FURSUITING
New to fursuiting or need a refresher? Check out our quick guide to staying safe, comfy, and respectful while suiting at our events.
FURSUIT WALK RULES
Behaviour and Expectations
Our walk is in a public area, so please keep all costumes and behaviour family-friendly. Interaction with people is encouraged but do not disturb people if they show no interest.
By participating in the FTM fursuit walk, you will be the most publicly visible attendees and should consider yourselves ambassadors for the community. Please behave in a manner which does not cause discomfort or distress to members of the public, disrupt any public services or infrastructure or impede the organisation and running of the event itself.
When approaching members of the public, be aware that not everyone you encounter will find animal costumes fun or charming and some people may want to be left alone. It is important you respect this and do not approach or attempt to interact with someone who is clearly not comfortable around you.
As stated in the Code of Conduct, fetish gear should not be worn whether or not you are suiting. Whilst such items are often worn for non-sexual reasons, the association with sex will undoubtedly be made by the average person who encounters them.
Keep up with the Walk
We will have members of staff in high visibility gear at the front, sides and rear of the walk. While we appreciate you want to take photos, please don't fall behind or past these people, as it will hold up the rest of the walk and spread everyone out, which makes running the fursuit walk harder to manage. We will adjust the pace of the walk to make sure everyone remains as a group. Let us know if we need to slow down, but don't purposely stay behind.
First Aid
At the rear of the walk, we will have a first aider in GREEN. If you feel dizzy or unwell during fursuiting, you must remove your costume's head and any other parts you are able to without assistance, and alert the first aider.
Welfare
If you have accessibility or safeguarding needs, a member of our Welfare Team will be in the middle of the walk in PURPLE, to enusure you remain safe.
Non-Suiters
Be aware that fursuiters have limited visibility and may be unaware of you. Try not to approach from out of view and if you are, make yourself known to the fursuiter.
Physical contact such as hugging, touching paws and gentle nose boops are acceptable, but check that the individual fursuiter is okay with it. Spontaneously throwing yourself at a fursuiter without warning can easily cause distress, especially if they are unable to see you.
Do not grab or pull on parts of people's costumes such as ears, tails, etc. Aside from being rude and potentially causing distress, this is liable to cause damage to fragile parts and can result in expensive repairs.
FURSUIT WALK GRADES
To keep things accessible and allow you to participate in our walks safely, we grade our fursuit walks. Each grade will be announced alongside the route map - these take into account factors such as length, terrain and sun exposure.
Easy & Accessible
A very short or stationary walk held in a highly controlled environment, such as a quiet courtyard, indoor space, or closed-off pedestrian area. Minimal walking is required, and shade, seating, and support are readily available throughout.
Suitable for: All participants, including those with mobility needs, sensory sensitivities, or who prefer not to walk far in costume.
Easy
A short route with a relaxed pace, partial shade, and regular opportunities to rest. Minimal inclines and generally quiet surroundings.
Suitable for: Newer fursuiters and those wanting a more relaxed experience.
Moderate
The standard level for most FTM walks. Moderate in length, with a mixture of shaded and exposed areas. Rest breaks are planned but less frequent.
Suitable for: Most fursuiters with general experience and average stamina.
Strenuous
A longer walk with extended periods in direct sun and fewer designated rest points. Requires consistent pacing and self-awareness.
Suitable for: Experienced fursuiters or those prepared to manage longer distances.
Expert
A significantly extended route with sustained walking and/or limited shade. Hydration and preparation are strongly recommended.
Suitable for: Very confident walkers in lightweight suits or those walking out of suit. Not recommended for inexperienced fursuiters unless supported or alternating out of suit.
FURSUIT SAFETY
Fursuiting can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it's important to keep safety in mind both for yourself and others.
At FurTheMoment, your health and wellbeing are our priority, whether you're a seasoned fursuiter or just donning your paws for the first time.
Below are a few tips so that you can stay safe.
Stay Hydrated and Cool
Wearing a fursuit can feel like doing cardio in a duvet. It gets hot, fast. Dehydration and overheating are the most common issues fursuiting can cause, so:
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Drink water frequently. Keep water handy, and sip often.
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Take regular breaks. Consider shorter suiting sessions with cooldown time inbetween.
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Use cooling gear if needed, such as cooling vests or collars.
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Don't hesitate to remove your head or suit parts if you feel too hot - it's not breaking character, it's staying safe.
Know Your Limits
Only wear your fursuit for as long as you're comfortable. Everyone has different tolerance levels for heat, weight, and movement:
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Don't push yourself to keep going if you start to feel tired or dizzy.
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Let someone know if you need assistance, or need to step out.
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If you are new to fursuiting, it is strongly advised you wear a partial costume (head, paws, tail) without a bodysuit to begin with and get to know things such as visibility, restricted breathing and how well you are able to cope with exertion and temperature before attempting to wear a bodysuit whilst costuming.
Use a Spotter or Handler
When visibility is limited, especially in crowded areas, it's a good idea to have someone with you who can guide and assist you:
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Handlers can help with navigating steps, doors and crowds.
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They also act as a safety net in case something goes wrong.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Always consider how your actions affect those around you. Large or bulky suits can accidentally bump into people or objects:
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Avoid running, or making sudden movements in tight spaces.
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Respect others' personal space and boundaries.
Follow Staff Instructions
FurTheMoment staff are here to help everyone have a safe and enjoyable event:
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Follow any instructions given by our staff.
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Let us know immediately if you - or someone else - needs help.
If in doubt, suit down
Your health and safety always comes first. If you're not feeling 100%, whether from heat, exhaustion, or anything else, it's okay to take a break or suit down entirely.
Recognise the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Be aware of headaches, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps and an elevated heart rate. If you’re struggling with any of them, seek immediate assistance from one of our staff with a green lanyard. The signs and symptoms are below.
Signs
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Faint or dizzy
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Excessive sweating
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Cool, pale, clammy skin
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Nausea or vomiting
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Rapid, weak pulse
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Muscle cramps
Response
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Reassure the casualty and help them to sit down.
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Give them plenty of water. You can also use an oral rehydration solution. These can help to replace fluid as well as the correct salt and other minerals they’ve lost.
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If they have any painful cramps, encourage them to rest. Help them to stretch and massage the muscles that are affected.
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Monitor the casualty’s level of response.
More information can be found here: https://www.sjacymru.org.uk/en/page/warm-weather-advice