SUSPEND
fly with us
Whether you’re interested in trying suspension for the first time or you’re ready to go up again, we’re here to help take your vision and bring it to life with you. We host a number of events every year and we look forward to extending the invitation to you to participate in these events with us. See below for brief descriptions of these different events.
If you’re interested in suspending with the OSC a good starting place is sending us a message through the contact form on our website or email us. You can also click on the Events page on our website and click through to find the registration link for our upcoming events. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
The Ontario Suspension Collective hosts regular Suspension Sundays. These events are our bi-monthly public suspension meets. There is a formal registration process to suspend at these events; you complete a form identifying the type of suspension you’re interested in and your preferred time slot. We will reach out after you register to answer any questions you might have and to provide you with information and documents that suspendees are required to review and sign (Code of Conduct & Event Protocol, Photo and Video Waiver, Consent Form, etc). We also offer a consultation to suspended individuals, either by phone or video call, if they would like to discuss the suspension experience they are seeking and/or if they feel it would help them navigate this process.
The cost to suspend during our Suspension Sundays is $225.
These events typically book up fairly quickly, so we suggest registering sooner rather than later if you’re interested in suspending.
What to Expect:
Our Suspension Sunday events are open to the public. While we strive to provide as private an experience as a suspendee may be looking for, we typically have 6-8 OSC crew members on hand, and other suspendees and their friends may also be present during your suspension.
We find this environment to be a positive one for most suspendees as they get support from the other practitioners and suspendees present.
suspension sundays
The Ontario Suspension Collective hosts the Ontario Suscon. This is a large event where we welcome practitioners and enthusiasts from around the world. The Suscon is a three or four-day event, sometimes longer, that provides unparalleled opportunities for attendees to connect, learn from, and work alongside each other. With anywhere from 100 - 150 people expected to be in attendance, you can expect these events are going to be busy.
Our next Suscon takes place from April 3rd - April 6th, 2026. If you’re interested in learning more about the Suscon and registering for it click here:
ontario suscon
Private Suspensions
The OSC can arrange to help facilitate private suspension experiences. These suspensions do take some time to arrange and require a consultation call to make it happen.
In order to proceed with making arrangements for a private suspension, please use the contact form on the website to schedule a consultation or email us at ontario.suspensions@gmail.com.
private
We are happy to facilitate outdoor suspensions when the weather is warm enough for us to do so — beginning in the spring and usually available to do so up until mid-autumn.
We do have some outdoor locations we can suggest that we have used and are familiar with. We are also open to scouting new areas if you have someplace in mind.
If you’re interested in suspending outdoors, please send us a message, and we can notify you about upcoming outdoor suspension events. It’s also important to have a quick consultation about suspending outdoors as there are some unique aspects to facilitating suspensions outdoors that suspendees should consider beforehand.
outdoor
what is “body suspension?”
Body Suspension
Why do People Suspend?
Body suspension is the practice of piercing hooks into the skin and using them to lift the body off the ground, allowing individuals to experience a unique state of being suspended in mid-air.
With roots in spiritual and cultural traditions worldwide, suspension has been used for purposes such as personal growth, community bonding, and ceremonial practices. Today, body suspension has become a profoundly meaningful experience for many people.
People suspend for many different reasons, and often it’s deeply personal.
It can be about pushing physical, mental, and emotional boundaries and finding empowerment in the process.
It can be part of a journey of self-discovery. Overcoming the fears and anxieties of suspension can lead to a profound sense of accomplishment and inner strength.
For some, it is a meditative or spiritual experience that offers clarity, peace, and a deeper connection with themselves.
Others see it as a form of artistic expression, a way to challenge societal norms, or simply an opportunity to experience the unique sensations and sense of peace that comes with leaving the ground.
Suspension holds different meanings for everyone who chooses to try it.
At the Ontario Suspension Collective, we provide a safe and supportive space for anyone interested in exploring this practice. We invite you to discover what suspension can mean to you—with the support of our community.
FAQs
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To prepare for your suspension, ensure you are well-rested, hydrated, and nourished. Eat a small, balanced meal a few hours beforehand, and avoid alcohol or other intoxicants for at least 24 hours prior. Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for your planned suspension position and bring an extra set of clothes to change into after your suspension should you need to.
Inform your practitioner of any medical conditions, such as bleeding disorders, epilepsy or Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, that may require additional considerations or adjustments to ensure your safety. -
The suspension process begins with a discussion about your goals, the procedure and hook placement.
The skin to be pierced is cleaned with antiseptic and marked to ensure the hooks are inserted precisely.
You will lie down on a massage bed for the piercings, which may be done in tandem to minimize discomfort.
You’ll then be guided to the suspension point — where the hooks are attached to the cord and the rig plate. As tension is gradually applied to your hooks, you’ll be coached off the ground and into your suspension. The process is done at your pace, and you are in control throughout — communicating with the person who is belaying or operating the pulleys.
If you’re feeling uncomfortable, communicate with your coach to adjust the pace. -
Yes, there is some pain involved, but it is often described as manageable and fades quickly as your body adapts. Many participants find the initial moments intense, but these sensations often shift into feelings of calm, focus, or even euphoria once suspended. The experience of pain is personal and can vary widely, but the team facilitating your suspension will support you through it.
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Yes! Bringing a trusted friend or family member for emotional support is encouraged, especially if it’s your first suspension. However, keep in mind that space may be limited depending on the venue, so we ask you to limit your support people to no more than two people.
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After your suspension, leave the bandages on until your next shower. You can leave them on overnight if that is preferable. After removing the bandages, gently wash the area with mild soap and pat it dry. Rebandaging is optional and really only recommended if you have significant blood spotting. Avoid swimming in public bodies of water and any strenuous exercise for one week to aid the healing process and minimize the risk of infection. You may experience minor bleeding or trapped air under the skin (subcutaneous emphysema), which should resolve naturally within one - two weeks.
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Take it easy for the first 24-48 hours. Light activities, like walking or yoga, are advisable if you feel up to it. Avoid any strenuous exercise and going to the gym for about a week to allow your wounds to heal and minimize the risk of infection. Avoid swimming in any public bodies of water (public pools or hot tubs) for at least one week.
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Suspension can be physically and emotionally intense. You might feel exhilarated, reflective, or even a bit drained in the days after. Some people experience a post-suspension "low" due to the emotional high of the experience. This is normal. We will follow up with everyone who suspends with the OSC within 2 - 3 days of an event to do a check-in. You are always welcome to reach out to us if you’d like to talk about your experience.
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It’s normal to have minor redness or swelling around your hook holes. Signs of infection include increasing pain, redness, swelling, or excessive and smelly discharge of pus. If you notice these symptoms and are concerned about possible signs of infection, consult a healthcare provider.
Most people heal without any complications by following basic aftercare guidelines. -
Yes, photos and videos are allowed during your suspension. However, video recording during the piercing process is not permitted to maintain the privacy and focus of the procedure. Discuss documentation preferences with your practitioner beforehand.
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Feeling nervous is completely normal. Your practitioner will guide you through each step and work at your pace. You are in control of the process and can stop or adjust at any time. Suspension is a personal journey, and we are here to support you every step of the way.