You are or your child taking aerial classes and would love to do more, but what if you could practise at home, that really would be amazing, right? Wait here, not so fast!

There is lot’s of hidden stones and issues to consider. First of all you should decide if you wish to install your aerial equipment at home, for example find a right spot for aerial point, right? Or you will decide to get a freestanding aerial rig and rig your silks or aerial hoop or lyra at home.

Here is some basic info and summary on both methods and it is up to you which one to choose from. We will start from aerial point as it seems like the easiest way to go, right? First of all you should determine load capacity and requirements for space before you will proceed with installation.

Keep in mind that performer or person making moves in the air on aerial equipment generates force that exceeds actual weight of the person. Standards in the industry for rigging aerial apparatuses is that any rigging point with load capacity below 2000 lbs. isn’t safe.

Also, minimum breaking strength should be no less than 8000 lbs. Another requirements is that this capacity must be free of other loads and it is unacceptable to use other load capacities for an aerial point. Example - snow load.

Another very important point is that different countries has different building codes and standards and if you are planning to rig anything in your house, you should contact specialist such as structural engineer about your house structure and its load capacity.

Of course you can try to save some cash on inspector, but if you have wood frame house construction you can end up in some pretty expensive renovations if you hang your aerial rig, and that might cost you thousands of dollars. Inspector will determine if your home structure will require reinforcement in order to hang an aerial structure.

It is very important to keep in mind that even if you are under 100 lbs, aerial rigging point should be able to hold up a vehicle, otherwise, if you can’t hang a car in your house, you can’t put on that point yourself or your child. So, stay safe be extra cautious! Another important point is clearance space as you should have a minimum of 6’ all around rigging point unobstructed.

Please keep in mind that all circus equipment must be load tested and specifically engineered to be used as an aerial apparatus.

Another way to go is to either build, construct yourself an aerial freestanding rig or way better idea is to purchase it from reputable supplier. There is plenty of information online on how to make an aerial rig yourself, but of course you should pay attention to what you are planning to do with freestanding rig and what you are planning to perform on it.

There is different types of DIY aerial rig, however not all of them you can call «freestanding». We mean freestanding is when you can simply pack your aerial rig into a bag or some box and move it whenever you want to train or perform.

All aerial freestanding rigs will have three or four legs as a support and hanging aerial point (usually there is three points in the rig). Other features usually can be requested additionally.

As an example you can order highest quality aerial rigs at https://redcircleshop.com aerial rigs from this reputable online store can be ordered in aluminum or stainless steel versions.

It would be pretty hard to make self standing aerial rig yourself, if you have enough skills and experience in metal constructions, give it a try, but keep in mind that specifics for aerial performance, structure active loads will require extensive research and calculations.

As an advise, you can consult first with an engineer and then hire professional welder. If you are not planning to travel with your rig and can’t make it at your house, another option could be a backyard rig. All above mentioned requirements applies to this structure as well, but at some point it can be easier and cheaper to build new structure using existing supports or structures.

We do not recommend to use something that wasn’t inspected and approved by qualified inspector. You can hang your aerial rig for silks, aerial hoop, etc. but if you are planning to make free standing aerial rig yourself without qualified assistance and advises is nearly impossible, especially if we are talking about free standing aerial rig with intention to travel and perform.

Another versions such as indoor rigs using house structures or outdoor backyard rig has safety issues and also potentially more expensive and difficult to manage, but the most important thing is the safety issues. Regarding aerial rigs we can’t forget about professional instructors and coaches and if you are planning to build a rig, make sure to hire experienced professional to at least guide you and introduce basics to you. But what if you are low on budget, if there is some alternatives?

Yes, and we have a good news for every beginner - flexibility and conditioning and your training and preparations will be easier, less riskier and less expensive for you. Simply start with basics - pull ups and push ups, stability ballad stretching, shoulder flexibility and strength there is plenty of exercises on parallel bars for example and you can easily find them online. Also you can combine your stretching with yoga blocks and mats.

Basically if you should grow good training habits for yourself. But still, we suggest to hire professional coach to at least give you a program of training and start guiding you in to the world of aerial disciplines.

After trying diy aerial rig, especially if you are looking for transportable version, we suggest to simply purchase professionally build aerial rig. Specifically for circus aerial acts such as silks, hoop, hanging trapeze, rigs at redcircleshop.com are made from high grade aluminum/duralumin, if weight isn’t an issue for you, you can order steel version.

Customers can simply request custom options for the rig, such as number of rigging points, height versions, additional elements. Duralumin used for aerial rigs is very durable and corrosion resistant.

Even if you build rig by yourself or ordered it from reputable store such as red circle shop, it is highly suggested to hire periodically qualified rigger and or structural engineer, specialized in aerial performances to inspect and repair if required your aerial rig, not only if you had active training/performances but even after being in the storage for over 4-6 Month.

You should store your aerial rig in a dry and cool place, avoid temperature fluctuations and humidity, even if your rig build from stainless steel or aluminum. Another important topic to mention is liability and insurance. Aerial acts can be dangerous if not properly trained.

What if you are planning to have a class and using aerial rig, what if someone will get hurt, who is going to cover injury related expenses? Sometime we sell our rigs to coaches or trainers, they usually use rigs during their sessions with students. If you are one of coaches, keep in mind importance of proper insurance coverage for yourself, your clients and/or friends.

Currently on the market you can find various free standing or stand alone aerial rigs for sale. However, most of them are poor quality with thin tube walls and can be used for hanging only in some yoga positions.

Keep in mind that this aerial rigs might look «ok» but can’t be used for circus disciplines especially for swinging or tricks with drops as well as other circus specific. This aerial rigs made for mostly calm mediation. So how to make an aerial rig for circus performance?

We would suggest to change question into: How to buy professional aerial rig and where. Rigs made at Red Circle Shop are made specifically for circus, adjustable heights, high grade duralumin, highest quality wielding, reinforced parts. Red Circle Shop can customize aerial rig just for you, if you require additional details or seek for suggestion, contact us at: [email protected] and we will be glad to assist you.

Aerial acts are among the most dangerous in circus art, so please, stay safe during your training, performance, rehearsals with friends, doing aerial tricks.

And always choose the best aerial products possible, pack them well during transportation, make regular inspections and then you can be sure about your safety and safety those working with you.

Remember that even professionals at companies like Cirque du Soleil make terrible mistakes, be always responsible for your own props and gear, invest in high quality props that will serve you for years to come!