How To Swing On A Hammock (2 Methods/Video)

Many people use hammocks for different things. Some use them to rest, sit, hang out outside or even tan their skins. Whichever the purpose, learning how to tie your hammock is a pretty important thing.

When it comes to hammocks, one question a lot of people tend to ask is if they can be used for swinging. “Can a hammock be used for swinging? How do I swing on a hammock?” all these questions ad more are going to be addressed in this article.

Can I Swing on a Hammock?

Can I Swing on a Hammock?
Can I Swing on a Hammock

It is very much possible to swing on a hammock. It is safe to swing on a hammock as long as the hammock straps are properly tied to the tree.

You should also consider the strength or thickness of the hammock, the rope, and the straps. If the straps are not thick enough, you need to get a set of new straps that are thick and strong enough for swinging. You should also get a hammock that is thick enough (especially at the edges) to avoid tearing the fabric as you swing.

How to Swing on a Hammock

Swinging on your hammock is pretty easy. All you need to do is follow the steps or guide and you are good to go. However, you should know there are two major methods for swinging on your hammock. Below are the two methods.

Method 1: Swinging on your Hammock Lying Down

Method 1: Swinging on your Hammock Lying Down
Method 1: Swinging on your Hammock Lying Down

This is the first method you can use if you would like to swing on your hammock. You can easily swing in your hammock lying down. Below are the steps to guide you if you will like to swing in your hammock lying down.

Step 1: Ensure your Hammock Is Properly Set up

If you intend to swing on your hammock, the first thing you need to do is ensure your hammock straps are properly tied and your hammock is well set up. If the hammock straps are not properly tied, there could be one or two accidents when you try to swing in your hammock.

Once you have checked the setup of the hammock, the next thing you must check is the strength of the hammock fabric. Remember your hammock fabrics need to be as strong as possible if you intend to use it to swing.

Step 2: Lie Down diagonally and Raise your Right Kneel

This is the next thing you should do if you are looking to swing in your hammock. You have to lie down diagonally in your hammock. Lying down diagonally allows you to properly balance in your hammock. 

Once you are done lying down in your hammock, the next thing you should do is raise your right to kneel to the extent that your right heel is touching your butts. Remember to keep your left leg straight as you do this. This will allow you to maintain balance.

Step 3: Move your Raised Knee to the Right

The moment you raise your right kneel while keeping your legs straight, you need to take your time to move your right kneel to the right. By moving your kneel to the right, you will be able to move your hammock sideways. 

Constantly move your right kneel to the left ad right till the hammock swings at the speed or rate you desire. Once it has gotten to the point you desire, you should keep your right kneel up for a couple of seconds to maintain balance

Step 4:  Lower your Right Knee and Enjoy the Motion

This is the last thing you need to do if you are looking to swing on your hammock. The moment the hammock is swinging at the motion you desire, you should gently lower your right kneel. Lowering your right kneel will allow you to be in your most comfortable state while you enjoy your hammock swinging from side to side.

Video Guide 👇👇👇

Method 2: Swinging on the Hammock Sitting Up

Method 2: Swinging on the Hammock Sitting Up

This is another method you can use if you will like to swing in your hammock. You can always swing in your hammock while sitting in it. Below are the steps to follow

Step 1: Ensure your Hammock is comfortably Set up

If you are going to be swinging back and forth on your hammock, you need to take your time to check and ensure your hammock is well or properly set up. A bad setup can lead to accidents, injuries, and a host of other things.

Step 2: Sit Down and Hold the Fabrics

This is the next thing you should do if you want to swing in your hammock. You need to take your time to sit down comfortably in your hammock. The moment you are done sitting down, you need to hold the fabrics on both sides. 

Holding the fabrics reduces the chances of you falling off as you swing in the hammock. 

Step 3: Use your legs to Get the Hammock in Motion

You need to push your chest out while trying to swing your legs back and forth on your hammock chair. As you do this, the hammock should begin to swing in motion with your movement. 

Keep doing this till the hammock moves at the speed you desire. Once it does, keep your legs raised upwards a little. This will allow the swing to swing more while giving you all the balance you need.

Video Guide 👇👇👇

How Can I Make My Hammock Swing Longer?

How Can I Make My Hammock Swing Longer?

There are different things you can do that will make your hammock swing longer. Here are some of the things below

  • Get as many Stretchable Straps as Possible

This is the first thing you should do if you want your hammock to swing longer. You should get as many stretchable straps as possible. It is well known that the more your straps can stretch, the better the ability of your straps to swing longer.

If your strap or rope cannot stretch, your hammock will not be able to swing as long as you would like. 

  • Add Sag to the Hammock

Adding sag to your hammock is another thing you can do that will allow your hammock to swing longer. If there is no sag on your hammock, the ability for your hammock to swing from side to side or back and forth will be much more reduced.

The allows you to put enough pressure to get your hammock in motion. With the pressure and sag, your hammock will get to swing a whole lot better and much longer. 

How Far Should Hammock Swings Be?

The distance of the hammock swing is something you should consider very important when setting up your hammock. The distance between the 2 points in your hammock shouldn’t be more than 3 to 4 feet. This distance applies to hammock chairs.

However, the distance when setting up a hammock better is a little different. You can make the distance as long as possible as long as it allows for proper sag and balance.

How far Should a Hammock Swing be off the Ground for Adults?

For both adults and kids, your hammock swing shouldn’t be more than 6 feet off the ground. By observing the 6 feet rule, you will get to guarantee as much safety for yourself as possible. You also reduce the risk of any accident occurring for any possible fall. Remember to always check the anchor points to know if they are well set up.

What Are the Safety Precautions to Observe when Swinging on your Hammock?

There are a lot of safety precautions to observe when setting up your hammock. Below are some of the precautions to consider.

  • Ensure the Anchor Points are firm

One of the safety precautions you must observe is ensuring the anchor points are firm to the trees, ceilings, or walls.  You need very strong anchor points to swing in your hammock. If the anchor points are not strong enough, you might be at risk of falling off or getting into an accident when you swing.

  • Use Good Straps

This is just as important as ensuring your anchor points are firm. You can’t downplay the importance of using a good strap. When talking about good straps, we are referring to straps that are elastic, durable, and strong. 

  • Ensure the Hammock isn’t too far from the Ground

Many people make the mistake of setting up their hammocks as far away from the ground as possible. This is a very wrong and risky thing to do. When setting up your hammock, ensure your hammock isn’t more than 6 feet from the ground. 

RELATED:

How To Secure A Hammock To A Tree and What You Need

How Can I Make My Hammock More Stable?

How To Stop a Hammock From Swinging? (Tips & Guide)

Conclusion

Swinging on your hammock is a pretty easy thing to do. All you need to do is follow the steps mentioned above. While following the steps, you should remember that there are some hammock safety rules to follow. All the safety rules and more have been discussed in this article.