values.

FRICTIONfest is about exploring the full spectrum of rope - blending approaches, sharing knowledge, and encouraging participants to find their own paths, express themselves, and push creative boundaries. We’re here to support one another and cultivate a community where everyone - from seasoned practitioners to curious newcomers - can feel welcome, challenged, and inspired.

We believe:

• All bodies are rope bodies.
  Every body is welcome, valued, and capable of engaging with rope in ways that suit them.

• All rope is real rope.
  We respect and welcome all styles of rope play, including shibari, kinbaku, and semenawa, as well as decorative and artistic ties, sadistic and edge-focused rope, Western-influenced styles, suspension, and experimental or chaotic approaches.

• Consent is everything.
  Every interaction is negotiated, informed, ongoing, and respected.

• Risk awareness is essential.
  Rope carries inherent physical, emotional, and psychological risks. We encourage informed decision-making, honest communication, personal responsibility, autonomy, and ongoing risk assessment in all rope activities.

• Equity in all things.
  We actively work to make our community and learning spaces accessible, inclusive, and fair for everyone, regardless of identity, experience, or background.

• Learning is ongoing, hands-on, and playful.
  Growth comes from experimentation, practice, and curiosity.

• Community thrives when everyone is respected and supported.
  We cultivate connection, trust, accountability, and care within any space that FRICTIONfest holds.

Whether you’re here to refine your technique, try something new, or simply be part of a rope-filled weekend, we’re committed to making FRICTIONfest a space where you can explore, connect, and grow in your practice.