Actually it is more complicated than that, so be sure to examine all three factors: WEIGHT, BODY SHAPE and GRIP. We are committed to working with people of all abilities, shapes and sizes to experience the transformative power of flying trapeze and aerial arts. If flying trapeze isn't the right place for you to start, our staff will be happy to suggest other options to help you achieve your goals.

1. WEIGHT. 205lbs is what we call the weight hesitation. If you weigh more than that, then we have increasing concerns about safety. The higher above the 205 lb weight hesitation, the more important the other factors become.

2. BODY SHAPE. The distribution of your weight is important, regardless of how much you weigh. If you are heavy around your middle, and your waist is wider than your chest, then our safety belt might ride up and cannot effectively protect you.

3. GRIP. Another consideration is whether your hands can support your full body weight. If you cannot hang from a bar with your feet completely off the ground for at least 30 seconds, then you should not participate at this time.

Please contact us if you have concerns. We would love to work with you to identify other classes such as conditioning, acrobatics, silks or trampoline that can serve as a starting point towards the goal of flying trapeze. If we feel it would be unsafe for either you or our instructors due to your weight, body shape or physical fitness considerations, Santa Monica Trapeze School reserves the right to deny participation.

There is no specific minimum age to participate. Children who are at least 6 years old generally have the required coordination and awareness.

Please give us a call if you are unsure about signing up a child for class. Once a spot is reserved, you are responsible for the full payment even if the child is unwilling or unable to complete the session.

A parent or guardian must be present when their children under age 12 are in class, unless they are enrolled in a camp program or special arrangements have been made with the school. All of the child's information must be up-to-date, and we must have a waiver signed by a parent or court-appointed legal guardian for any student under the age of 18. Relatives, friends and nannies cannot sign the waiver unless they have been designated by a court as the legal guardian for that child.

While children are always able to sign up for any all-levels classes offered at our school, we also have specialized programs for youth 6 and up or as specified in the program description.

Although the net is soft to land in, it can be a little rough on exposed knees, shoulders, and toes. You'll be wearing a safety belt over your shirt and you'll be hooking your knees over the bar, so it's best to wear clothes that fit snugly so they don't get in your way. Tights, yoga pants, or snug sweat pants work well, and shirts with sleeves (even very short ones) are a good idea. Bring a pair of socks to wear while you're flying, and sandals or flip flops to wear between turns. On hot days, you should also bring a towel. If you have long hair, put it up with an elastic band (not plastic hair clips).

For individual classes: Our cancellation/reschedule policy requires notification by email 72 hours in advance of class time for a full refund or reschedule credit. Please do not call to cancel or reschedule as we only have access to our phone when we are open.

If you cancel within 72 hours prior to class, we cannot automatically reschedule/refund your credit. However, what we can do in this situation is open the spot(s) in class for other student(s) to sign up. If the spot(s) resell and the class sells out, our view is that we did not lose out on anything by you cancelling without sufficient notice, which earns you a reschedule. If the spot(s) do not resell, your class credit(s) will be used up and not available for reschedule/refund. Please note that should your spot(s) qualify for a reschedule they are eligible for reschedule only.

For parties/buyouts: Cancel 3 weeks prior to the event for a 100% refund. Email the office for more information otherwise.

The waiver is a document designed to protect you and the school. It is designed to inform you of the risk you are taking and to make sure that you (or your parent or court-appointed legal guardian) take full responsibility for that risk. The waiver also allows our insurance to be effective for any situation that warrants its use. It is important to read the waiver carefully and to fully understand it before you sign.

You (or your parent or court-appointed legal guardian) will be asked to read and sign a waiver at your first class. Please come 15 minutes early to do this. Copies of the waiver will be available at the start of class, but you may view it or print extra copies beforehand using the link below.

The minimum recommended age for participation in all of our classes is 6 years old.

STUDENTS UNDER THE AGE OF 18 must have a waiver signed by their parent or court-appointed legal guardian before they will be allowed to participate in the class. Relatives, friends, and nannies cannot sign unless they have been designated by a court as the legal guardian for that child. If you have any questions please give us a call. GROUPS: If you are signing up a group of children, bring signed waivers for each child with you to class.

Signing the waiver is separate from registering for a class, and does not mean you are enrolled. You are registered for class once you have paid and received your confirmation email.