Care Tips & Helpful Info

How to choose your Lyra/Aerial Hoop size:

So you've probably noticed Lyra's come in many sizes!

Getting the right Lyra size is important to keep you both comfortable and safe. Our Aerial Nonsense Lyra measurements are based on an inside diameter.

If you are training at your local studio and have a fav hoop, ask them the size and find out if its solid or hollow. This way you will get what you love.

Here is an easy way to work out what size you should choose:

• Sit on a chair with good posture. Measure from the seat of the chair to the top of your head and add 5cm.

This method is best for beginners as you will be able to sit comfortably in the hoop without feeling cramped and hitting your head.. Trust me this is important!

For kids you may consider adding 10cm instead of 5cm so they don't grow out of their hoop too fast.

Keep in mind, this is a very generic method and as you get more experienced in Lyra, your size preference may change along with your strength and flexibility.

When changing Lyra/Aerial Hoop size, please take it slowly! A 2cm difference might not sound like much but it will feel significantly different!

If you are purchasing for a studio or circus school, we recommend you start with a 90cm and 94cm for adults and an 85cm for the kids. It's great to have a variety of sizes so that everyone will be comfortable, but remember you can start with a couple of popular sizes and add more Aerial Hoops once your business grows and you work out your clients size. 

Remember to trust your instincts because your awesome! 

Whether you have chosen to tape the full lyra, quarters or only hand grips you ALWAYS want to start at the bottom and work your way up! This way when you slide your hands along the lyra you are moving with the tape and not curling it up the wrong way. 

When applying, keep the tension of the tape pulled tight as you wrap. We recommend that you cover half of the tape with each new wrap so that it ends up being covered in two layers. 

Once your Lyra is taped it is normal for the tape be rather sticky for a little while until it settles. We recommend rubbing chalk over the taped areas to help the settling process and decrease the sticky in the interim. Keep in mind this too shall pass! The sticky-yucky is only temporary and once it's gone, your Aerial Hoop will be amazing for a looooong time!

If you choose to un-tape your Aerial Hoop, before it is fully worn in, it can sometimes leave a sticky residue behind. If this happens to you, no need to worry, rubbing eucalyptus oil on the residue will quickly and easily remove it (plus it smells yummy).

Caring for your Fabric and Runner Loops:

Caring for Rigging Rope, Daisy Chains & Anchor Chains:

While our Rigging Rope, Daisy Chains and Anchor Chains are UV resistant, they will gradually degrade if exposed to constant weather. If you are using your equipment outdoors, on an Aerial Rig for instance, we strongly recommend bringing all your Aerial bits 'n bobs inside after every use!

Purchase a cheap rope and some electrical or gaffer tape from your local hardware store to easily swap the rope over when not in use. This will help protect your Rigging Rope and make it last MUCH longer. Not to mention it could save your life.

We strongly recommend replacing webbing, rope and fabric items every 6-12 months.

Hardware

It's important that you are aware, all hardware should only show up to 10% wear before replacement! This includes Carabiners, swivels, pulleys, shackles, rescue 8's, anything that you use for or with aerial equipment.

As per all hardware the better you look after it the longer it will last! We recommend to storing your hardware in the bag provided when not in use. Store in a safe and dry place indoors, to limit moisture, dust and in the case of coastal areas, salt air.

Some care instructions & helpful info about Carabiners:

We've chosen to stock Tri-lock Carabiners specifically, as they are the safest in an Aerial Arts context. Tri-lock Carabiners are much less prone to failure compared to Mallions and Screw Gates. Plus a Tri-lock automatically locks for you, which means you don't have to do anything extra to ensure that your Carabiner keeps you safe.

As in the case of all hardware, the more care you take with your equipment, the longer they will last! We recommend to storing your hardware in a safe and dry place indoors whilst not in use. This will limit exposure moisture, dust and in the case of coastal areas, salt air.

We all love steel Carabiners because they are strong and heavy. However, it is important to avoid dropping them as this can result in a stress fracture, which naturally then impacts the integrity of the hardware.

Caring for Swivels:

As in the case of all hardware, the more care you take with your equipment, the longer they will last! We recommend to storing your hardware in a safe and dry place indoors whilst not in use. This will limit exposure moisture, dust and in the case of coastal areas, salt air.

Disclaimer:

Aerial Nonsense takes no responsibility for the use or misuse of equipment purchased from us.

We highly recommend that you receive professional training and advice regarding the use of any and all Aerial Arts equipment & hardware, because the more you know, the safer you are!

We strongly recommend using a professional rigger to install all aerial equipment and/or pulley systems.