Rope Suspension 101: Hardpoints, Hangers, & Uplines with Otto/AutomataBound andSuspendDisbelief

Accessibility accommodations are available upon request to accessibility@br.org. Please give us two weeks’ notice.

Class Description

Interested in learning to suspend yourself or a partner? Start here!

In rope suspension, the person in rope is attached not only to themselves but also to a point above them. This class focuses on understanding and mitigating the risks incurred by choices made physically above the person in rope during suspension. Attendees will learn about hardpoint evaluation, choosing suspension equipment, secure upline lockoffs, and how to respond to a rope jam. Those participating will use a bag to practice building a hanger, constructing a pulley system with an upline, and securely locking off the upline.

Participation is not required to attend. This information is also valuable for those who want to evaluate their risk profiles around hardpoints, suspension gear, and upline lockoffs.

Please Note: No humans will be suspended during this class. This class does not “certify” you to suspend. We will only be covering risk factors above the person in rope during this class, which is a small portion of overall suspension safety information. Additional in-person education will be necessary prior to and during your first suspension.

Pre-requisites for participation:

Comfortable tying a non-collapsing single column tie that leaves a bight (which could be, but does not have to be, a Somerville bowline). This should be muscle memory.

Ability to accept critique on technique during the hand-on portions.

Participants should bring:

• A moderately heavy bag (>5 lbs) to suspend.
• 1-2 pieces of 30ft POSH, Nylon/MFP, or Hemp rope – please check with us if you plan to use anything else. Limited extras available.
• Rope cutting tool.
• [optional] Something to write on/with for notes.
• [optional] rated climbing strap
• [optional] rated locking pear or oval carabiners
• [optional] rigging plate or suspension ring

Presenter Bio

SuspendDisbelief (she/her) is a queer, non-monogamous submissive and emotional masochist. An exhibitionistic chaos goblin, she can often be found tying herself up and cofacilitates education at a rope skill share in the DC area. Using her professional experiences in education and her deeply slutty heart, she provides alternative framings for familiar concepts in edge play, especially for those who, like her, have been repeatedly betrayed by their neurodivergent peculiarities while learning.

AutomataBound (AKA Otto) is a queer, switchy bondage nerd who loves bringing ridiculous concepts to life. They have been in the D.C. scene for ~4 years and currently co-facilitate education at Hitchin’ Bitches.

To minimize disruption, there will be no admittance after 8:30.

This is not a play party. Do not attempt to engage in scenes or solicit others for play, except for labbing as part of a workshop-style class.

Tickets are $5 for Black Rose Members and Members of Reciprocal Groups with their Membership Card and $10 for non-members.

All ticket sales are at the door.

Email info@br.org for more information about Black Rose or its events.

If you have questions or would like to request a class topic, please email education@br.org