Brazilian reclining techniques

In Brazil, hammocks are still used as beds, as they always have been. This is the reason that they are as wide and comfortable as a bed! Even if you are only going to use your hammock for relaxation, you should still try to adopt the Brazilian way of lying: Contrary to European ideas, hammocks are not hung taut.

The most important thing is to arrange the hammock's suspension loops at head height, and only some 3 m distant from each other, thereby allowing the hammock to hang down in a deep arc. This allows a diagonal lying position, like a real Brazilian ("from corner to corner"), and not straight. This keeps the back straight and is the secret of being able to lie comfortably and relaxed for hours in a hammock. As wobbly spreader bars are intentionally not used, one lies securely and without fear of falling out!

Lying crosswise has another benefit too: the side material of the hammock is stretched tight so there is no chance of it coming together above your face and obstructing your view.