with Ztella and taan

Tying with people bigger than ourselves – or getting tied by people smaller who might not be able to move us easily – can feel daunting. This workshop gives you practical tools to tie confidently with significant size or strength differences.

While designed for smaller riggers and bigger bottoms, these principles of leverage and body mechanics are useful for anyone who wants to tie more sustainably and efficiently, regardless of your size.

We'll cover techniques for classic suspensions and ties, while also making space to explore: What do we actually want to do with rope? What do we find hot and interesting? What would rope look like if it were designed for and by us?

We'll cover:

• Tying and adapting harnesses for bigger bodies

• Body mechanics and movements that work and feel safe for everyone involved

• Protecting your own body as a rigger (hands, back, energy) to avoid injury and exhaustion

• Using uplines effectively for stability, support, movement, and suspension

• Tying on suspension points when you’re smaller and/or navigating height differences

• Facilitating movement and transitions in the air with larger or heavier bodies

• Safety strategies for emergencies and moments of uncertainty

• The emotional and interpersonal dynamics that can arise around size, strength, and vulnerability in rope

While this workshop covers suspension techniques, the body mechanics, leverage principles, and harness adaptations that are shown are broadly useful, and you'll take away valuable skills even if you don't want to do full suspensions.

• Prerequisites

  Riggers should be able to tie a safe and suspendable upper body harness on the person they're tying with, should know how to safely close uplines, and should have some prior suspension experience.

  Bottoms of all experience levels are welcome; you should be comfortable speaking up about what you're feeling and be able to check your body for nerve issues.

• What to Bring

  In addition to your normal rope set (8-10 ropes), we recommend you bring at least one upline rope that is a bit longer (9-10 meters) and a carabiner or two.