Get a Grip!

There's more than one way of holding a Flow Rope...

The "OK" grip - with one knot.

The "OK" grip - with both knots.

The "OK" Grip

The "OK" grip is the way that is most commonly used to hold a Flow Rope, if Youtube is anything to go by. The fingertips are pinched against the thumb to make a open circle that is small enough to stop the knot from escaping but big enough for the rope to allow the rope to move freely so that it can twist and turn. You can hold both knots in the same hand by creating a second OK between thumb and middle finger.

You can see from the image of the single knot grip above that I have made my "OK" hold slightly smaller because it's a 10mm rope with a small knot. This is because what happens to me sometimes is that I am too relaxed in the pinch and the rope flies off wildly and sometimes at quite some speed.

Bigger, fatter ropes can also present a challenge because the knot becomes large and unwieldy.

The "Grip With No Name" - with one knot.

The "Grip With No Name" - both knots.

The "Grip With No Name"

Although I started my Rope Flow journey by using the "OK" grip, I found myself using another hold that I have not come across anywhere else - yet!

The knot just sits between the index and middle fingers - there is still enough of a gap to allow for the free rotation of the rope with the advantage that the hand remains more relaxed. The "OK" pinch can create a slight tension in the forearms which can reduce fluidity and range of movement.

I find that this grip makes me want to rotate and flex my wrists more than when using the "OK" grip, which I like.

The danger of the knot suddenly flying-off is still present, so, when the need arises, I use my thumb to support the fingers when holding a single knot and thumb and pinky when holding two knots. Have a look at the images below...

The "Grip With No Name" - one knot with thumb support (you can add the pinky for extra support).

The "Grip With No Name" - both knots with thumb and pinky support.

Ultimately, there's no need to choose between these grips, 'both and' might be the way ahead for those interested in trying things out. The tighter, more solid "OK" may suit heavier, faster flows and the "Grip With No Name" may suit a softer, flowy session. The weight of rope and size of knot handles may also inform your choice.

Perhaps you will develop another grip... over to you!