Rope hammocks have for over a century been synonymous with Pawley’s Island rope hammocks. These hammocks were created on Pawley’s Island in South Carolina, around 1889 by the captain of a riverboat called Joshua John Ward. While ferrying rice and other foodstuff across the river between plantations and markets, his resting time on the mattress offered no respite from the scorching heat. This led him to create a comfortable alternative that was cooling and relaxing. The hand woven hammock has been used since as Pawley’s Island Rope hammock all over the world.
The Original Pawley’s Island Rope hammock is crafted out of the finest cotton into unbelievably beautiful symmetrical designs with plaited ends attached to spreader bars. The spreader bars give the hammock its flatter, well-defined shape and broader resting area. Newer variations include fabric hammocks as well, where the finest cotton fabric is used. Some varieties use Duracord fiber and others have a polyester blend in the cotton for added durability. Pawley’s also offer chairs, swings, stands and cushions as add-ons to the hammocks.
The Pawley’s product range includes the traditional rope hammocks complete with spreader bars, tree hooks and chain or hook assemblies. These include cotton, Duracord and polyester rope hammocks. Fabric hammocks include cotton fabric and vinyl coated acrylic woven fabric hammocks as well as their new quick dry hammocks made for wet climates. Other variations include rockers, which are a combination of a rocking chair made out of strong oak wood and a hammock, made out of polyester rope, and Duracord swings which can be perfectly placed in patios. Each of these is available in natural and bright colors.
Besides the cotton used, the spreader bars are fabricated out of red oak, which is a seasoned and strong variety of wood, giving the hammock the firm support needed at the ends. Pawley’s hammocks are woven by native craftsmen who have seen this art of weaving passed on from generation to generation. Once the main body has been completed, it is plaited at both ends before being strung through the oak spreader bars.
The steel hardware needed is plated with zinc to make it weather resistant.
Pawley’s hammocks started the rope hammock craze in America and it caught on all over the world because of its advantages over other hammocks made out of fabric. The biggest advantage of rope hammocks is that they are breathable; their large holes make it easier for air to pass through them from below, and hence prevent heat and sweating, which can be extremely uncomfortable in hot, humid climates. A rope hammock has been referred to as a minimalist hammock, since it actually provided comfort with the bare minimum equipment. Rope hammocks were also the first type of hammock with spreader bars.
Pawley’s hammocks are sold through a well-established distribution network all over the world, including leading brand outlets, and can also be purchased online. They have emerged as a brand to reckon with and their brand value alone spurs people to purchase an Original Pawley’s Island Rope Hammock.