What is "Safe" in aerial arts?

Aerial arts has become a large part of my life, and one of the main reasons I opened Grand Rapids Aerial Lounge was to create a safe environment for people of all ages to learn and train. While "safety" is a relative term influenced by varying levels of risk, my goal is to minimize those risks and improve overall safety. I recognize that I can only control what happens within my studio and not the risks students may encounter at other places or at home. However, I can provide students and their parents with the information they need to make informed decisions about their aerial practices outside our studio.

Cognitive Bias

I always advise that students practice with the presence and guidance of an aerial instructor. Even seemingly low risk activities close to the floor can result in significant injury. As students start to build strength and confidence with their aerial journey, there can be a Dunning-Kruger effect, a cognitive bias that cause people to overestimate their abilities or knowledge. This effect is even more amplified in a child or adolescent. This is often when students will start looking to purchase their own aerial equipment for home or start teaching others. This is one of the highest risk times for an aerialist. ​

Aerial Rigging Points

It is extremity unlikely that your house is built to withstand the forces that aerial arts places on the structure. This is a complex topic and a difficult answer to obtain for each individual. In general, rigging from a structure should include a structural engineer's input. There is much more to it than the static weight of the aerialist on the rigging point. Just don't rig from trees! A lower risk and much more versatile option is to purchase an aerial rig. My two personal favorites are Vvolfy and Circus Gear rigs. They can be placed at variable heights, can have a pulley system installed and can be use indoor or outdoor. Setting up and using a rig also has its own inherent risks if safety measures are not followed. 

Mats

In general, it is recommended that crash mats of at least 8 inch depth be used under your rigging point. Mattresses, trampolines, and AirTracks are NOT appropriate for use under rigging points and can actually lead to more harm. Mats can be expensive, but so are medical bills. I like the crash mats that AK Athletics sells for aerial arts. They fold in half and can fit in most large SUVs or Vans for transport. Also keep an eye out for gymnastics competitions, as many times the equipment manufacturers might sell mats at a discounted price after the meet.

Rigging Hardware

Equipment or rigging failure is one of the most common and catastrophic causes of injury. Most aerial rigging hardware can be found where you would purchase climbing or arborist supplies. I highly recommend taking an aerial rigging courses. Fight or Flight Entertainment is who we used for aerial rigging training. Many teacher training programs also have some basic rigging education. 
So where can you purchase higher quality carabiners, swivels, safety eights, spansets and so on? Firetoys.com and Treestuff.com are great options. I highly recommend not ordering hardware off of Amazon unless you know what you are buying. I am a fan of Petzl and DMM Axis Swivels. I also prefer to use auto-locking carabiners. In general, its best to stay away from daisy chains for rigging aerial equipment. 

Aerial Partner

I can't stress the importance enough about having another person present with you when you are training. Ideally, you have a pulley system and your buddy knows how to rescue you. Even highly trained and seasoned aerialists can get into sticky situations that can lead to severe injury or death. Parents, you wouldn't let your toddler play with the cord to the blinds for obvious reasons. Don't let your child wrap a rope or aerial fabric around their body while hanging off the ground and leave them unattended!