Ever stumble upon something that just clicks? For Sam Gibson (@flowropesuk), that something was rope flow. But his journey didn't start with a burning desire to master intricate rope patterns; it began with a quest to manage chronic eczema that was running his life. Like many of us on a mission, Sam was in full research mode, willing to try pretty much anything. And that's when he spotted rope flow in a YouTuber's morning routine.
His first foray into the world of flow ropes was, let's say, a bit of a learning experience. He snagged the cheapest rope he could find, only to discover it was about as useful for rope flow as a chocolate teapot. "It was SO light," Sam recalls, "I could barely feel any resistance or feedback from it." Despite the less-than-ideal equipment, he managed to nail the dragon roll and some "sloppy matadors," but those sneaky sneaks? No chance. That all changed when he got his hands on an actual flow rope, and suddenly, the unlocks started coming faster. He was hooked, though consistent practice wasn't quite in the picture back in 2020.
Finding His Tribe (and His Groove)
So what tipped the scales from casual interest to serious pursuit? Discovering the vibrant online rope flow community was a game-changer. Seeing what others were achieving and realizing there were thousands of people worldwide sharing this passion lit a fire under him. "It was something that I felt creative in," Sam explains. Once he had the basics down, his mind buzzed with new moves, combinations, and intentions. He embraced the "tried and tested trial and error method," and bit by bit, his own flow began to emerge. And let's be real, the rope flow community? "It’s special and it’s beautiful to be a part of," says Sam. We couldn't agree more!
That Sweet, Sweet Flow State (and Other Life Lessons)
Ever wonder what that elusive "flow state" actually feels like? For Sam, it's a blend of "enjoyment and peace." He gets so absorbed in syncing his movements with the rhythm – whether it's his own internal beat or the track playing – that everything else fades away. "Sometimes I don’t feel like I am thinking at all," he admits. It's like his body just knows what to do. Funny enough, he says that the moment you notice you're in the flow state, you've probably just slipped out of it! For Sam, it’s all about "less thinking and more feeling."
Beyond the almost meditative state, rope flow has been a surprisingly profound teacher. Sam sees it as a "vessel to condense life lessons and learn them at a quicker pace." Think about it: you're constantly facing something you can't do, something that might even feel impossible. But with time and practice, you nail it. It's a powerful, tangible reminder that dedication pays off – a lesson we can all use.
Sam's "No Rules" Practice Style
When it comes to his practice methods, Sam keeps it pretty loose. No super-structured drills for him; he’s more of a "pick up a rope and do whatever I want for as long as I want" kind of guy. This usually means plenty of mic releases and high-speed flows. Sure, he'll occasionally focus on a new move he wants to conquer, but freeflow is where his heart is.
The secret ingredient to his flow? Music. "It gives me something to anchor my flow to, the timings, the energy, the style," he shares. Sam candidly admits that, like many young men, expressing emotions doesn't always come easily. Music acts as a conduit, coaxing out feelings that then guide his movements. He had a laugh recently when flowing with Razzy (@Rhuzberry) from the Philippines. While teaching her a sequence called the Whirlwind, she declared, "No, I don’t want to do it like that, it has too much angst in it. It works for you because you have lots of angst and anger. I like to be more sassy when I flow.” Sam was surprised; he hadn't realized those emotions were so apparent in his flow! (He even joked that as a therapist, this lack of self-awareness is slightly worrying! 😂) But it highlights something amazing about rope flow: one move can be expressed in countless ways, allowing everyone to inject their own personality.
Trick Talk: Sam's Fave Moves
Ask Sam about his favorite tricks, and the mic release, with all its awesome variations, is high on the list. He's still diving deep into mastering it. The Whirlwind sequence is another top pick – he loves the challenge of winding up all that power and then unleashing it while rotating, a true test of balance. And then there's the one-handed high toss, thrown from behind, aiming for multiple spins before the catch. "This one is the most hit and miss," he confesses, "But when it does, it is magical!" We can only imagine!
Words of Wisdom for Newbies
For anyone thinking of picking up a rope, Sam's advice is golden: commit to giving it a solid go for two months. Rope flow can be tough at the start, a real brain-teaser as you learn new patterns. Many people drift away before they even really begin. His approach? "Little and often." A few minutes here and there throughout the day can make a huge difference. As adults, we often forget what it's like to be a beginner, and that "bad at it" feeling can be a major roadblock. "Please don’t!!" Sam urges. He truly believes the addictiveness and magic of rope flow are worth the initial effort.
What's Next on Sam's Rope Journey?
Looking ahead, Sam's been drawn to making his flows more like a dance, experimenting with footwork, tempo changes, and pirouettes. He beautifully describes rope flow as a dance where "your partner is the rope," an extension of yourself that deepens your connection with your own body.
His passion for rope flow has also taken him on adventures. He recently spent a month in the Philippines, which he calls a "ropeflow pilgrimage," connecting with the incredible community there. He's also interested in exploring the potential of rope flow for mental health and hopes to see more scientific research in that area.
In the meantime, he's dedicated to creating videos and tutorials and providing feedback to anyone who needs it. So, if you've got questions or need help with your flow, don't hesitate to reach out to Sam!
Sam's story is a great reminder that rope flow is so much more than just a workout. It's a journey of self-discovery, creativity, and connection. So, grab a rope and join the flow!