So, your partner has been a little naughty? Are they in need of some punishment? A flogger will have your slave on their knees in no time!
If you’re new to the BDSM scene – or just new to the idea of using a flogger as a way to give someone pleasure – the options available for something as seemingly simple as a flogger can be overwhelming. Compared with other impact play toys floggers are the most versatile tool in your (kinky) toolbox and provides a wide range of sensations with a minimal amount of risk.
Safety First
Although an erotic flogging is not bloody, flogging implements can open the surface of the skin. This can be done through cutting and scraping the skin, or by causing the weakened skin to break. For those new to flogging; rubber, braided, and wide-tailed floggers should be avoided, as they tend to scrape and bruise the skin. Only progress to these once you’re comfortable with the basics.
While cuts and bruises are occupational hazards and, for some, the desired outcome of a flogging session, bad technique can result in injuries to parts of the body that should not be involved, such as the eyes, the spine, and internal organs. Damage to these areas can be serious, and even life-threatening. To minimalise the risks; the ‘top’ needs to keep in control at all times, and resist the temptation of getting lost in the moment. If you’re flogging your partner’s butt, it’s easy to lay a thick blanket over the kidney and tailbone area for added protection in case of an accident. And remember, practice makes perfect! Practice your aim and technique before you hit your partner with the hard sell.
If you are using restraints for your scene, please keep an eye out for indications that there may be a circulatory problem. If your partner reports tingling or a loss of sensation, or you spot a change in temperature or skin colour – stop the scene immediately. Check in with your partner often using safe words and safe signals. BDSM is all about mixing pain and pleasure, but you must always be aware of your partner’s needs. Communication, whether verbal or physical, is what BDSM is all about. You should take note of your partners’ reactions and tailor your games and techniques to that.
Construction
Floggers consist of strands of leather (or sometimes other materials) called falls. The falls are attached to a handle, or hilt, also wrapped with leather for easier gripping. The hilt sometimes has a ball that separates it from the falls, and another ball on the opposite end, called the pommel. Pommels can have a loop or ring for hanging the flogger when not in use.
Sensations
There are two types of sensations associated with spanking; ‘stingy’ and ‘thuddy’. A sting is felt on the surface of the skin, while a thud is a much deeper pain. Despite the intense sensations they create, neither type of flogger necessarily causes lasting damage to the body. Determine which sensation you and your partner want to experiment with before purchasing your flogger.
Unbalanced vs Balanced Flogger
In a balanced flogger, the handle offsets the weight of the falls. This puts the balance point at the inside leading edge of the handle and puts less stress on the user’s wrist. Unbalanced floggers don’t do this, and after a while the odd weight distribution will lead to arm fatigue. Balancing adds to the flogger’s price tag, but it’s a requirement for anyone who enjoys long play sessions.
‘Fancy’ is another term for balanced. The balancing is achieved by putting an elegant silver loop in the pommel. It’s an easy way to balance a flogger, adds a convenient way to hang the flogger between use, and looks very nice.
Starting Out
Building up to the experience is important, as few enjoy being spanked and whipped when they’re not in the mood. For some, an important part of the build-up is to introduce the toy as part of the foreplay; slithering the tails along their pleasure spots, holding the whip near their face and allowing them to smell it, kiss it, and so forth. For others, the act of being put in restraints will get them in the mood. If you are putting wrist restraints on your partner, do so slowly; the anticipation is part of the fun!
Begin slowly and lightly; building your way up to greater intensities as you become comfortable. Start gently and increase the intensity of the strokes as endorphin levels rise. Generally, it takes 15-20 minutes for endorphin levels in the body to increase. Another tell-tale sign is to keep an eye on the skin; most skin exhibits redness when it is warmed up to the point where harder strokes may be done. Discuss you pattern of strokes and rhythm beforehand, to establish what you and your partner want from this experience.