RopeLabs at 39C3

We’re an assembly 39C3 (Congress). We’re working with KinkyGeeks.de to run beginner bondage workshops, host a rope jam, and provide safe, accessible rope practice throughout Congress.

🎪 What’s happening

At our assembly, you can:

📍 Finding RopeLabs at 39C3

You can find us in Hall Y on Floor 2, or by searching c3nav.

🎒 Equipment & Facilities

We provide

  • Space to tie with soft flooring
  • Space to watch others tie
  • A small amount of practice rope, also for sale
  • A small library of educational shibari books

Please bring

  • Your own non-stretchy rope, we have some to borrow
  • Expect shoes-off areas
  • Anything you need for aftercare

📋 Guidelines

RopeLabs is a queer-friendly, sex-positive, and inclusive environment.

These guidelines apply specifically to 39C3, in addition to our general guidelines.

  • Consent comes first. Always ask before touching, tying, or photographing someone.
  • No sexual activity. Everything at this event is non-sexual.
  • Respect personal space and boundaries.
  • Outside of safety or consent concerns, do not interrupt other people’s scenes.

Clothing and space

  • Wear what you want, though loose-fitting clothes may get in the way when tying.
  • A minimum level of coverage is required at all times, in line with Congress rules.
  • Shoes off on any matting or carpet.
  • Take care of each other. If you are unsure, ask a RopeLabs team member or experienced community member.

Safety and equipment

  • Do not interrupt a scene unless you see a clear safety or consent issue.*
  • Keep cutting equipment suitable for rope within arms reach.

*Ideally grab one of the RopeLabs team if you have a specific safety or consent concern. Our team are trained safety monitors and can help assess the risk.

🛒 Rope & Safety Kit for Sale

We offer rope and safety equipment on a pay-what-you-want (donation) basis at 39C3.
Purchases help fund workshops and shared assembly equipment.

Kit will be available from 4:30pm on Day 1 at the RopeLabs Assembly.

  • Ogawa Jute · 6 mm – Hand-treated Japanese jute with a smooth, responsive feel
  • POSH · 5 mm – Low-stretch, washable synthetic that handles like jute
  • Basic safety scissors – Simple trauma shears for safe rope cutting
  • Folding emergency shears – Heavy duty multifunctional scissors with holster

For suggested pricing, and help choosing the right setup, see Rope & Safety Kit Details.

Rope Spikes

We also have shibari rope spikes available in two styles:

Print Spikes

These spikes leave a decorative print or logo on your skin when pressed against it with rope. We have two designs:

  • Fairydust (C3 Rocket)
  • Kitty

Standard Spikes

These spikes slide onto rope and create sharp pressure points that dig into the skin. For those who enjoy more intense sensation.

For suggested pricing see details.

🎓 Workshops & Rope Jam

Times follow the events.ccc.de schedule; check there for the latest updates.

  • 🎓 101 – KinkyGeeks + RopeLabs Beginner Bondage Workshop Part I
    📅 Day 1, 14:00–15:50

    Learn the basics of Japanese rope bondage. No prior experience required. Bring rope, a blanket, and comfy clothes. 18+ only.

  • 🎓 KinkyGeeks + RopeLabs Beginner Bondage Workshop Part II: Next Steps
    📅 Day 2, 21:30–22:50

    A continuation of 101, or for those with some experience. Build on previous knowledge with more technique and practice. Bring rope and comfy clothes. 18+ only.

  • 🎪 RopeLabs Rope Jam
    📅 Day 3, 22:30–01:25

    An open, relaxed rope space. Come tie, be tied, or hang out. Great for sharing, learning, and connecting. 18+ only. ⚠️ This is a sober event. Anyone we suspect is intoxicated will be turned away.

  • 🧵 Rope Whippings for Beginners (English / Deutsch)
    📅 Day 1, 13:00–13:55 (English), 12:00–12:55 (Deutsch)

    Learn two techniques to whip ropes. Whippings are sewing techniques used to secure the ends of ropes against fraying. Materials will be provided, you are welcome to bring your rope. You will need a little manual dexterity, hand-eye-coordination, and a bit of strength in your fingers.

Workshop Handouts

A PDF of our workshop handout is available on GitHub

🔗 Follow Us

You can follow us at:

RopeLabs

Organisers

🧑‍🏫 Where to learn more?

We strongly recommend you find your closest rope space, peer rope or munch. If this is not possible, there are plenty of good websites with recordings.

Offline Suggestions

A good place to search for in person events is FetLife.com.

We intend to give a list of specific spaces here “soon”™, please @ us if this isn’t done by the end of congress, or you have suggestions of a space you love!

Belgium

Germany

  • IKSK, Berlin - rope bondage events and workshops
  • Seilhafen, Berlin - contemporary rope bondage education and workshops
  • Karada House, Berlin - queer Shibari, kink & art space with workshops and events
  • KOR Berlin, Berlin - educational classes and community gatherings
  • Search FetLife.com for rope jams, peer rope, and workshops in your city

Austria

Netherlands

  • Knot Here, Amsterdam - rope events and welcoming community space
  • Ellipsis Rope, Rotterdam - workshops, community, and hand-finished rope
  • Search FetLife.com for rope jams and peer rope events in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and other cities

Denmark

Online Suggestions

💰 How to donate?

You can donate in the following ways:

  • Cash in our donation box at the assembly
  • Bank transfer: IE26SUMU99036512523634 (Name: Peg Productions)
  • Online via SumUp (3% fee)
  • Card payment at the assembly (3% fee)

All donations beyond the cost of our equipment go to the RopeLabs organization to fund future events and activities, not to individuals. For information, see our Donate page.