How to Use Whips and Floggers: A Beginner’s Guide to Impact Play

Isn't it romantic to drag a flogger across your lover's skin and then finish with a quick flick of the wrist?

But it doesn't mean it isn't also a little daunting...

Not to worry!

In this tutorial, we'll go over everything you need to know about buying your first flogger or BDSM whip (are they even the same thing?).

 I'll also show you how to get started with a flogger and how to stay safe while doing so.

What’s the Difference Between a Whip and a Flogger?

A flogger:

• Has a greater number of falls (or 'tails')
• Is more compact.
• It is more versatile in its application.
• A good starter tool for impact play.

In contrast, a whip:

• There is frequently only one fall.
• It could be taller or longer than a flogger.
• Is intended for more experienced users.

We frequently use the phrases 'thuddy' and stingy to describe how different impacts feel. These express how they feel on our skin and in our bodies. Thuddier impacts are created by wider falls that strike a bigger region of your body, producing a 'thud-like sensation. Floggers or whips with thinner, stiffer fibers, on the other hand, deliver a sting rather than a thud. Consider the pain of being whipped with a dish towel versus the impact of being smacked with a rolled-up newspaper.

First, some fundamental beginner techniques.

If you and your partner have never done impact play before, you should take it slowly at first.

Even those who have previously spanked or used a spanking paddle may wish to avoid going straight for the flogger.

Instead, begin with several long strokes over the body to warm up both of you and get you acquainted with the sensation.

As an added plus, this creates a lot of erotic anticipation!

If you're both comfortable, try some light strokes with a beginner-friendly flogger on a meaty section of the body, such as the buttocks.

Allow at least 3 seconds between strokes to allow the floggee to evaluate whether they like the sensation and your technique.

Once you've discovered your rhythm, there are a few things you might potentially try:

Once you're comfortable with your technique and aim, try some stronger strokes. Stick to squishy bodily parts (and see the section below for locations to avoid)!

Consider purchasing a thicker or stingier flogger or whip. Ask your spouse if they would prefer alternative sensations, and then check out our reviews of the best!

Play around with cyclic strokes. This is where each stroke flows into the next without hesitating between them.

Add some more excitement to the mix! Try some light bondage by blindfolding or restraining your floggee's limbs until they're begging for more.

Where Should You Aim?

When it comes to whips and floggers, stroke location is important! In general, you should strive to focus on meaty parts of the body. The buttocks are the most popular, but the thighs are also an option. Other regions aren't completely off-limits, but they must be approached with caution. Treat the lower legs, breasts, arms, genitals, ribs, and back with extreme caution. They should only be done with extremely faint strokes.

If you have a more advanced whip, I recommend staying away from these places entirely. Which areas should you avoid at all costs? The face, hands and feet, kidney area, spine, and coccyx. You should also avoid touching any healing skin because it is extremely delicate and sensitive.

Another thing to remember is that when you use the flogger or whip, it should not wrap around your body. When this happens, the falls' tips accelerate dramatically and can become extremely painful - an unexpected and unpleasant surprise for your floggee!

The easiest method to avoid it is to ensure that you are sufficiently separated from your partner and that your stroke technique is correct. Strike a pillow wrapped in a towel, your sofa, or something soft with a little texture to practice your stroke accuracy. Then you may be certain that you won't make any painful blunders later.

Safety and Aftercare

It is critical, like with any other kink game, to keep safety in mind. It's even more critical in impact play because you're literally hitting someone.

Before you buy or do anything, be sure that both of you agree on the concept of impact play. Have an open and honest discussion (or, ideally, numerous discussions) about what you are both comfortable with and interested in.

It's fine to have concerns or misgivings about specific parts, but both parties must agree to try it out. If you've agreed to test out a flogger or whip, you should also agree on a safe word or cue. This is something Floggee can say or do that will end the scene immediately, no questions asked. It should preferably be something that would be out of place in a bedroom, such as "Noodles!" Then you won't get it mixed up with any role-playing.

Alternatively, experiment with the traffic light system. This allows the floggee to have some control over the scene based on their degree of comfort, and it can be a nice idea for newbies who are learning their limitations. This is how the system might look:

• "Green" implies 'keep going, it feels amazing.'
• "Yellow" signifies "tone down," "lighter strokes," or "strike less frequently."
• "Red" denotes "stop right now."

Before you begin, make sure you both agree on what each term means.

Don't forget to do some proper aftercare after your passionate flogging session.

BDSM can be physically and emotionally taxing, and both of you will need time to recover.

Apply moisturizer to the floggee's skin, snuggle, and eat and drink something.

You should also check in with each other after each session to ensure that you're both satisfied with what happened.

Buyers Guide To Whips And Floggers

If you're a newbie seeking to purchase your first flogger, keep the following points in mind as you shop:

Number of falls – A good starting flogger will often have 20 to 30 falls. More will almost certainly be too hefty, while less may be ungainly or appear overly stingy.

Material - Suede is highly soft and works well for warming up and heavier hits. Soft leather or fake leather is also forgiving enough for beginners.

Weight – A light to medium weight flogger is recommended. This information is usually included in the product description at most stores.

Length – a reasonable range to go for is 18-24 inches. You'll be closer to your lover for intimate flogging, and you'll have more control over your aim and power.

Extras – Having a flogger with a loop on the handle for your wrist to go through can be useful. That way, it won't fly across the room in the middle of a swing!