Mayan Hammock

GET INTO A HAMMOCK

Sit with your back to the hammock, as if you are about to sit on a chair. Reach behind you and spread out the hammock before sitting. This ensure you make full use of the space and your weigth is distribuited evenly. Now sit down and lay back NEVER climb in feet first.

GET OUT OF A HAMMOCK

Swing your legs over the side and sit up. Then standing hold the edges of the hammock and push yourself up and off.

FINDING AN ANGLE

The most comfortable way is at an angle, this allows you to lie flat with better distribution of weight, lessening tension, and supporting your back for complete comfort. Some of the wide hammocks (Yucatan and Maya) are best when lying across the center Double hammocks can sit two people in a variety of positions. You can experiment and find your favorite.

GETTING THE HANG OF IT

INSIDE THE HOUSE, on porch: Hang hammock from wall studs or ceiling beams. Find center of stud or beam and with a power drill screw in hooks. Then hang hammock. You can use a rope to compensate the extra distance.

OUTSIDE THE HOUSE: Use side of house or garage. You can use strong fence post, and plant your own post across from it. You may also use available trees, or one tree and one post.
If there are'nt trees or usable walls, place two posts the correct distance apart and hang your hammock between them. Post must be 8 ft long and holes dug 2-3 ft deep so posts stand above grounds 5-6 ft. Use cement to secure.
From trees: Use hooks if trees can take them without damages; or tie rope around trunk or strong branch.

SAIL BOATS: May be used on boat. (i.e. hung from mast to forestay)

FAQ's

Q= What are hammocks made of ?

A= The body of the hammocks is handwoven from 100% cotton or nylon, which gives superior comfort - especially in hot, humid weather. The endstrings are nylon for greater strength

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Q= How long will it last ?

A= With common sense care, your hammock should last for many years. They should not be left outdoors for long stretches of time, especially in the rain. Cut, broken or burned cords can be repaired by knotting the ends.

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Q= What is the difference in size ?

A= The matrimonial size will sleep two and seat as many as you can fit into it ( 6+ ), and is ideal for indoor use as a couch, a bed, or anything else you can think of. It's great to take with you when you go camping or picnicking, for sleeping and lounging.

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Q= How should it be hung ?

A= The preferred method requires some items of hardware. These items are : hammock thimbles and "S" - hooks and lengths of strong rope or webbing ( rock climbing rope, webbing and snap-links or carabiners are ideal - and very colorful).
Hammock thimbles can be placed to prevent breakage of loop strings- which can occur if the metal hook is in direct contact with loop strings. Suspend the hammock to hang symmetrically with both ends at the same height, using two equal lengths of rope. The hammock should sag somewhat in the center, but not so much as to be uncomfortable to lie in, or so much that its scrapes the ground when in use.

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Q= How do you use it ?

A= To enter the hammock, you back up to it, pull the far side well above your head ( so that it hangs down to about chest level ), then lie back, pull in your feet and position your self as comfortably as possible. To get out, simply lower your feet to the ground and stand up.
For sleeping, lie diagonally to the long axis. This allows you to lie flat and supports your body horizontally to the ground, with no bowing of your back as in other hammocks.

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Q= Couldn't you fall out in your sleep ?

A= Not likely, The crosswise, or diagonal position in the hammock means that no matter how restless you roll or toss and turn in your sleep you will have plenty of hammock material stretching over your sides. Since these hammocks do not use spread bars, they are not tippy and will not flip you onto the ground like regular flat spread bar hammock.

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Q= Is it washable ?

A= Yes, gras each end loop and stretch the hammock to its full lenght. Bind the end cords and body at about six inch intervals to keep them from tangling. Put into a pillow cover and put into the was machine, alone with mild detergent and cold water.

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Q= How do you store it ?

A= To store your hammock, grasp end loops and twist each end in opposite directions until the entire length of the hammock is twisted tightly. You can do this alone - with one loop attached to the hanger - or with a partner. When it is twisted, hold it above your head, so that it is clear of the ground and it will spin and wrap around itself like skein of knitting yarn.
You can then hang it by the end loops from one hook ( if it is indoors ) or tie with cord in a couple of places, tuck in end loops and store.