How to Rope

CLASS DESCRIPTION

This is a full weekend-long intensive designed to immerse our students in all things rope. The intent of this weekend is to give you all the tools you will need to fill your beginner rope toolbox. By the end of the weekend you will be able to identify your tools and be able to apply them to harnesses. The goal is for you to leave the weekend with the ability to understand and perform most basic frictions/knots/hitches, at least one single column, and to set you up to be able to confidently take most beginner classes on building harnesses. Your beginner toolbox will include: safety, negotiation practice, self advocacy, anatomy as it pertains to rope, all basic rope fundamentals (Somerville Bowline, Reverse Tension Single Column, X-Friction, L-Friction, Cresent/Half Moon Friction, Munters, Half Hitches/JesusFish, Cow Hitches, Sheet Bend for extending rope), and the ability to put it all into practice. Not only will you learn how to perform these skills but you will also learn their strengths and limitations so you know WHEN and WHY you would want to use them. Bottoms, we didn't forget about you! You will be learning the same negotiation guidance, self advocacy, what unsafe practices look like, how to spot a problem, and what you can do to uniquely help mitigate the risks involved in rope.

Note that space for this event is limited to only 20 people. The cost is $100 per person for the full weekend. This event is designed to be taught to pairs and so we encourage finding a partner before purchasing tickets. Self-tiers will be able to follow all of the material on Saturday, but Sunday's material really does require a partner. Tickets are sold individually so that self-tiers may attend if they'd like. You may not be able to practice Sunday's material in real time but the education is still yours to take with you and practice when the opportunity arises. If you would like to attend but are unable to due to cost, please get in touch with us immediately to see what options are available.

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS

COVID-19 PRECAUTIONS (Masks required) 

The following precautions will be in place for this event:

• For this event, masks will be mandatory inside the building at all times except when eating or drinking.
• Our capacity (guests, staff, and presenters included) will be capped at 24 people.
• Upon entry, you must present your CDC vaccination card, electronic vaccine passport, or state-issued vaccination certificate that shows that you have received your original COVID-19 vaccinations as well as a booster along with your government-issued ID to check for a name match on the card/certificate/passport. You will not be admitted into the event if you do not present these documents. If your medical professional has advised you that you cannot get a booster at this time or you are ineligible for one because it has been less than 5 months since your last vaccination dose an exception will be granted.

REQUIREMENTS

This workshop is suitable for people of all levels. No previous rope experience is required. You will need to bring 6 full size (7-8 meters) hanks of 5-6mm (or 1/4inch) synthetic or natural fiber rope, while half and quarter lengths are highly recommended. You should also bring your own safety shears, something to help you stay hydrated, and a snack of choice for you and your partner in case your body needs it (Upline as always will have waters, sodas, and snacks available if needed). Lunch will also be provided. Additionally, you might want to bring a yoga mat, a blanket, or both, as we'll be spending a fair amount of time sitting on the floor. Notebook and writing implements are highly recommended to help you take notes. If you have any questions about rope selection or anything else, please get in touch with us, Serafina, or SubtleRebellion directly.

SCHEDULE

The workshop will span Satruday, September 17th and Sunday, September 18th. Doors will open at 9am for morning socials and breakfast noms and the workshop will start at 10am sharp. We will take a lunch break mid day, resume instruction, and wrap up at 6pm.

ABOUT THE PRESENTERS

Serafina (She/Her) Switch, Rope Human, Positivity Enthusiast, NEMA Mentor Coordinator

Serafina is an introductory level, safety-forward educator in Central Connecticut. She feels the best part of teaching is sharing the excitement of discovery and instilling confidence in those who may be shy or tentative. Her teaching style starts at a beginner level with heavy emphasis on safety and effective negotiation.Entering Fetlandia in August 2017, she wanted to learn everything she could about all the wonderful new activities she was seeing around her. That's when the "Education Frenzy" began, attending countless classes and intensives. What inspires Serafina most is creative collaboration, visual shapes and colors, combining mediums and passions, and finding creative solutions around physical limitations.

SubtleRebellion

Nikki (She/her) is an all around Switch, Rope enthusiast, and NEMA mentor. Nikki has explored and discovered much about her kink, queer, and polyamorous self; and as a switch, she has had the pleasure of learning from both sides of the slash. Her first dive into getting involved in communities started early in her exploration in 2018 and rope was her initial draw to the lifestyle. Nikki wants to share her passion for rope with others with education focused on the fundamentals and safety. She is drawn to rope due to the extensive variety of experiences it can provide. Both as a top and bottom she enjoys the creative shapes, challenges, and connections it brings, and wants to educate and encourage others to find what they love about it as well.