Tip #1 – Safe, Sane and Consensual
As with all impact play, safety first. The BDSM and kink community coined this phrase as a quick checklist to make sure everything is ready to go ahead. Safety includes checking that all parties concerned are consenting to what is going to happen, which means everyone should be of sound mind and have the ability to say “no” if they want to. It also means that the user of the riding crop knows what they are doing with it as to not cause any accidents.
Tip #2 – Establish a Safeword
This can be a random word or phrase to use if any of you want to stop the session. Another universal and useful method is the “Traffic lights” system. If you want to slow down and let your partner/s know it’s getting too intense, you can say “yellow/orange”, and if you want to stop completely, say “red”. If one of you will be unable to speak, or is hard of hearing, you can also establish another code, such as tapping or pinching your partner to let them know you want to stop or making hand signals.
Tip #3 – Practise
It’s not recommended that you go from zero knowledge of impact play to a riding crop. First, begin with spanking with your hand. This will help give you a better judgement of what impact you’re capable of and what your play partner enjoys. Work up to stronger strokes and check in on your partner to make sure it’s still enjoyable for them. Experiment with light smacks, quick or slow, and see what works. The riding crop gives smaller, stinging sensations, so it’s important to keep this in mind.
Tip #4 – Location, location, location
Aim for the fleshier parts of the body. The butt and thighs are the best spots. Places like the joints, the spine or around the kidneys can potentially be dangerous, so it’s best to avoid this completely. You might want to experiment on yourself to figure out which parts are sensitive.
Tip #5 – Aftercare
After an intense session, you and your partner are going to need time to decompress. This includes cuddles, affection, reassurance and loving words. If you skip this step, the recipient of the crop may experience a low mood after the endorphins have worn off, so it’s important to make them feel loved and cared for. You also might want to put something cool on any redness to reduce pain and bruising.
Have fun with your new accessory!
