Aerial silks

Includes: aerial hammocks, aerial hoops, aerial ribbons, aerial yoga, silks Indoors, Sport
Age:
7+
Sport
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Be a real-life circus star!

You’ll feel like you’re flying as you climb, spin, and twirl from above.

Overview

Aerial silks involve using fabrics suspended from the ceiling to perform tricks in the air. This activity combines gymnastics and dancing off the ground (though the height will vary depending on the performer’s level of skill).  

Aerial silks must take place in a studio with qualified instructors. 

Accessibility

Speak to the instructor to work out the best way to make this activity accessible for girls. Girls should start with basic holds and climbs and only progress when they have sufficient strength and technique. 

Planning checklist

If you're working with an external provider or external instructors to run this activity outside the unit meeting space, follow these extra steps. 

  • Arrange for a home contact. Leave any route or other relevant details with your home contact and complete a home contact agreement form. Let them know if you make any changes to your plans.
  • Tell your local commissioner.
  • Tell the activity provider about the ability and experience of the participants and any disabilities, access needs or health conditions that need to be considered when running the activity.
  • Choose a reputable and licensed activity provider (where applicable).
  • Check the qualified adults hold the correct qualification to be able to run the activity (see the information below).
  • Get copies of the instructor qualifications and public liability insurance of the activity provider before you book.
  • Ask for evidence that the external provider has their own risk assessment for the activity they are running for you.
  • Make sure you have the correct ratio of participants (girls and volunteers) to qualified adults (those running the activity). This is different to the ratio of leaders to girls.
  • Check with the venue that they have the correct equipment and, if needed, specialist clothing that will meet the requirements for your group.
  • Source any specialist equipment or clothing needed to run the activity not provided by the venue, and make sure this is in good condition and fit for purpose.
  • Check that any equipment is suitably insured by the provider and agree what happens to the equipment if it gets damaged.

Some venues might ask for a disclaimer or waiver to be signed for each person taking part in the activity. This is something which parents/carers must sign on behalf of their child. You can do this along with the consent form. Parents and carers should be given sufficient information from the provider along with the waiver so they can make an informed decision to sign it or not. Leaders can only sign disclaimers and waivers for their own personal participation.

Instructors must have completed an aerial silks course. There are many qualifications available, including those with the NCCA. Please contact the adventure team ([email protected]) with the qualifications held before booking the activity.   

The instructor must also be suitably experienced and have knowledge of rigging.  

Instructors must ensure: 

  • Equipment is regularly checked and maintained. Aerial silks must be rigged to a certified anchor point and securely attached. 
  • Equipment is appropriate for the girls’ age and weight. 
  • Crash mats are positioned under aerial equipment at all times. 
  • Girls warm up before the session and cool down afterwards.

 

Ensure girls wear fitted clothing, remove loose jewellery, and tie back long hair.  

The ratios below are given as a maximum, and ratios must be considered as part of the risk assessment. This may lessen due to any medical conditions or other factors. 

Leadership team ratio 

As this activity will take place outside of your usual meeting place, the leadership team adult to girl ratio is mandatory. 

  • Rainbows: not suitable for Rainbows
  • Brownies: 1:8
  • Guides: 1:12
  • Rangers: 1 leader, with a recommended second adult

Qualified adult to participant ratio

The activity leader (qualified adult) should determine what size of group is safe. There must be enough qualified adults to ensure the safety of all participants.

The number will be determined by any limitations placed on their qualification, permit or the rules of their operating organisation, as well as the risk assessment. This should take into consideration the location and experience of both the qualified adult and other participants. The leader should assess the risk and any concerns must be raised to them.