavy-duty carabiner or throw weight clip tie a clove hitch using a thick rope so that the other end of the rope can come down on the ground.
For the hitch, enter one end of the rope into the clip and make sure the long edge faces the other direction to yours while coming out of the clip.
Grab the long end and twist it to make a loop that looks like an “e”. Bring it over the rope on the harness and insert it into the clip. Now pull both edges hanging from the clip to tighten the knot.
Still confused? Well, follow the tutorial:
Step 2: Throw the Rope
Swing the rock or clip attached with a clove hitch, and throw it over a sturdy branch. It will take a few tries before the clip can come down over the branch. While doing so, do not forget to spool in the rope edges so that they do not entangle.
Step 3: Attach the Cadmium Saver
Untie the throw weight from the rope and place one end of the rope through the small loop of a cadmium saver or anchor. Tie the edge that comes through on the throw weight clip using a clove hitch.
Both edges should look like hanging in ascending in descending order respectively. Clip on the other untied edge to the carabiner clip of the anchor and close it. Pull one edge to send the saver higher and tangle it around the branch. Flip it around to give a tug and get the throw weight back to you.
Step 4: Tie the Climbing Rope
Remove the clove hitch from the weight stone. Then, bring out one edge of the climbing rope through a small ring and push the ring below.
Take the thick rope that you have untied from the throw weight and make clove hitches. And insert the climbing rope edge through these loops. Again make the hitches and bring out the rope through these.
Tighten the knots on the rope. Here is a detailed tutorial on the hitches through which you can insert the climbing rope edge:
Step 5: Make Double Eight Loop
Pull the climbing rope up, then get the hitch-tied edge to you and untie the hitches. Insert that edge on your hand through the small ring attached to the other edge. With one end of the rope, try to make a relatively longer loop and tie a double eight on a bright knot. And attach a carabiner clip to it.
Take a short and soft climbing rope and make a Blake’s hitch knot with it on the thick climbing rope that comes through the ring. Secure the knot with an eight-loop tie using the short rope. Clip the soft rope eight-loop edge with the carabiner attached to the main climbing rope.
Step 6: Attach the Silks
Attach the silk clip to the carabiner on the soft and main climbing ropes. Then, attach your safety harness to the carabiner on the Blake’s hitch. And try to climb a little higher using the aerial silks. If the apparatus can hold your weight, slide down.
Now, you are all set to practice your aerial acrobatics. Remember to place a soft foam mattress underneath the tree before climbing to the silks.
What Things to Consider Before Hanging Aerial Silks from a Tree?
As risk factors are involved in outdoor aerial acrobatics, you need to consider a few things before rigging silks on a tree. So, note these down right away:
1. Contact Arborist
Schedule a meeting with an arborist to know whether you can hang the silks on your yard trees or not. If yes, the professional will be able to provide an outline of which tree will be ideal for this.
An arborist can inspect the health of the branches and inform you what force or weight can weaken them. So, you can plan your weight distribution properly to reduce damaging them in a week or so.
2. Position of the Rig
If you tie the equipment further away from the tree trunk, you are likely to put more force and pressure on the branch. As a result, it can break and put your and others’ lives in danger.
So, tie the silks as closely to the trunk as possible. It allows the knots to act as levers to minimize risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s):
Is It Safe To Hang Aerial Silks on a Tree?
If you can choose a sturdy branch and handle the forces you exert on the tree, you are good to go. For a newbie, it is not advisable.
Which Tree Is Best to Perform Aerial Acrobatics with Silks?
Avoid hanging silks on an aged tree or diseased branches. You never know how fragile they are. Choose a healthy and sturdy tree or call a professional for better insights.
How Much Does It Cost To Hang Aerial Apparatus on Trees?
It depends on the equipment quality you are using. For high-end aerial essential tools and working with an arborist, it can take up to $200 to $500.
Conclusion
It is not enough to know how to hang aerial silks from a tree. Because not considering the tree health, aerial dynamics, and quality of the tools can increase the chance of injuries! So, I’d highly suggest you contact a specialist before you take up this project.
Here is a tip – do not frequently use the hanging silks on the tree as it can strangle the tree earlier than expected!