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Forums > Technical Discussion > Clothing vs Naked?
Login/Join to ParticipateImmortalAngel
SILVER Member since Jan 2004
Scientist!
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Total posts: 578
SILVER Member since Jan 2004
Scientist!
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Total posts: 578
Posted:OK, I thought about something the other day and have spent a good few hours doing a Durbs and checking through previous threads.
I noticed alot of people worry about what clothing they wear and how fire proof it is etc...
I've always worn 2 things when I perform. Either a nice cotton hoody with hood up to protect my hair, or go for a dip in my pool (or the very least wet my hair to keep it under controll) then spin with as little clothing on as I can (mostly just a pair of shorts).
I guess I was thinking about it because for the first time ever I managed to mess up a wrap while doing fire without clothing on. I didn't get burned at all, but I made a nicely sized cut in my arm. I doubt it would have been as bad if I had been wearing a hoody, maybe just a small cut and a torn arm in the shirt.
I read in another thread that Pele also does arm wraps with out sleeves (correct me if I'm wrong...), and so do a number of other people.
I think the possibility for steam burns while wearing less clothing would be greatly reduced, but please don't take my word on that. Perhaps someone would correct me if I'm wrong in my thinking.
I know some people perform with costumes etc... inwhich case there is no real option for clothing except for choice of material, but I have seen some 'traditional' Samoan fire knife dancers wearing only a banana leaf skirt, anklets etc...dancing away (pretty good actually, it was at the Polynesian resort's Luao in Disney World) with out problems.
I guess I was wondering what the rest of the poi world thought of not using clothing?
I noticed alot of people worry about what clothing they wear and how fire proof it is etc...
I've always worn 2 things when I perform. Either a nice cotton hoody with hood up to protect my hair, or go for a dip in my pool (or the very least wet my hair to keep it under controll) then spin with as little clothing on as I can (mostly just a pair of shorts).
I guess I was thinking about it because for the first time ever I managed to mess up a wrap while doing fire without clothing on. I didn't get burned at all, but I made a nicely sized cut in my arm. I doubt it would have been as bad if I had been wearing a hoody, maybe just a small cut and a torn arm in the shirt.
I read in another thread that Pele also does arm wraps with out sleeves (correct me if I'm wrong...), and so do a number of other people.
I think the possibility for steam burns while wearing less clothing would be greatly reduced, but please don't take my word on that. Perhaps someone would correct me if I'm wrong in my thinking.
I know some people perform with costumes etc... inwhich case there is no real option for clothing except for choice of material, but I have seen some 'traditional' Samoan fire knife dancers wearing only a banana leaf skirt, anklets etc...dancing away (pretty good actually, it was at the Polynesian resort's Luao in Disney World) with out problems.
I guess I was wondering what the rest of the poi world thought of not using clothing?
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> STAY SAFE! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug.gif" alt="" />
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Posted:just spinned wearing 2 (pretty tight) tshirts and a normal trouser... if i would go naked with this weather i'd get even sicker than i am now (i caught a fewer)... it's damn cold outside, my hands were purple and red with white dots! :/
and i've hit myself 3 times with my poi this night... on my red tshirt and there's nothing to see, not a SINGLE spot of oil of whatever... lucky me
and i've hit myself 3 times with my poi this night... on my red tshirt and there's nothing to see, not a SINGLE spot of oil of whatever... lucky me
"Dont know how long, this ones gonna take;
I could fail, but Id rather be a fuckup, than a fake"
Glåss
DIAMOND Member since Nov 2001
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The Ministry of Manipulation
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Total posts: 2523
DIAMOND Member since Nov 2001
The Ministry of Manipulation
Location: Bristol, United Kingdom
Total posts: 2523
Posted:Ooooh you remind me of a very old thread 
Durbs = http://www.homeofpoi.com/ubbthreads/show...ll/fpart/1/vc/1
br>
Historically one of my favorite threads, thank you for reminding me
EDITED_BY: Glss (1108513716)
Durbs = http://www.homeofpoi.com/ubbthreads/show...ll/fpart/1/vc/1
br>
Historically one of my favorite threads,
thank you for reminding meEDITED_BY: Glss (1108513716)
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Posted:i do to many wraps to even consider doing this naked......
You can't avoid pain by fencing yourself from it.
Some times you need the help of others more than anything else
But you have to let them close enough to help......
People want to be needed, I found that out too
ImmortalAngel
SILVER Member since Jan 2004
Scientist!
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Total posts: 578
SILVER Member since Jan 2004
Scientist!
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Total posts: 578
Posted:UCOF, it's a fairly small above ground one, and is only usable 2 months out of the year It's ice most of the time, or too cold the rest of the time :P
Although I always manage to at least take a dip so long as it's liquid if I'm backyard spinning.
I don't know if I answered my own question yet or not, but if I did I think I may have forgot to mention, practicing with fire, especially in the winter (especially in Canadian winters :P) I wear full clothing, but only because it can get down to like, the -20s and -30s here...or as low as -50 with the windchill.
It's ice most of the time, or too cold the rest of the time :PAlthough I always manage to at least take a dip so long as it's liquid if I'm backyard spinning.
I don't know if I answered my own question yet or not, but if I did I think I may have forgot to mention, practicing with fire, especially in the winter (especially in Canadian winters :P) I wear full clothing, but only because it can get down to like, the -20s and -30s here...or as low as -50 with the windchill.
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> STAY SAFE! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug.gif" alt="" />
DeletePosted:okay ladies, I dont spin in the nude, but more or less half-way.... as I spin with fire only from april to October and once or twice in december, its not too cold to do so 
The rest of the year (every day for about one hour!!) I spin without fire and dressed in a normal way..;)
Spinning fire I wear leather ONLY! Leather pants, short or long depending on my mood and a top that is not much more than a leather-bra. (remember, Im on medieval markets! I cant go with cotton or jeans! )
My arms are naked, if I plan to do wraps, I wear leather arm protectors that are actually made for swordfighting. They cover my arm from wrist to ellbow. Still leaves some skin free but Ive never burned myself that way. My long hair will be wet for spinning and also covered under a thin cloth of wet leather, a bit larger than Bandana size. (Im very scared of burning my hair!! ) Ive read about the steam thing, but Ive never wrapped my poi around my head by accident - IF they hit my head, its a short BONK.. (Yeah, the five-beat reverse still gives me BONK feelings at times... )and Ive never had any problems with burning, hot steam or something. As for wearing wet clothes Im sure steam could be a more serious issue though! Sounds smart not to do that!!!
So, whoever has leather pants at home, try them for spinning!
The rest of the year (every day for about one hour!!) I spin without fire and dressed in a normal way..;)Spinning fire I wear leather ONLY! Leather pants, short or long depending on my mood and a top that is not much more than a leather-bra. (remember, Im on medieval markets! I cant go with cotton or jeans!
)My arms are naked, if I plan to do wraps, I wear leather arm protectors that are actually made for swordfighting. They cover my arm from wrist to ellbow. Still leaves some skin free but Ive never burned myself that way. My long hair will be wet for spinning and also covered under a thin cloth of wet leather, a bit larger than Bandana size. (Im very scared of burning my hair!! ) Ive read about the steam thing, but Ive never wrapped my poi around my head by accident - IF they hit my head, its a short BONK..
(Yeah, the five-beat reverse still gives me BONK feelings at times... )and Ive never had any problems with burning, hot steam or something. As for wearing wet clothes Im sure steam could be a more serious issue though! Sounds smart not to do that!!! So, whoever has leather pants at home, try them for spinning!
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Posted:or just use heavy cotton......
but yeah...
i dont wear a shirt when i spin.....hate gettin chem. on my shirts...and i just hate shirts in general...but yeas....
and after a show i always put on a shirt and hoodie so as i wont cool down too fast...but yeah...my partner prefers shirts w/long sleeves...
i just hate the bloody things..
but yeah...
i dont wear a shirt when i spin.....hate gettin chem. on my shirts...and i just hate shirts in general...but yeas....
and after a show i always put on a shirt and hoodie so as i wont cool down too fast...but yeah...my partner prefers shirts w/long sleeves...
i just hate the bloody things..
Jesus saves sinners and redeems them for cash and
prizes
Co-Founder of Keepers of Light
Educate yourself about the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
Posted:Spun naked?,,no....But wraps on bare skin?? yes..lots. I mostly use bicep wraps as transitions and have ended my evenings with a few sore spots, but nothing that causes me grief the next day. I do hand wraps with fire, and have never burned myself. but that photo that someone posted on here showing a line of blisters across the back of their hand after pausing mid burn to give someone a light haunts me on a daily basis and I sure think about it when I do a hand wrap right after a stall.
I also wrap one poi around my waist when I want to get out of the quad corkscrew, it puts me into TTN in the ceiling plane ( note: I stole this move off Spinning in Paris 1+2,, which I've been using as a tutorial video for well over a year now ) no problems doing this on bare skin either.
But...it's winter, so I usually spin in a 100% cotton long sleeved sweater and long pants, I sure don't miss the smell of burning leg hair
I also wrap one poi around my waist when I want to get out of the quad corkscrew, it puts me into TTN in the ceiling plane ( note: I stole this move off Spinning in Paris 1+2,, which I've been using as a tutorial video for well over a year now ) no problems doing this on bare skin either.
But...it's winter, so I usually spin in a 100% cotton long sleeved sweater and long pants, I sure don't miss the smell of burning leg hair
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Posted:I think it also depends on the fuel.
With kerosene, i'd have no problem spinning with clothing as i don't have to really worry about catching clothes on fire, but with
whitegas which i normally use, the less clothing the better, because clothing catches on fire almost instantly with any contact and if i don't notice right away, that could lead to the fire spreading and more injury. With less clothing, If i contact my skin, the fire initially only burns the fuel so it's not hot enough that it will burn but it's hot enough that i'll notice and i put it out before any real damage is done
With kerosene, i'd have no problem spinning with clothing as i don't have to really worry about catching clothes on fire, but with
whitegas which i normally use, the less clothing the better, because clothing catches on fire almost instantly with any contact and if i don't notice right away, that could lead to the fire spreading and more injury. With less clothing, If i contact my skin, the fire initially only burns the fuel so it's not hot enough that it will burn but it's hot enough that i'll notice and i put it out before any real damage is done
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Posted:"because clothing catches on fire almost instantly with any contact "
well....
Nylon Shellsuits.... yes!
Denim...no!
well....
Nylon Shellsuits.... yes!
Denim...no!
Delete
Posted:well, I don't really like my boys a flapping in harms way while I am spinning, so my prefered spinning dress is a pair of cotton shorts and maybe some sneakers depending on the ground cover, nothing else.
clothing can't cause steam burns unless it is wet. only thin natural materials and synthetic materials catch fire quickly from the fire performers point of view. well, not sure about wool - thick wool, still being essentially hair, might still go up pretty quick.
if you are good with wraps and do not have much metel exposed on your wicks, no problem doing wraps on bare skin - just avoid tender areas like under arms and groins
white gas splatters will burn on anything - clothes, the ground, bare skin, whatever you like (that was the point reignoffire was going for I think UCOF). you have a few second to put them out before they burn you though, even on bare skin. but ALWAYS use a safety when spinning with white gas/coleman fuel!!!!!!!!!!!!
clothing can't cause steam burns unless it is wet. only thin natural materials and synthetic materials catch fire quickly from the fire performers point of view. well, not sure about wool - thick wool, still being essentially hair, might still go up pretty quick.
if you are good with wraps and do not have much metel exposed on your wicks, no problem doing wraps on bare skin - just avoid tender areas like under arms and groins
white gas splatters will burn on anything - clothes, the ground, bare skin, whatever you like (that was the point reignoffire was going for I think UCOF). you have a few second to put them out before they burn you though, even on bare skin. but ALWAYS use a safety when spinning with white gas/coleman fuel!!!!!!!!!!!!
-v-
Wiederstand ist Zwecklos!
Dunc
GOLD Member since Aug 2003
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playing the days away
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingd...
Total posts: 7263
GOLD Member since Aug 2003
playing the days away
Location: The Middle lands, United Kingd...
Total posts: 7263
Posted:I voted clothing cuz I thought it was a fire question....without fire I'm mostly clothed, by that's because I'm mostly clothed. I wouldn't strip or anything for spinning but if I happen to be hanging around the house in the nuddy then I might have a spin
Obviously I dont have the enormous pendulemic problems of Vanize ...or better control 
Obviously I dont have the enormous pendulemic problems of Vanize
...or better control Let's relight this forum 
![[Nx?]](https://www.homeofpoi.com/ubbthreads/images/users/796.jpg)
Posted:LOL,
I tend to have one top for spinning, another for sitting around in afterwards, cos kerro causes a nasty rash if you leave it on the skin too long... (ask the redmen)
but in the poll I defiatly take the third option, I remeber the first time I did wraps on bare skin, it was cos a VERY prety girl was watching, was pretty supprised to come away with very minor burns and even more supprised to find it worked on the girl.... (you know who you are!
)
anyway, public displays of affectation aside, GO NEKID!!!! if there were more nekid peaple in there world it would be a much more humourous place.
T
I tend to have one top for spinning, another for sitting around in afterwards, cos kerro causes a nasty rash if you leave it on the skin too long... (ask the redmen)
but in the poll I defiatly take the third option, I remeber the first time I did wraps on bare skin, it was cos a VERY prety girl was watching, was pretty supprised to come away with very minor burns and even more supprised to find it worked on the girl.... (you know who you are!
)anyway, public displays of affectation aside, GO NEKID!!!! if there were more nekid peaple in there world it would be a much more humourous place.
T
This is a post by tom, all spelling is deleberate
-><- Kallisti
Posted:I've never tried spinning naked, but it would be fun to do with close friends in the summer, in the archipelago.
all you who wrap on bare skin: what kind of heads do you have? the only time I've burnt myself yet is when wrapping my tubecore-heads against my arms. the steel core gets damn hot.
all you who wrap on bare skin: what kind of heads do you have? the only time I've burnt myself yet is when wrapping my tubecore-heads against my arms. the steel core gets damn hot.
fire is just light and heat.
it's you friend!
ImmortalAngel
SILVER Member since Jan 2004
Scientist!
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Total posts: 578
SILVER Member since Jan 2004
Scientist!
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Total posts: 578
Posted:I use tube cores on bare skin, and I've never been burnt by the steel head. I don't know if doing it later in the spin helps at all, but I usually do it at least half way through...
Although I did manage to take a nick of skin out with the tube core head...those edges can be sharp when swung at high speeds :O
Although I did manage to take a nick of skin out with the tube core head...those edges can be sharp when swung at high speeds :O
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> STAY SAFE! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug.gif" alt="" />
DeletePosted:I'm using tube cores too, and I usually wait until about halfway through my burn before wrapping
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Posted:Oh, it worked indeed 
I'd go for the banana leaf skirt, definetely, but then i wouldnt do leg wraps i guess..
I tend to change shirts/tops as well for fire spinning, or just take my shirt off afterwards. Its HOT here in summer...
So, id say little tight clothing while doing it,
naked bodies running around the square afterwards
ciaociao,
un altro bacio, scoiattolo.
S*
I'd go for the banana leaf skirt, definetely, but then i wouldnt do leg wraps i guess..
I tend to change shirts/tops as well for fire spinning, or just take my shirt off afterwards. Its HOT here in summer...
So, id say little tight clothing while doing it,
naked bodies running around the square afterwards
ciaociao,
un altro bacio, scoiattolo.
S*
The adventures first! Explanations take such a dreadful time...
DeletePosted:oh,
id disagree with that, early on the spin the wick is pretty cool, but as you burn it heats up, so by the end you can get burns from just touching the wick (voice of experance here).
I do my wraps after a minute or so's burn time, enough to burn off any excess fuel that might otherwide turn you into human candle but before the halfway stage at least, I know its more scary with the big flames but its more ouchy with the hot components.
T
id disagree with that, early on the spin the wick is pretty cool, but as you burn it heats up, so by the end you can get burns from just touching the wick (voice of experance here).
I do my wraps after a minute or so's burn time, enough to burn off any excess fuel that might otherwide turn you into human candle but before the halfway stage at least, I know its more scary with the big flames but its more ouchy with the hot components.
T
This is a post by tom, all spelling is deleberate
-><- Kallisti
ImmortalAngel
SILVER Member since Jan 2004
Scientist!
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Total posts: 578
SILVER Member since Jan 2004
Scientist!
Location: Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
Total posts: 578
Posted:I don't mind the bigger flames, but I don't want to light my self on fire while spinning if I can avoid it ^.^'
Educate your self in the Hazards of Fire Breathing <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> STAY SAFE! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug.gif" alt="" />
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Posted:Fireknife dancers use a lot of white gas, and it's actually pretty common to get a bit on yourself. They wear as little clothing as possible not only because it's a warrior's dance and Samoan warriors don't wear tshirts, but also because cothing catches fire. You can pat out a bit of burning white gas on bare skin, and it won't cause a burn for 3 to 5 seconds.
The banana leaves are usually soaked in water first, and provide a little protection for the chest and legs, but most fireknife dancers only use them in shows or competitions, they practise in just a lavalava wrapped tightly around their waist and groin. We usually have beginners wet their lavalava's too.
Teejay
The banana leaves are usually soaked in water first, and provide a little protection for the chest and legs, but most fireknife dancers only use them in shows or competitions, they practise in just a lavalava wrapped tightly around their waist and groin. We usually have beginners wet their lavalava's too.
Teejay
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Posted:Just what is a lavalava? Is it kinda like a sarong, or more like a loincloth? I love loincloths, they're cute:)
"Do not meddle in the affairs of Tower Cranes, for you are soft and would look better when squashed by a full concrete bucket"
DeleteFlapjacks
SILVER Member since Mar 2004
part of the lonely trio
Location: Hastings, England
Total posts: 137
SILVER Member since Mar 2004
part of the lonely trio
Location: Hastings, England
Total posts: 137
Posted:Written by: [Nx?
anyway, public displays of affectation aside, GO NEKID!!!! if there were more nekid peaple in there world it would be a much more humourous place.
Have never spun naked, but the sensation when flaming poi passes bare skin is just lovely. I don't do wraps or anything contacty though, so I'm at less risk of being frazzled and such. Bring on English summer and sleeveless tees!
anyway, public displays of affectation aside, GO NEKID!!!! if there were more nekid peaple in there world it would be a much more humourous place.
Have never spun naked, but the sensation when flaming poi passes bare skin is just lovely. I don't do wraps or anything contacty though, so I'm at less risk of being frazzled and such. Bring on English summer and sleeveless tees!
smells like burning teenagers..
Delete
Posted:The lowest i will ever go is down to my Boxxors (underwear)
That way i can show off my tattoo's and my poi skills.
hhhmmm... its going to be 30 celcius tommorow for our spin so maybe i will do it then.
That way i can show off my tattoo's and my poi skills.
hhhmmm... its going to be 30 celcius tommorow for our spin so maybe i will do it then.
Fair luna bright, fair luna moon
it shines at night but fades too soon
fair luna moon, fair luna bright
forever we dance
we dance under starlight
Posted:I'm all for it........I might try it this summer......
And did they get you to trade your heroes for ghosts?
Hot ashes for trees?
Hot air for a cool breeze? Cold comfort for change?
And did you exchange a walk on part in the war
for a lead role in a cage?
--Pink Floyd
Posted:might go for topless if it was warm enough in the UK . Otherwise, a tight longsleeved black cotton shirt=no visible burn marks+ safe enough for wraps. Oh and jeans of course.
Where's Frodo? I seem to recall he has some experience in this field....
Where's Frodo? I seem to recall he has some experience in this field....
Because ActiveAngel sounds like a feminine deodorant
Like sex, I'm much more interesting in real life than online.
'Be the change you want to see in the world around you' - Ghandi
=Flashpoint=
SILVER Member since Sep 2004
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Pasta of Muppets
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SILVER Member since Sep 2004
Pasta of Muppets
Location: in the interwebs..., United Ki...
Total posts: 2719
Posted:I'm a big girls blouse, as I usually wear a boiler suit for spinning as a)it's too darned cold b) its relatively fire resistant and c) i look really stupid topless as I am overweight and pale and tat-less. Besides, I can wrap the boiler suit in uv reactive duct tape if I'm doing a show and it looks cool...
ohmygodlaserbeamspewpewpew!
Gelfling
BRONZE Member since Jul 2004
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Watcher of 80s cartoons
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kin...
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BRONZE Member since Jul 2004
Watcher of 80s cartoons
Location: Chepstow & Bristol, United Kin...
Total posts: 665
Posted:I find clothing impedes my range of movement. Also, slight burns and scraps heel for free - damage to clothing takes time and money to repair. However, for fire CJ I'm all for tight wet sleaves and gloves.
>What do you think about the state of the Earth?
>I'm optimistic.
>So why do you look so sad?
>I'm not sure that my optimism is justified.
Posted:you dont want to have wet clothing...the risk of steam burns goes up tremendously...and trust me...steam burns suck...then again...i spin fire w/only a pair of pants on and get burnt all the time...
Jesus saves sinners and redeems them for cash and
prizes
Co-Founder of Keepers of Light
Educate yourself about the Hazards of Fire Breathing STAY SAFE!
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