Hiring poles, hoops and silks for your practice

Hiring apparatus lets you train at home or run a workshop without buying outright. You get the equipment for a set period, return it when you're done, and the hire company handles setup advice and collection. Cumbria Pole Art walks you through what each piece of kit involves, how hire works in practice, and what to check before you commit.

Poles, hoops and silks each have different hire requirements

A pole needs ceiling height and a load-bearing fixing point. Most hire companies supply a freestanding base or a tension mount that sits between floor and ceiling—ask which one comes with the package, because a tension mount only works if your ceiling can take the load. Spinning poles need a bearing at the top; static poles lock in place. You'll be told the maximum user weight and the height range the pole covers.

An aerial hoop arrives as a single steel ring, often with a swivel and rigging straps. It hangs from a secure overhead point—a beam, a rig or a purpose-built frame. The company will tell you the safe working load and the drop height you need below the hoop; most require at least two metres of clear space beneath. Some hire packages include a portable rig if you don't have a fixed anchor.

Silks come as a pair of long fabric lengths, rigged from a single point or as a double-point setup depending on the apparatus style. They need secure overhead rigging, enough drop height for the fabric to pool on the floor, and a landing mat underneath. Hire usually includes the fabric, rigging hardware and setup instructions; check whether the company provides the anchor point or whether you're expected to have one already.

The hire period and what it costs

Most companies offer daily, weekly or monthly rates. A weekend hire suits a single workshop; a month-long rental makes sense if you're trying apparatus before you buy. The longer the hire, the lower the daily rate—but you'll still pay for the full period whether you use the equipment every day or not.

Delivery and collection are sometimes included, sometimes charged separately. If you're outside the company's usual area, expect a distance surcharge. Some packages include mats and grip; others charge for them as extras. Read the quote line by line so you know what you're paying for.

Insurance, damage and what happens if something breaks

The hire agreement states who is responsible if the equipment is damaged. You may be asked to provide proof of insurance, especially if you're hiring for a commercial class or event. Personal use at home often falls under the company's own cover, but check the terms.

Normal wear—scuffs on a pole, chalk marks on fabric—is expected. Structural damage—a bent hoop, a torn silk, a snapped pole bearing—is your responsibility if it happens while the equipment is with you. Most agreements list a damage deposit or a repair cost schedule. If something breaks during use, stop immediately and tell the hire company; continuing to train on damaged apparatus is a safety risk.

Setup, rigging and who does the work

Some hire companies deliver and install the apparatus for you; others drop it off and leave you to set it up from instructions. A freestanding pole is straightforward—base, pole sections, top cap—but a tension-mounted pole or an aerial rig needs you to check load-bearing points and measure clearances. If you're not confident rigging, ask whether installation is part of the package.

Silks and hoops must be rigged by someone who knows what they're doing. A poorly tied knot or an under-rated carabiner is a real hazard. If the hire doesn't include professional rigging, make sure you or someone else on site has the knowledge to do it safely.

What to check before you book

• The ceiling height and floor space you have, measured and written down.
• Whether your ceiling or beam can take the load—hire companies often specify a minimum structural requirement.
• The dates you need the equipment and how much notice the company requires for delivery.
• What's included in the price and what costs extra: delivery, collection, mats, rigging hardware, installation.
• The terms around damage, insurance and early return.

When hire makes sense and when it doesn't

Hiring works well for a one-off event, a short-term project or a trial period while you decide whether to buy. It costs less upfront than purchasing, and you're not left with a pole or hoop you no longer want. For ongoing training over several months, the cumulative hire cost often exceeds the price of buying your own apparatus.

If you're teaching a series of classes or planning to train at home for the foreseeable future, compare the six-month hire cost against the purchase price of the same equipment. Hire gives you flexibility; ownership gives you permanence. Choose the one that fits how you'll actually use the kit.

For more on setting up at home, see how to start pole dancing at home. If you're deciding between pole types, spinning vs static pole explains the two modes.

This page is for general information only. Cumbria Pole Art does not sell or hire apparatus, nor does it offer installation services.