Improvised Harnesses with Anoxia and Kasm

This class explores the art and structure of improvised harnesses — creating intentional, creative designs beyond standard forms. We’ll dive into how to predict and manage load, assess risk and safety, and apply foundational structural principles to support both function and aesthetic. Students will learn to make thoughtful, informed choices about tension, line placement, and body balance, developing a deeper understanding of how structure can shape experience. This class emphasizes creativity, adaptability, and structural awareness as tools for expressive, interesting, functional rope.

Pre-requisites:

For folks tying:

• Must be experienced tying a variety of suspendable upper and lower body harnesses
• Must know top and bottom lock-offs for uplines on a single point
• Must be able to assess and solve for nerve issues in your harnesses
• Must be able to communicate with your tying partner in suspension

For folks being tied:

• Must be experienced in rope suspension
• Must be able to assess and solve for nerve issues in your choice of harnesses
• Must be able to communicate with your tying partner in suspension

Pre-reqs are non-negotiable, and students who do not demonstrate proficiency in the required tied structures will be asked not to suspend.

Equipment:

• Ropes for your harnesses (likely 3-8 ropes)
• Ropes for your uplines (at least 3)
• Rigging materials for single-point suspension (this can be a ring, rigging plate, carabiners, etc)
• Safety shears or another appropriate cutting tool 
• Anything else you might want for class (water, blanket, snacks, note taking tools)