Aerial silks—also known as aerial fabrics or tissue—are among the most fascinating disciplines in aerial acrobatics. They combine strength, elegance, and body control with a sense of freedom and weightlessness. To ensure training remains safe and effective, several factors are crucial—ranging from proper suspension and material quality to maintenance. This guide summarizes all the essential aspects to consider when purchasing and using aerial silks.
Safety and suspension: the foundation of any aerial practice
Before training even begins, the safe suspension of the aerial silks is the top priority. "Rigging" refers to the assembly and installation of the acrobatic apparatus. The chosen anchor points must be strong enough to withstand the high dynamic loads generated during aerial training.
Aerial silks can be installed in many locations—studios, sports halls, homes, old barns, or even outdoors. However, not every location is automatically suitable. The structural integrity of the ceiling, beam, or suspension point is critical. Anyone lacking technical expertise should definitely seek professional assistance. An experienced rigger, structural engineer, or circus professional can reliably assess load-bearing capacity and safety.
This also applies to creative outdoor setups: attaching aerial silks to a tree might sound romantic, but it is dangerous. Even sturdy-looking trees can harbor internal rot or damage that isn't visible from the outside. Numerous accidents have shown that seemingly healthy trees can snap under the strain. Therefore, anyone wishing to train outdoors should use specially designed rigging frames and always have the load-bearing capacity verified.
Certified safety from SchenkSpass
Safety is the top priority in the development of aerial silks. All SchenkSpass aerial silks and suspension systems are tested in Germany and assigned clearly defined load ratings.
The breaking load limit (BLL) for the aerial silk is 1,350 kg, while the working load limit (WLL) is 95 kg. These figures are based on a safety factor of 14—meaning the silks can withstand many times the weight of a human body before reaching their structural limits. Accessories such as ceiling mounts and carabiners also undergo regular testing. In tests, the combined silk and suspension system withstands loads exceeding 10 tonnes—clear proof of the materials' robustness.
Overview of suspension and connecting elements
Connecting elements linking the silk, suspension system, and ceiling are a crucial part of any aerial setup. SchenkSpass offers various options, distinguished by their shape and intended use:
Delta quick link: Exceptionally strong and versatile, as it can be mounted in three directions. Ideal for aerial straps or trapezes.
Oval quick link: Frequently used to connect the universal ceiling mount to a triangle mount.
Pear-shaped quick link: Offers one of the most secure attachment options, with a maximum load capacity exceeding 3 tonnes—suitable for aerial ropes or cotton spansets, for example.
Screw-lock carabiner: Practical and secure. Thanks to the screw-lock mechanism and keylock system, the carabiner remains firmly closed, preventing accidental opening.
These connecting elements differ significantly from carabiners used in rock climbing. While mountaineers require systems that open quickly, aerial arts prioritize absolute stability. Consequently, screw-lock carabiners or quick links are the preferred choice. Where and how to safely hang aerial silks
As a general rule: The fabric must only be attached to points capable of safely supporting your full body weight—plus the dynamic forces generated during falls or sudden braking.
Typical mounting locations include:
solid concrete ceilings or sturdy wooden beams
steel girders or custom-made rigging structures
suitable doorways, garages, or roof structures, provided their load-bearing capacity has been verified
Before every setup, you should test whether the attachment point can withstand dynamic loads. A quick, sharp tug using your own body weight is a suitable method for this.
When training in groups, maintain a minimum distance of 3.5 meters between suspension points, as well as about 2 meters of clearance in every direction. This ensures there is enough space for spins, drops, and lateral movements.
The right length for aerial silks
The length of the fabric depends on the ceiling height. A simple rule of thumb is:
Fabric length = double the room height + 1 m for the knot.
If you also want a "tail" trailing on the floor to help learn new moves, you should allow for an extra 2 meters.
Example:
For a ceiling height of 3 m, you need aerial silks that are 7 m long (without a tail) or 8 m long (with a tail).
