ROPE SUSPENSION FUNDAMENTALS WITH FERN - WORKSHOP 1 - HARNESSES FOR SUSPENSION

KinkZone is excited to host a series of rope workshops by Hitchcraft's, Fern. 

In this 4-part workshop series, you will explore the fundamentals of rope for suspension and are perfect for anyone who has:

• not explored suspension rope previously,
• just taken the first few steps in this direction,
• experience in suspension and wants to extend their skills. 

The workshops will comprehensively explore how Fern approaches rope for suspension, harnesses, upline physics, recommended gear and putting it all together in the air. For those folk who are more experienced with suspension, Fern has additional advanced extensions and challenges for all practical components of the workshops!

If you have any concerns about your potential ability to suspend, please feel free to reach out to @The-Forest-Nymph and we can discuss perceived medical or physical limitations, as she has lived experience with modifying harnesses and practices for her own disabilities.

FACILITATOR BIO

Fern (she/her) is an unapologetically zany, disabled, queer, neurodivergent woman who has been facilitating rope bondage education for over 5 years. Fern has taught in Melbourne, Sydney, Tasmania and Canberra.

Fern has a unique skill set to share with those interested in rope bondage. Her rope journey saw her start out as a rope bottom, quickly transitioning to self-suspension and partnered rope bondage shenanigans. You will often see her engaging in partnered bondage exploring height, depth, vulnerability and empowerment with those she ties with.

Through her personal journey with rope bondage and disability, Fern understands the crucial role of educators in creating inclusive, safe(r) spaces.

WORKSHOP SERIES

All 4 workshops will contain content for both the tying techniques, as well as information and tips intended for those being tied. See individual event listings for details on the relevant workshop content.

Workshop 1 - Harnesses for suspension - Thursday 11 September

Workshop 2 - Hanger design & upline physics - Thursday 18 September

Workshop 3 - Revision & extensions - Wednesday 24 September

Workshop 4 - Getting into the air! - Thursday 25 September**

** Please note: to attend Workshop 4, it is a prerequisite you have attended at least Workshop 2, and you are confident in tying a well-tensioned, suspension worthy chest and hip harness of your choosing.

WORKSHOP 1 - HARNESSES FOR SUSPENSION

This workshop can be attended:

• as a standalone workshop and for those who would like to learn some harnesses without leaving the ground.
• as part of the entire workshop series.

Attendee skill level

This workshop is suitable for those with no previous experience with suspension; however, attendees must be able to:

• confidently tie a secure single column and double column. 

If you don't have a preferred style of single/double column, Fern suggests the Larks Head single column

• Lark's Head Single Column | TheDuchy
• Lark's Head Double Column | TheDuchy

What you will learn

• Rope bondage risks
• Preparation and safety measures for rope play and specifically choosing harnesses
• What the key features of a suspension worthy harness is
• A simple arms-free front, side and back loading chest harness
• A weaved pattern front, side and back loading chest harness
• A front-loading leg ladder
• A front, side and inversion loading Leto hip harness
• Time permitting, we may go through a foot and calf loading gravity boot

What to bring

• Yourself and a tying partner!
• Approx 3-4 lengths of 8-10m Rope, any material of rope is welcome. (We will also have some diamond braid nylon from Theartofrope.com.au and some twisted lay posh from Geckocoropes.au available for purchase during the workshop.)
• Medical grade shears for cutting rope in an emergency
• A notebook and pen to take notes, if you like.
• Any snacks, water and medical things you may require (i.e. inhaler, EpiPen etc)

What to wear

Comfortable, stretchy exercise-style clothes

TICKETS

Tickets are sold as a couple. Maximum capacity of this event is 12 attendees (6 couples).  No single tickets are available.

Cost: $90 per couple per workshop (+ booking fee)

Discount for purchase of all 4 workshops: $10 off per couple per session

VENUE & ARRIVAL

Please arrive 15 minutes before the start time to allow for the workshop to commence on time. Ample street parking is available.

ACCESSIBILITY

While the venue is not accessible at this time, the KZ Crew has taken steps to address this and improve accessibility. While this is not the most elegant or preferred solution, we do have a stair climber chair for guests.

Using the stair climber *will* require assistance from staff. While we would appreciate knowing ahead of time if you require this assistance, pre-alerting us is not mandatory.

The new venue is on the first floor of the building and access is via a flight of stairs up to our entrance way. There is no lift in the building.

More information and specifications for the stair climber chair is available in the website FAQ section.

RULES & ETIQUETTE

Consent is the core value we insist upon at KinkZone: Say “YES” with enthusiasm, or say “No, thanks” with grace.

Please refresh on the rules below and view our site regularly for our full list of rules:

• Please do not park illegally.
• No means NO. Consent is the core value of our establishment that we insist upon.
• This is a private event. For everyone's benefit, we would like to keep it that way. We insist you do not discuss it on social media or in public forums.
• When using equipment, clean it once you have finished. We provide disinfectant wipes and sprays for this.
• Smoking and vaping is to occur in the courtyard only, not inside.
• KinkZone Strongly encourages practicing safe sex. Condoms are provided for your use.
• Non-prescription medications and illicit drugs are not permitted at KinkZone.
• Disrespectful behaviour, uninvited advances and non-consensual touching will not be tolerated. Any violations of these rules, or making others feel uncomfortable or unsafe, could result in ejection from the venue and, if necessary, intervention by Authorities.
• The KZ Crew are there to supervise and will stop any scene or behavior they consider to be unsafe or inappropriate. They are identifiable by their armbands.
• Taking photos is only allowed if you gain permission from all individuals before taking photos. This includes anyone that could potentially be visible in the background. We suggest taking photos against a wall as a backdrop to avoid any issues.

We are looking forward to hosting Fern for these amazing rope workshops!

The KZ Crew