Reclining techniques

All our hammocks are incredibly comfortable, but here you will get some advice how you lay in the best way in a traditional Brazilian hammock.

* Getting in the hammock

Sit in the hammock, as when you are sitting on a chair. Lay backwards and spread yourself out on the hammock. The weight will be even distributed. You can lay length wise, across or diagonal in the hammock (which is most comfortable). Never get in a hammock with your feet first!

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

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 wider hammocks are best when lying across the center. In double hammocks you can sit two people in a variety of positions. You can experiment and find your favorite.

* How the brazilian lay in their hammocks

The most important thing is to arrange the hammock's suspension loops at head height, and only some 3m distant from each other, thereby allowing the hammock to hang down in a deep arc. This then allows a diagonal lying position, like a real Brazilian ("from corner to corner"), and not straight. This keeps the back straight and is the secret of being able to lie comfortably and relaxed for hours on end in a hammock. As wobbly wooden cross-pieces are intentionally not used, one lies securely and without fear of falling out! Please observe that the instructions are for the traditional brazilian hammock style without spreader bars.

In Brazil, hammocks are still used as beds, as they always have been. This is the reason that they are as wide and comfortable as a bed! Even if you are only going to use your hammock for relaxation, you should still try to adopt the Brazilian way of lying: Contrary to European ideas, hammocks are not hung taut.

Hammocks with spreader bars

Hammocks with spreader bars are an European invention. The bars are decorative and spreads out the hammock which makes it look nice. Its easier to get in and out of the hammock with the bars on. This style is much more common in the Western world than in hammock countries. Whats best? It's up you!

Here are more handy tips!