Getting in and out of your hammock is obviously the first thing to know. To get in properly, turn your back to the hammock and assume the sitting position. Reach behind you and grab the far edge, lifting it over your head.Then grab the edge near you with your other hand and lift yourself up and in. Move around and use the space to support your back and weight distribution. To get out, swing your legs over the side, then, holding the edges, stand up, pushing yourself out and up.

 Lying in a Hammock: Finding the right angle is the most comfortable way.This allows you to lie flat with better distribution of weight, lessening tension, and supporting your back for complete comfort. Wider hammocks (for example,Mayan) are best when lying across the center, especially for sleeping. Hammocks with spreader bars can become unstable while leaning far to the side. To prevent this, there are hammock tie-down straps that can be used to strap the hammock to the leg of the stand, making it more stable for getting in and out as well as lying in it. There is even an accessory known as a hammock rocking kit. This makes it easy to rock yourself in a hammock when the wind is not cooperating. There is a small post that is stuck into the ground with an attached pulley system. The person in the hammock simply pulls on the rope to rock and sway to their comfort.

 Hanging a Hammock: Hanging a hammock directly on a hook can cause friction wear. To prevent this, use a strong rope to loop through the hammock loop then back to chain or hook. Hammocks can be used in a stand or hung freely with hooks or tied to a tree or a post. The Mayan hammocks work best when hung freely, rather than in a stand, due to their length. Suspend hammock to hang symmetrically with  the same height on both sides, using two equal pieces of rope if needed. If your hammock is long for your space, raise it higher to make up for this. The hammock should sag slightly in the middle, so as to be comfortable, but not scraping the ground when using. Remember to allow for the added weight of a person in it which will make it lower to the ground.

  Inside the House: Hammocks are becoming more and more popular in the home as well because people want to enjoy the benefits of them year-long and not all climates will allow this. In the home, stands work well. Of course, there are smaller size hammocks and stands which will take up less space in the house. Another unique idea is to hang the hammock from a hook in the ceiling and hang up both ends from the hook. This makes a hammock into a hammock chair! This works well in a corner or from a door frame. When taken down, there is only an insignificant hook left. This is the easiest way to use your hammock all year long if you are challenged for space in your home.

 On the Porch: Hang hammock from wall studs or ceiling beams. Find center stud and screw hooks in with a power drill.

 Outside the House: You can use available trees. If you have no trees, you can use a strong fence post or you can place your own fence posts to use both posts or one post and one tree. Post must be 8 foot long. Dig holes 2-3 feet deep and secure posts with concrete. From trees, use hooks, if trees can take them without damage, or tie a rope around the tree trunk. There are also tree straps that work nicely to prevent boring a hook into a tree. These are often sold where hammocks are as an accessory.

 Sail Boats: Hammocks can be hung on a boat, such as from the mast to the fore-stay. There is no better view than this, according to a boater.

 Handling a Hammock: Most importantly, always, always hold the two end loops with one hand. This avoids tangles.

 Washing a Hammock: Tie each end with pieces of cord or string to prevent tangling, then let soak in cold or tepid water with shampoo and a handful of salt or hand wash in mild detergent. Smaller hammocks can be placed inside a pillow case and washed in cold water on the gentle cycle with mild detergent. Dry quickly by hanging, then placing a stick or broom across the net to extend hammock for maximum ventilation. Never fold or put away a wet or damp hammock as this will surely lead to mildew.

 Weather: Hammocks last longer when not left out exposed to the elements. Cotton hammocks are more durable than synthetics, which break down with the UV rays, however, it is best to store your hammock inside when not in use. Getting in the habit of taking it in when you are finished will preserve the life of your treasured hammock.

Storage: Hang both ends on a hook or a nail in a dry place. Always keep end loops away from the hammock to avoid tangles. You can also twist the arms together to further avoid tangling. Always hang a dry hammock in a dry place. If it is damp, it can rot. Having a hook in your garage or mudroom or by your back door will make it easily accessible to grab your hammock on your way out the door.

Repair: Hammocks can snag on buttons and buckles. Be aware of the buttons on back pockets when lying in one. Rather than changing your clothes, a pad, towel, or blanket under you will prevent snags. Some hammock stores sell special hammock pads to be used with open weave hammocks, such as rope hammocks, for added comfort. If you do pull a thread, work it back into the weave, then shake hammock to even out. If a string breaks, is cut, or burned, on an open weave hammock, it will not run, however, tie the broken ends together to prevent a hole.

WARNINGS

Never stand up in a hammock!

Never get into a hammock feet first!

Never straddle a hammock!

Teach children how to use properly!

To see hammocks and accessories, click here.

Written by: LiZa