Suspension Bondage Is Dangerous

We love suspension bondage and we’re excited to share it with you. We want to be very clear, however, about the risks involved.

1. Suspension bondage involves unavoidable risk. Like rock climbing, suspension is a risky activity. Good preparation and training can reduce your risk, but even if you do everything right there is still a chance that you may be injured or killed, or that you may injure or kill another person.

2. We don’t have all the answers. Unlike rock climbing, suspension bondage has no professional standards bodies and no expert consensus about best practices. This book is based on years of study, practice, and consultation with outside experts. Nonetheless, you should be aware that suspension is still a developing field, and our understanding of the best way to do things is still evolving.

3. You can’t learn suspension from a book. The only safe way to learn suspension is to work with a qualified instructor or mentor. This book is a valuable adjunct to expert instruction, but not a substitute for it. Without a skilled teacher to guide and evaluate you, you cannot learn suspension without placing your partner in tremendous danger.

4. Don’t get ahead of yourself. Suspension is fun and exciting, and you will likely be tempted to rush ahead and try activities that you aren’t yet ready for. We can’t stress enough the importance of proceeding slowly and methodically, and always working within your skill level.

5. Always use good judgment. Your best defense against mishap is your own common sense and good judgment. Always be mindful of what you’re doing, and err on the side of caution.

Your partner is placing tremendous faith in your competence and judgment. If you are careless or overly ambitious, they are likely to pay a heavy price for your foolishness. Make sure that you are worthy of their trust.

Suspended Animation accepts no responsibility for any injury or death which may occur as a result of the activities described in this book. By reading this book, you agree to take full responsibility for your actions and their consequences.

Knots

The Retraced Figure 8

The retraced figure 8 is identical to the normal figure 8: this is just a different way of tying the same knot. Although it’s much slower to tie, this version can be tied onto a closed loop.

Use this knot for:

Like the normal figure 8, this knot is best used for critical applications involving climbing rope or other technical lines.

Do not use this knot for:

Because of its tendency to jam, this knot is a poor choice for natural fiber ropes.

When possible, use the normal figure 8 instead: it’s faster and easier to tie.

Tying the retraced figure 8

1

Build a figure 8 in a single line, leaving far more working end than you think you need.

2

Pass the working end through the ring.

3

Begin to retrace the figure 8, laying the working end next to the standing end.

4

Retrace the entire figure 8, making sure that the lines lie tidily next to each other.

5

Snug the knot tight, making sure that the lines stay tidy and untwisted. Neatness is important in this knot!

Optional

For extra security, tie a half hitch in the working end and snug it against the figure 8.