Aerial can be fun, but only if you use the proper rigging equipment and are rigging from a decent location. After reading this post you will know the dos and don’ts of aerial rigging. All aerial equipment should be weight graded. The weight grading can be listed on the website or on the product. Some products that are sold with aerial equipment are not safe to use for dynamic aerial skills. Dynamic movements includes, but are not limited to, drops and flips. One of the most popular products that are sold with aerial apparatuses, but are not safe for dynamic movements are called daisy chains. They look like this.
Daisy chains are not weight-graded. They are often sold with aerial hammocks because most people rig aerial hammocks in their low-ceiling homes. With low ceilings, you cannot do most dynamic movements. If you intend on doing any drops or quick movements you should not use daisy chains. If you are using aerial equipment with any decent height daisy chains should not be used. I recently talked to a rigger that held equipment on a scissor lift by a daisy chain that snapped. She said it sounded like a zipper and there were parts and pieces all over from their equipment falling and breaking. If a daisy chain cannot hold equipment, would you like to trust it with your life? I have seen many videos of aerialists falling out of the air due to daisy chains. I would honestly urge you not to use them at all.
I recommend using spansets and rigging ropes. These products are weight graded and are must safer to use. They can be bought on Aerial Essentials. Please check out our shop for a link to their website and a discount code. You will need to inspect your equipment before use and if you have a permanent setup, they should be inspected regularly. If the spanset’s cover or the rigging rope are frayed in any way they should be replaced.
You should also use weight graded carabiners, swivels, and if needed an aerial 8/rescue 8 (used to rig aerial silks and aerial hammock) to rig your aerial equipment. Please purchase these from an reputable aerial specific company such as Aerial Essentials or Xpole.