If you’re reading this you’re probably a little curious about Rope Flow. And you’ve probably seen a wide range of people practicing and sharing their different styles. Some flowists move with so much finesse and smoothness that “butter” is the only way to describe it. Still there are others who move with the speed and tenacity of a ninja.

If you’re new to Rope Flow, it can be tempting to become overwhelmed and think what you see on social media is impossible for you to accomplish. Nothing could be further from the truth. Rope Flow is a personal journey. While others can join you on that journey, it is ultimately you who has to take the steps. Like we say here at Slushropes, “We are all different flowers. And that's what makes OUR garden beautiful.” Are you ready to bloom?

We’ve answered three questions we get most often when someone is new to Rope Flow.

1. What the heck is Rope Flow?

Imagine rhythmic dance meets martial arts meets meditation, all woven together with a weighted rope. Rope Flow is a movement practice where you don’t actually jump over or through the rope. Instead you move your body around the rope and the rope moves around you. It’s a conversation with your body and your surroundings.

While rope manipulation practices are not new, the modern Rope Flow movement developed by David Weck is unique. Using a specific set of movements that all stem from a figure eight pattern, you emphasize rotational movement patterns with the body when you roll the rope. Master each movement on its own, then unlock their true potential by stringing them together in “flows” for a continuous journey of energy and movement expressed through your body.

It's not just about the cool visual effects though; rope flow improves coordination, flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular health, all while offering a mindful escape from the daily grind. Because of its lack of impact and minimal equipment (you only need a rope), Rope Flow is accessible to everyone curious enough to dive into the practice. 

2. What’s the best rope for me?

Short answer: the rope that you will pick up and practice with the most. We know that’s not helpful, but it’s the truth.

Long answer: there is no "best rope". There are a handful of companies and individuals who are producing flow ropes and we support them all because we believe in “community over competition,” which is why we’ve collaborated with Winding Ropes on a few of our ropes. Without a doubt, we believe everyone should have an RMT Rope by WeckMethod because it is the original flow rope and in our brains it is a piece of history.

No matter where you get your rope from, it is important to the look at the specs of the rope:

• Rope Size is measured by the diameter of the rope, how thin or thick it is. This ranges from 10mm to 56mm (0.39 to 2.2 in).
• 12-14mm (0.47 - 0.55 in) is the industry standard size, but 16mm (0.63 in) (Protohype) is a favorite among Slushers
• Rope Weight may not seem like it makes a huge difference when you’re talking about the difference between 1.1 lbs (500 grams) and 1.3 lbs (590 grams), but those subtle differences change how the rope moves and your ability to control it. If you’re new to rope flow, we recommend giving yourself a few months before you try any of the Paradigm or Primal Slushropes (or anything labeled “heavy” from other brands) - we want your rope flow practice to make you feel better, not sideline you from the activities you love.
• Rope “Feel” is a unique spec offered on all Slushropes products. Just because two ropes "look" the same size, doesn’t mean they will feel the same. Some ropes are soft with loose braids, while others are firmer with tighter braids, and then there are those in between. Things you cannot know through a photo. Each feel combined with the size and weight of the rope creates a unique rope flow experience (which is probably why many flowists have more ropes than they can count) 😁
• Rope Length can be customized for free at Slushropes. Standard size is 8 feet (245 cm), which is a good place to start with your first rope to help you figure out if you want to go shorter or longer. If your first rope is too long, you can put knots in it to shorten it (or if you’re flowing indoors). If you’d like to seem some length recommendations based on height, check out our Flow Rope Sizing Guide or reach out to us! 

At the end of the day, most flowmies have multiple ropes to accommodate for different intentions and moods. We’re pretty sure that once you get started with one rope, you’re going to want another to help you discover more about yourself on your journey.

3. Where do I start?

With all of the amazing flowmies in the Rope Flow community constantly raising the bar, it can be hard for a new flowmie to know exactly where to start. But having a solid foundation will help you progress faster!

Journey with Others

The Rope Flow Community Facebook group has flowmies from all over the world! When you join the group you are able to ask your questions and get feedback on your videos if you choose to post them. You might even find a local flowmie or find someone to flow with while traveling!

Journey with a Coach

Working with a coach will help you learn faster by saving you time and frustration by offering immediate feedback and helping you avoid common pitfalls. They can also offer drills and exercises tailored to your specific needs. A coach can break down movements, explain key cues, and correct any bad form before it becomes ingrained.

 

Here are some coaches, gyms, or organizations that may offer you exactly what you are looking for:

• Weckmethod
• Gymnazo
• Alpaca Flow
• Movement Exploration

Journey on Your Own

You may not be ready to dive into a community or invest in a coach just yet, and that’s okay. It is absolutely possible to start your journey with YouTube videos - just remember you’ll go farther with others!

• Slushropes Rad Rudiments
• WeckMethod Tutorials
• Alpaca Flow Beginner Pack
• Rope Flow Philippines Starter Series
• Gymnazo Learn to Rope Flow Workshop

Here are some additional tips no matter how you choose to start your journey:

• Start simple: Don't try to learn everything at once. Begin with basic patterns like the underhand and overhand swings, and gradually add more complexity as you gain confidence.
• Focus on form: It's important to prioritize proper technique over speed or complexity. This will prevent injuries and ensure you're building a strong foundation.
• Most importantly, have fun! Rope flow is a journey, not a destination. Embrace the learning process, celebrate your progress, and enjoy the flow!

Remember, your rope flow journey is unique. Embrace the journey, let the rope guide you, and embark on a journey of movement, flow, and self-discovery. As your skills blossom, you'll not only impress onlookers but also unlock a sense of physical and mental freedom that only comes from finding your flow. Happy flowing!

Need some help figuring out where to start? Whether it’s finding the perfect rope or wanting to progress on your journey, we’re here for you!

-Gabi Bradley