The ropeXchange program
Summer Boat - 23/ August - 25/ August 2024
Friday 23/ August
16:00 - 16:30
Arrival
Time to arrive, settle in, say hellos and socialize.
Where: lower deck
For whom: for all
Level: A-Newbies
16:30 - 18:00
Anatomy, Safety & Consent // Dan Apus
This is about the essential basics of rope bondage and how we ensure this in consensual and "safe" play. Here we look at the taboo areas on the body, i.e. those areas where we should not tie up or only with great caution. We will also look at key aspects of safety and how we can detect and prevent damage at an early stage. The area of consent is also considered and, above all, how we achieve and maintain consent, but also what alternative forms can be found in the community.
18:30 - 20:00
Safety & risk awareness for advanced riggers // Dan Apus
Where: lower deck
For whom: for all
Level: A-Newbies
18:30 - 20:00
Rope basics for beginners with & without knots // Miss Kiki
Where: upper deck
For whom: for all
Level: A-Newbies
Do you have questions about safety and how to raise your own risk awareness, even with advanced bondage? An exchange round with Dan.
Have you always wanted to start with bondage, aka Shibari? This course is the perfect introduction. The course follows on from Dan's previous course on safety education, communication, consent, gear knowledge and includes rope handling, ropes with and without knots, ropes with only one rope and with more than one rope (incl. rope extension), upper body restraints, leg and foot restraints and feeling in the rope. Participation is possible either as a couple or individually (solo bondage). Ropes can be purchased from me at a reasonable price.
20:30 - 22:00
GET TOGETHER & ROPE CONNECT CHALLENGE
Where: upper deck
For whom: for all
Level: all
We all meet up, get to know each other a little with constellations on various questions and anyone who wants to can take part in a very fun Rope Connect Challenge for all levels of experience and without competition.
lower deck
upper deck
Saturday 24/ August
09:30 - 10:00
ARRIVAL
10:00 - 11:00
WELCOME & INTRODUCTION // DAN APUS
For those who weren't there the night before, there's a little warm-up and consensus rules from Dan and a short tour of the houseboat.
11:30 - 13:00
Futomomo (suitable for suspension) // ArtoAlto
Where: lower deck
For whom: (training) pairs
Level: B-Beginner
Futomomo is a great example of how simplicity and versatility can harmonize in a harness. In the wide range of variants, we will be looking at a highly structural, suspension-suitable harness that can be tied reliably and quickly during suspensions with appropriate practice. The prerequisite is a single column tie.
11:30 - 13:00
Takate Kote (suitable for suspension) // Miss Kiki
Where: upper deck
For whom: (training) pairs
Level: B-Beginner
Have you already completed a basic bondage/Shibari course? Can you do a single column tie? In this course we will focus on the upper body bondage "Takate Kote" in the version with 2 ropes and finally with 3 ropes. We will also discuss safety and risk management, rope and body preparation. For bottoms: different versions of this tie can be used - it does not have to be the takate kote in a box tie. During the course, we will discuss specifically which technique is suitable for your needs and then implement it with your rigger. Participation in (practice) pairs.
LUNCH BREAK
14:00 - 15:30
Session Building // ArtoAlto
Where: lower deck
For whom: for all
Level: S-Special
14:00 - 15:30
prepare2fly: Fundamentals for suspension // Dan Apus
Where: upper deck
For whom: for all
Level: B- Beginner
How do I create sessions so that everyone is happy at the end? How do I get out of the usual grind, find new ideas and give them space? How do I manage to make fantasies and dreams ( for those I want to) come true? We will look at strategies and tools for session design. If you want, you can get straight into your own discovery and planning process and benefit from the group's swarm intelligence.
This class is about creating and testing the essential basics for rope suspension without leaving the safe ground. The core of the workshop is the single column tie, as well as aspects of suspension. Other restraints for suspension are not covered. Among other things, we look at: knotting and tying techniques (single column tie, up-lines, rope extension, safety knots), basic physical principles for weight and pressure distribution, rope knowledge and equipment for suspension, aspects of anatomy and indicators for emerging problems, communication and agreements, suspension techniques (also for heavy models), factors that can indicate upcoming damage. The course can be seen as the basis for ready2 fly and start2fly.
16:00 - 17:30
Intimate Journey // ArtoAlto
Where: lower deck
For whom: (training-)pairs
Level: S-Special
16:00 - 17:30
First Steps into Self-Suspension // TomDelirio
Where: upper deck
For whom: solo
Level: B- Beginner
Workshop meets self-awareness! In a safer setting, we will reduce the technique to the bare minimum in order to give space to everything else that can be there. After a short intro, we will immerse ourselves in a shared flow. Rigger and model enter into an intensive, dialog-like, predominantly non-verbal interaction. We discover and try out facets and ideas that are often not even on our radar during the usual floor work and suspensions. A sensual journey of discovery that doesn't have to be sexual, but can be. Participation in (practice) pairs. Start on time, unfortunately it is not possible to join later in this format. Previous knowledge: Basic anatomy safety knowledge, single column tie, lock-off (half hitch/half stroke).
In this course we will adapt the basket rope (+upper body harness) so that it is suitable for suspension (hanging). We will also look at the subject of uplines and attachment to the suspension point. There will also be tips from a bottom and self-rope perspective (body awareness, managing your own risk profile, etc.). This course is particularly suitable for those interested in solo bondage. Suitable for anyone who has already completed a beginner's course or Dan`s prepare2fly and has gained their first experience on the ground.
20:00 - 23:30
JAM! THE OPEN PLAY AND BONDAGE PARTY
The JAM is a play and rope party that is also open to people who are unable to attend the ropeXchange weekend.
lower deck
upper deck
Sunday 25/ August
09:30 - 10:00
ARRIVAL
10:00 - 11:30
Basics for Rope Bottoms // TomDelirio
Where: lower deck
For whom: all
Level: S-Special
Where: upper deck
For whom: (training-)pairs
Level: C-Advanced
10:00 - 11:30
start2fly with single column tie // Dan Apus
This workshop is designed to provide rope bottoms and models with essential knowledge and skills for safe and effective participation in a rope scene. Whether you're new to rope or experienced, this workshop will cover key topics to help you understand the role and responsibilities of a rope bottom: We will be exploring physical and emotional risks of bottoming and strategies for managing them. How you can develop a personalized risk profile to make informed decisions about your involvement in rope play. How to communicate effectively and clearly with your rope partner. How and why you can contribute actively as a bottom to a rope session. Why riggers aren`t the best teachers for bottoming and why personal responsibility is one of the most important skills. This workshop is ideal for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of rope bottoming, with a focus on safety, communication, and personal boundaries.
Start2fly helps you to carry out your first suspensions, which are based on the SCT and simple suspension basics. prepare2fly should have been visited before. In this course we leave the ground. By using several SCTs and connecting them to a secure net, we create a comfortable position for our model. These are relatively relaxed so that we can concentrate on the technical aspects of the lifting. Here we want to focus primarily on safety and dynamics so that we can react quickly in critical situations. The approach shown is a suggestion and the participants can use the techniques creatively and for themselves. No complicated bondage techniques or specific wraps are taught, but the focus is on the principles and teaching simple basics.
12:00 - 13:30
Armbinder (suitable for suspension) // ArtoAlto
Where: lower deck
For whom: (training)pairs
Level: C-Advanced
Where: upper deck
For whom: (training)pairs
Level: C-Advanced
12:00 - 13:30
Full-/Semi-Suspension in Kata Ashi // Miss Kiki
This demanding tie requires a lot of flexibility from riggers in particular and is often a confrontation with one's own limits for models. To meet this challenge, solid knowledge of all basic techniques (single column tie, double column tie, basic frictions) as well as basic principles of nerve safety are required. Special physical flexibility on the part of the model is not required. After a brief cultural introduction, we will look at the anatomical features of this position and create a decision-making process for which variant we can use for which body characteristics. Then, starting with a minimal version, we will work our way up to versions suitable for suspension.
We dedicate ourselves to the form of "Kata Ashi", i.e. the upper body is tied in a Takate Kote (optionally Tengu or Fisherman Harness), in addition one leg is lifted upwards. This can be done standing, kneeling or sitting - depending on your level of experience. We also discuss safety and risk management, rope and body preparation, body handling (also for bigger bodies). For bottoms: During the course, we will specifically discuss which ties and lines are suitable for your needs and then implement them with your rigger. Tips and tricks for feeling comfortable in the suspension will also be taught.
LUNCH BREAK
14:30 - 16:00
Repetition Round // ArtoAlto
Where: lower deck
For whom: all
Level: X-Echange
After a weekend full of rope, you want to have things explained again? You got questions or remarks? Here is time for that.
14:30 - 16:00
Predicament with Gyaku Ebi // Miss Kiki
Where: lower deck
For whom: (training-)pairs
Level: C-Advanced
In this predicament course we will focus on the Gyaku Ebi/ Hog Tie and how to achieve the first effects on the ground. We will use Takate Kote and Futomomo ties for this. We will also discuss safety and risk management, rope and body preparation. For bottoms: various upper body ties can be used for this technique - it doesn't have to be the takate kote in a box tie. During the course, we discuss specifically which tie is suitable for your needs and then implement this with your rigger. Suitable for anyone who has already taken an introductory bondage workshop. Participation in (practice) pairs.
16:30 - 17:30
GROUP PHOTO, Q&A, FREE PRACTICE
We conclude the ropeXchange together with a group photo (only those who want to, of course), a Q&A session or space and room for free tying. The ropeXchange ends at 17:30.
lower deck
upper deck
Explanation of course levels
The information in the courses is to be understood as “minimum recommendations” from which the educator starts.
However, more advanced participants will benefit just as much.
You decide where you feel comfortable.
A - Newbies
NO previous knowledge required.
B - Beginner
Only basic previous knowledge, such as Single Column Tie (SCT) and safety.
C - Advanced
Safe handling of simple restraints, such as SCT, DCT, Futomomo, etc. You understand what you can do to achieve a desired goal.
D - Experienced
Combination and variation in restraints are known. You understand why you do something and how, how you can change something and what effect this has.
E - Expert
Experts are familiar with complex and challenging restraints and have a lot of detailed knowledge and nerdy stuff.
S - Special
Special workshops are suitable for all levels and often share queer knowledge. Every participant benefits differently.
X - Exchange
This is about exchanging knowledge and building new knowledge together. We also call these labs. You can also create these yourself at any time.