Suspension - Horizontal
Being suspended in a horizontal position while lying in the air, allowing for different body angles and experiences while requiring careful balance. Short Explanation: "Receiving" means you experience horizontal suspension; "Giving" means you arrange horizontal suspension for your partner.
Interested in exploring Suspension - Horizontal with your partner?
Start Your ChecklistHorizontal suspension bondage represents one of the most visually striking and technically demanding forms of rope bondage. In this position, the bound partner is lifted completely off the ground and suspended parallel to the floor, creating an experience that combines physical sensation with profound psychological surrender. The feeling of floating weightlessly while fully restrained creates a unique headspace that many practitioners describe as deeply meditative and transformative.
This guide explores the techniques, safety considerations, and communication strategies essential for horizontal suspension. Whether you're a curious beginner researching this advanced practice or an experienced rigger seeking to refine your skills, understanding the fundamentals of horizontal suspension helps ensure safe and fulfilling experiences for everyone involved.
Horizontal suspension requires significant preparation, proper equipment, and extensive knowledge of rope bondage fundamentals. This is not a practice for beginners—both the rigger and the model should have substantial experience with floor bondage and partial suspensions before attempting full horizontal suspensions.
How Horizontal Suspension Works
Horizontal suspension involves lifting a person off the ground using rope harnesses that distribute their weight across multiple body points. The goal is to create a secure, balanced position where the suspended person can relax without experiencing dangerous pressure on any single area.
Techniques and Variations
The most common horizontal suspension positions include face-up (supine) and face-down (prone) orientations. Face-up suspensions often incorporate chest harnesses, hip harnesses, and leg wraps to create even weight distribution. Face-down positions may use similar harness systems or incorporate specific ties like the TK (Takate Kote) combined with hip and leg support.
Popular techniques include the futomomo (thigh bondage) for leg support, the shinju or chest harness for upper body support, and various hip harnesses. Each tie creates specific load-bearing points that must be carefully positioned to avoid nerve damage or circulation issues.
Advanced variations incorporate movement, spinning, or transitions between positions. Some riggers develop signature styles that emphasize aesthetic patterns, while others focus on functional security and the psychological experience of the model.
Equipment and Tools
Essential equipment includes high-quality suspension rope (typically 6mm jute or hemp for aesthetics, or synthetic rope for durability), suspension ring or bamboo poles, carabiners rated for climbing or rescue work, and a stable overhead anchor point rated for at least 1000 lbs dynamic load. EMT shears should always be immediately accessible for emergency situations.
The overhead support system is critical—purpose-built suspension frames, properly installed hard points in ceiling joists, or outdoor setups using trees or purpose-built structures. Never use door frames, curtain rods, or any hardware not specifically rated for suspension loads.
Safety Considerations
Horizontal suspension carries significant risks that require careful attention and preparation. Understanding these risks helps practitioners make informed decisions and implement appropriate safeguards.
Physical Safety
Nerve damage is the most common serious injury in suspension bondage. The radial nerve in the upper arm, brachial plexus in the shoulder area, and common peroneal nerve behind the knee are particularly vulnerable. Proper harness placement, regular circulation checks, and immediate response to numbness or tingling are essential.
Circulation issues can develop quickly in suspension. The body should maintain good blood flow throughout, with regular checks of extremities for color and temperature changes. Time in suspension should be limited—most experienced practitioners recommend keeping full suspensions under 20-30 minutes.
Falls represent a catastrophic risk. All rigging must be redundant where possible, with backup systems and proper load testing before any suspension. The rigger should never leave the immediate area while someone is suspended, and emergency lowering procedures should be practiced.
Emotional Safety
Suspension can trigger intense emotional responses, including panic, dissociation, or unexpected emotional release. Pre-scene negotiation should include discussion of these possibilities, and both partners should have clear safewords and check-in protocols.
The vulnerability of being horizontally suspended can feel more exposed than other positions. Communication about comfort levels, both physical and emotional, should continue throughout the scene.
Red Flags
Immediate scene termination is required if the model reports numbness, tingling, sharp pain, or loss of sensation. Cold or discolored extremities, difficulty breathing, sudden emotional distress, or any equipment showing signs of failure also require immediate action. Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, lower the model safely and assess the situation.
Beginner's Guide
If horizontal suspension interests you, understand that this is an advanced practice requiring substantial preparation. The path to safe suspension typically takes months or years of dedicated study and practice.
Start by developing strong fundamentals in floor bondage. Learn proper rope handling, understand load-bearing ties, and practice communication with your partner. Take formal instruction from experienced riggers—workshops, private lessons, and community mentorship provide essential hands-on guidance.
Progress gradually through partial suspensions before attempting full horizontal lifts. Learn to identify potential problem points, practice emergency procedures, and develop the physical awareness to recognize when something isn't right.
Build a proper equipment collection over time, prioritizing quality and safety rating over quantity. Understand the properties and limitations of your rope, hardware, and anchor points. Keep detailed records of what works and what doesn't.
Find community connections through local rope bondage groups, workshops, or educational events. Learning alongside others provides valuable feedback and safety support. Many communities offer peer rope sessions where you can practice under supervision.
Discussing with Your Partner
Conversations about suspension bondage require openness about experience levels, boundaries, and expectations. Both partners should honestly assess their current skills and comfort with the risks involved.
Discuss physical considerations—previous injuries, current health conditions, flexibility, and endurance. The person being suspended should communicate their experience with being bound and lifted, while the rigger should be transparent about their training and experience level.
Establish clear communication protocols including safewords, check-in schedules during the scene, and agreement about scene parameters. Talk about what each partner hopes to experience and what would constitute a successful session.
Plan for aftercare needs, which may be more intensive after suspension due to the physical and emotional intensity of the experience. Discuss what kind of support each partner needs before, during, and after the scene.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can someone safely stay in horizontal suspension?
Most experienced practitioners limit full horizontal suspensions to 20-30 minutes, though this varies based on individual factors, harness design, and regular position adjustments. Shorter durations are safer, especially when learning.
What type of rope is best for suspension?
Natural fiber ropes like jute or hemp (6mm diameter) are traditional and provide good grip. Synthetic ropes offer greater strength and durability but may require different techniques. All suspension rope should be specifically designed and maintained for this purpose.
Can I practice suspension at home?
Home suspension requires a properly engineered hard point capable of supporting dynamic loads. Ceiling joists may work if properly reinforced and tested. Many practitioners use purpose-built suspension frames. Never use furniture, door frames, or unrated hardware.
How do I find instruction in suspension bondage?
Look for rope bondage education through local kink communities, dedicated rope organizations, workshops at kink events, or established instructors who offer private lessons. Online resources supplement but cannot replace hands-on instruction for suspension techniques.
What's the difference between horizontal and other suspension types?
Horizontal suspension positions the body parallel to the floor, while vertical suspension keeps the body upright or inverted. Each position has unique rigging requirements, physical sensations, and risk profiles. Horizontal often feels more like floating and requires careful weight distribution across the full body length.
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