Studio Friction Rope Intensive:

INTRO TO BAMBOO SUSPENSION

w/ Shosty9 and BetwixtBlushes

Price (per tying pair): 

BOUND Members $20 | TIED Members $30 | WRAPPED Members $40

Class Description:

In this class, students will learn how to suspend from large pieces of bamboo. Set up for the bamboo as well as safety and practical considerations will be covered. Then students will be shown positions and techniques that will allow them to explore the options, challenges, and sick rigger cred that come with this style of suspension.

In this class, Shosty and BetwixtBlushes will walk through the basics of tying to overhead bamboo as a hard point, instead of a traditional single point. They will start from rigging the bamboo and proceed all the way to suspension exercises.

Bamboo is different and nuanced, especially when so many of us are used to tying on single points. These differences will be discussed, as well as safety considerations.

Following this discussion, Shosty and BetwixtBlushes will lead class participants in setting up their bamboo and instructing a tie off that is designed more specifically for bamboo suspension. Following this, two suspensions will be demonstrated that highlight some of the differences between tying to bamboo vs. a single point.

The first will be a partial suspension that will allow for use of the newly instructed tie off, as well as give the rigger an opportunity to discover some of the differences of tying on bamboo. It will also give the person being tied an opportunity to experience the different sensations of a bamboo suspension.

The second suspension will be a full suspension that will give the rigger the chance to play with different body positions on the bamboo, and more practice with tie offs. The person being tied will be able to experience the different ways a bamboo suspension affects their body, and will give them the opportunity to experiment with micro adjustments with their body to better manage these types of suspension.

Throughout this class, BetwixtBlushes will offer valuable information for persons being tied in respect to bamboo suspensions, including how to manage breathing, the different body sensations of a bamboo suspension, and other bottoming-related topics as they arise.

Bamboo hard points will be provided. Riggers *must* provide their own safety shears/knife/cutting implement.

Prerequisites and Equipment:

Rigger: knowledge of a suspension worthy chest harness, understanding of tension in ties, familiarity with suspension line tie offs, and non-collapsible single column ties. Prior static suspension experience is strongly preferred.

Bottom: clear and thorough communication skills, strong body awareness in rope (particularly in suspension), ability to adjust in rope while suspended, and ability to manage potentially stressful positions while suspended. Previous static suspension experience preferred.

Equipment:

Every tying pair will need about 10-12 lengths of rope in good condition (however many you need for suspension, plus a couple more), carabiners, and a cutting implement. An aftercare blanket and/or pillow, as well as snacks, are optional but nice to have.

About the Instructors:

Shosty9 (he/him) 

Shosty9 has been part of the Denver rope community since 2018. He is technically minded and always trying to find the pattern behind a friction or harness. An avid educator, Matt delights in sharing with others and investing in the community.

BetwixtBlushes (She/Her) 

BetwixtBlushes is a regular in the Denver scene since 2015. She is an enthusiast of discussion groups, bottoms speaking up (especially in class), and thigh high socks. If you hear giggling, she's often the culprit.

Important Registration Information:

• All attendees must register and pay online, no admittance or registration at the door.

• Studio friction membership is required to attend to enable us to maintain our 501(c)7 non-profit status (per the IRS we can only earn 30% of our income from non-members). If you're not a member, but interested in attending, consider joining us. Membership starts at $10 per month non-recurring. Learn more by clicking here.
  

• Photo ID is required to be admitted.

• You must be 19 years of age or older to attend Studio Friction events.

• No refunds or credits on cancellations within 24 hours of event (contact us for extenuating circumstances).