subject: Hammocks – the best way to relax and create that desert island feeling [print this page]
We've all seen pictures and movies of people relaxing in hammocks on a beautiful summer day on an idyllic desert islands with a cooling drink in one hand. We probably thought, "How fantastic that looks," and to be honest, that's what the movie director or TV ad director wants you to think.
And it's actually easy to create for yourself, maybe not on a desert island but in your garden, on a beach or in a public park.
A hammock is an ancient portable style of seating which began with the Mayan people of Central America about 1,000 years ago. As world trade grew, the idea of the hammock as a simple, space-saving and comfortable sleeping item spread around the world. They were originally woven from tree bark but these days there are many different materials ranging from cotton, canvas and rope to different man-made materials.
Some hammock sellers still use the expertise of the Mayans to weave hammocks. The generations of knowledge and skill are still as relevant today as they were a thousand years ago. And this trade helps the Mayan people to retain their way of life.
In some climates, especially those with harsh sun like Australia and New Zealand, the colours of the cotton can fade and become damaged by the uV rays of the sun. If this is a concern then you may want to consider an All- Weather type of nylon material for longer life. Look for a hammock with a guarantee of at least three years; some go up to five years.
In damper climates, there is a different problem for cotton hammocks mould and mildew. Again, a synthetic material will solve that problem.
However, man-made fibres don't have the capability of "breathing" in the same way as a natural fibre does. This can lead to a clamminess or sweatiness if you spend an extended amount of time on your hammock. However, if you choose a Mayan hammock with small diamond structure weave, then you can have perfectly adequate ventilation that overcomes the sweatiness of a fuller surface material like canvas or polyester. This gives you a much more enjoyable and cooling experience.
These days, there are many different designs of portable hammock so you can pack-up your picnic, a cold drink and head off to the beach or a quiet open space and put up your hammock.
They are light-weight and easy to assemble providing you with a simple, comfortable relaxing afternoon in the sun. (Don't forget your sun-block). These portable types of hammock come with very stable stand so that there is no danger of it collapsing.
Another question, and one that's as common as the desert island image, is "How do you get in?" We've seen plenty of comic scenes of hammocks spinning around when someone tries to get in. But if you follow the instructions, then you quickly fined that's it's quite easy. In short, if you try to kneel on it, then you are going to fall out but if go to sit down and pull the weave around your back, then you will find it relatively easy to get in.
Hammocks the best way to relax and create that desert island feeling
By: Andrew Haddleton
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