faq.

  • FRICTIONfest is a multi-day rope education intensive focused on exploring the full spectrum of rope - floorwork, technique, suspension, connection, creativity, and risk-aware practice. We bring together experienced educators and engaged participants to learn, experiment, and grow in a supportive, community-centered environment.

  • FRICTIONfest is for people who tie, persons in ropes, switches, self-tiers, and everyone in between.

    You don’t need to fit a specific label or style. If you’re curious, thoughtful, consent-minded, and interested in deepening your rope practice, you belong here.

  • No. FRICTIONfest embraces many approaches to rope. While individual educators may teach from a specific tradition, that does not mean FRICTIONfest as a whole follows that style.

    Our goal and mandate is to bring in diverse educators to share a wide range of techniques, perspectives, and approaches.

  • For FRICTIONfest 2026:

    • Friday & Saturday: Floorwork-focused classes covering technique, transitions, rope dynamics, and connection.

    • Sunday (optional add-on): Suspension day for experienced participants only

    You must attend Friday & Saturday to be eligible for the Sunday’s Suspension Add-On. Sunday is not offered as a standalone day.

  • All prices are per person.

    • Friday & Saturday Participant Pass: $225

    • Friday & Saturday + Sunday Suspension Add-On: $400 total

    • Audit Pass (Full Weekend): $125

    We do not offer individual day or single-class tickets.

  • Generally speaking, we discourage partial attendance to ensure a full learning experience, but partial attendance is allowed.

    Please note that fees are not prorated and no refunds are offered for sessions or days you choose not to attend.

  • Auditing is attending the intensive as an observer only.

    Auditors may:

    • Watch all classes, demonstrations, and performances

    • Take personal notes

    Auditors may not:

    • Tie or be tied

    • Actively participate in floorwork or suspension classes

    • Touch ropes, equipment, or participants

    • Ask questions of educators during class time

    • Act as spotters or helpers

    Auditing is for learning through observation — hands off, eyes open.

  • The Sunday suspension add-on is for experienced participants only and requires:

    • Attendance on Friday & Saturday

    • Disclosure of prior suspension experience during registration

    • Approval by organizers and educators

    Participants must bring their own suspension-ready ropes, uplines, and rigging gear. We provide the space and hard points only.

  • Short answer? None.

    FRICTIONfest provides the venue and hardpoints. Attendees are responsible for bringing the appropriate equipment.

  • We believe all bodies are rope bodies.

    We actively work to make FRICTIONfest as accessible as possible and encourage participants to share any injuries, conditions, or access needs during registration so we can support you safely and respectfully.

    [Add Venue Details onces confirmed]

  • Rope is edge play and carries inherent physical, emotional, and psychological risks.

    We practice risk-aware, consensual rope, emphasizing:

    • Informed decision-making

    • Honest communication

    • Personal responsibility and autonomy

    • Ongoing risk assessment

    Consent is central to everything we do.

    • 4+ weeks before the intensive: 100% refund

    • Between 4 and 2 weeks before the intensive: 50% refund

    • Within 2 weeks of the intensive: No refunds

  • Yes, transfers may be requested up to 72 hours before the intensive and must be approved by organizers.

    • The incoming attendee must meet all skill and experience requirements

    • Suspension transfers require suspension experience disclosure

    • Transfers may be denied if requirements are not met

    • Payment is required in advance

    • No payments will be accepted on-site

    • Payment method: eTransfer only

    After your registration is accepted, you’ll receive an email confirming enrollment, providing an invoice, and payment instructions.

    Do not send payment until you receive this email.

    If you require a different payment method, contact us as soon as possible.

  • We know the cost can feel high - and we want to be transparent.

    Your registration helps cover:

    • Fair compensation for highly skilled educators

    • Venue and hard point costs

    • Limited class sizes for safer, higher-quality instruction

    • Administrative, insurance, and accessibility costs

    • Scholarship funding for community members

    We believe in paying educators fairly and creating sustainable, ethical events.

  • Yes!

    When possible, we offer partial and full scholarships for attendees who may otherwise be unable to attend.

    Attendees may self-identify financial hardship during registration. All scholarship requests are confidential and awarded at FRICTIONfest’s discretion.

  • Yes!

    During registration, you can opt to donate to the FRICTIONfest Scholarship Fund, including:

    • Full Scholarship (full weekend)

    • Partial Scholarship (Friday/Saturday)

    • Audit Scholarship

    • Custom amount

    Donations are optional and deeply appreciated.

  • Yes.

    Submission of a registration form does not guarantee acceptance.

    FRICTIONfest reserves the right to decline or cancel any registration at our discretion to protect safety, consent culture, equity, and the learning environment.

    This may include (but is not limited to):

    • Known consent violations

    • Ethical concerns

    • Behavior that could compromise safety or community trust

    While we can’t guarantee individualized feedback in every case, you are always welcome to contact us for clarification or guidance, understanding that some details may remain confidential to protect all parties involved.

  • You can reach the organizing team at [organizer email].

    If you have questions about accessibility, safety, registration status, or our policies, we’re happy to connect.