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Help for Safe Suspension - 10/28/2008 2:31:18 AM

kdom13

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Joined: 10/7/2006
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Hi
I'm a complete newbie in the art of [body] suspension, but I may be playing with someone who has expressed interest in being suspended.
I'm hoping someone can point me in the right direction for a guide as to how to safely suspend someone. Also, maybe someone can tell me if I need better restraints than I have right now, etc.

Thanks!

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/28/2008 4:42:26 AM

Rover

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In my opinion, there's no substitute for attending a workshop/demo that is face to face, hands on, and interactive. Reading about it from an anonymous source online (or reading about it from a recognized source, for that matter) is just not the same.

John

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/28/2008 11:02:01 AM

kdom13

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good point.
videos wouldn't be too bad though.

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/28/2008 11:48:41 AM

antipode

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Since we don't know what restraints you have now, that's kinda hard to answer, don't you think? And what do you want to do?

Other than that, do some thorough testing of the installation seems to be in order. At both Home Depot and Lowes (I forget what else you have on Long Island, it's been too long) hooks, eyes, and other stuff all show on the packaging how much weight they're designed for. Double that, to account for movement, and you'll be safe. Don't use a single hook at the mount, make sure you're in a joist, centered, and use mount things to spread the weight. Then get a fat friend and have him pull himself up a bunch of times, see what creaks and what moves that shouldn't. My hoist (see my profile pics) is good for 800 lbs, the mount for 1200 lbs, and I have used materials from a new hammock for the rest. For good restraints you could go to a surplus store or website, and buy firemen's belts and harnesses, they're sturdy enough to restrain a dyke and her Harley.

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/28/2008 11:58:57 AM

Lynnxz

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Go learn how to do it. The first retard that suspended me talked a lot of shit, but when it came down to actually suspending me, the ropes slipped and compressed my lungs until I passed out.

Don't be like captain amazing.

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/28/2008 12:18:34 PM

Rover

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Some years back Jay Wiseman did a study of scene related injuries. Interestingly, the most common injury to bottoms were head injuries suffered when Tops were unprepared to handle their weight as they were either released (intentionally), or falling (unintentionally), from suspension.

And the most common injury to Tops were back and shoulder injuries suffered from trying to catch falling bottoms.

So you're looking to engage in an activity that is the most frequent cause of scene related injury. Knowing that, the steps you take to prepare yourself and mitigate the risk will say much about what kind of Top you'll be.

I know that if I were a bottom, I would want to know where you learned your craft. Videos, anonymous online sources, or books would not instill me with confidence.

But that's just me.

John

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/28/2008 12:43:54 PM

LadyConstanze

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What kind of suspension are you actually planning to do? In case it is rope bondage, nothing beats a work shop, possibly several because as the top you do bear quite a bit of responsibility.

Personally I would also make sure that the person who has expressed interest knows a bit about it, for example is aware of all health concerns and such, even if it is "just" suspending somebody on cuffs, you want to know if their joints can handle it, in case they can't handle it, will you be strong enough to lift them up to release the hook? Better to find out before. Nothing worse than the bottom fainting (and that can easily happen, blood pressure and such), it's then really "dead weight" and you have to consider that you have to lift them at the same time as freeing them.

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/28/2008 2:06:36 PM

antipode

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Hope you dismounted his goolies. Grrreat photography, BTW.

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/28/2008 10:05:04 PM

masterlink65

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try looking on BME for some guidance. DO NOT try it by looking at a video or some photos. i have seen this done several times at tattoo conventions. a tattoo/piercing shop with quality experience may be able to give some guidance or suggestions where to look. your equipment must be sterile, your surroundings must be clean. and everyone involved better know what the fuck is going on. there are places online you can get the supplies you need, surgical stainless hooks, piercing needles etc. this is something you should consult someone who knows what they are doing, and do not attempt without guidance and help.

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/29/2008 8:17:17 AM

SailingBum

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It just so happens I know a little aobut ropes and knots big surprise. The most important tool is a sharp knife close by. To cut them loose when your brillant idea goes south. Long story short I managed to "save" my 50' boat from sinking by cutting one line. Had I not had a knife handy there would have been a lot of wet sailors.

BadOne

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/29/2008 8:28:33 AM

sailorfrank

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Good advice about the knife as at the wrong moment you cant undo the rig. Safety always of course and prepare well ahead of time.

Check with the Hoisty about any old injurys or physical problems that could be aggravated. Thick pads or a bed under them is nice if you have to drop them quickly!

Most of all like others said...Research the whole damn thing before trying it. It will keep them and you safe as well!

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 10/29/2008 9:10:35 AM

Rover

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quote:

ORIGINAL: sailorfrank

Good advice about the knife as at the wrong moment you cant undo the rig. Safety always of course and prepare well ahead of time.

Since rope has a nasty habit of tightening against skin and flesh, sometimes it's difficult to get a knife in there without doing some unwanted damage. You might consider a really good pair of medical utility scissors. They have a wide flat bottom and blunt nose that can be forced under taught rope without cutting the skin, and they're sharp and strong enough to cut the rope.

But really, there are thousand mistakes you can make when engaging in anything like suspension. And no video or book is going to know if you're doing it right, or answer questions about nuances that aren't covered.

John

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RE: Help for Safe Suspension - 11/14/2008 12:02:45 PM

thedavezone

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From: South Korea
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Get a harness - try it on yourself, make sure it's comfortable.

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