A beginner's guide to flogging

Among the most popular BDSM toys, floggers make up a very special experience for those who decide to try something more extreme than sensory deprivation play or hot and cold play. Though, this doesn't automatically mean that flogging should become a dangerous and life-threatening activity. Those who are already familiar with BDSM principles know that safety is a basis for any BDSM game.

How to start the play to satisfy both parties in full?

What BDSM toys are used for flogging?

You will find different styles of BDSM toys meant for flogging, all of them are suitable for "punishment".

In general, a flogger we call a BDSM toy with a number of tails. Floggers can be made of different materials, from very soft – fur or hair, which give rather caressing and gentle sensations to rubber and leather ones for a more intense stimulation. Other types of BDSM toys used for flogging are cat-o-nine whips, riding crops, paddles, scourges and the like. They are not basically considered floggers but are used for the same purpose.

Where to flog?

You should know that you cannot just start the play, considering you can flog just any part of your partner's body. First thing every BDSM lover should know is that BDSM toy can be potentially harmful if you use it improperly, and even risky if you use it on improper body parts.

• should be strictly avoided

These are joints, face, lower back (in a kidneys area), neck, head, fingers, toes. Striking those areas can be very dangerous to bottom's life and health.

• are allowed for light flogging

These are arms, upper parts of the shoulders, legs, and the upper part of the buttocks. Here flogging should be performed with great care as these body parts have lesser protection by muscles and tissue.

• can be flogged harder

These are buttocks, thighs, upper parts of the back. They basically have more fat and thus are more protected for flogging.

Keep to basic techniques:

1. Use Safe word

Again, safety comes first and even if you are completely sure of your skills, you should always take precautions against possible risk. As you are never sure of the sensations bottom is going to get, you should have a "way-out" to stop the play at the right moment.

2. Rehearse the flogging action

Of course, you should approach flogging quite skillfully as even minor mistakes can spoil the pleasure. That's why it is highly recommended to practice the technique beforehand. You may use any of household items, like pillows to imitate a body. It is important that you can learn to hold the flogging BDSM toy firmly and strike it at the particular area. Choose the part you are going to flog and concentrate on it. You should be able to strike the area accurately. Experiment with the speed and intensity and then try BDSM toy on yourself. You will have an opportunity to get to know how it feels.

3. Choose the right position

You should know that sensations can be quite different according to the position of the bottom's body. A lying position makes body muscles extend and thus the area you are going to hit become thinner. Standing position leaves a bottom unsupported and thus may result in falling down. The more appropriate position is when the Sub is bending over with his face down and a Dom is standing with his legs wide open. In this position the power is better applied.

4. Cover the area of greater risk

When you cannot be sure of the technique, it can be helpful to cover the area of potential risk. Many BDSM lovers wear leather outfit not only as a fetish wear but mainly and generally for protecting the most sensitive areas from the more severe hits. Most of BDSM wear is designed in a way to make your body more or less safe for flogging.

5. Use diverse stimulations

Flogging shouldn't be a kind of monotonous striking on a particular part of the body. The thrill goes from "carrot and stick" approach. It can be much enjoyable for bottom when heavier flogging varies with gentle strokes. You may begin with the slower strikes and gradually intensify the sensations, or simply stop for a moment and dwell your fingers through the bottoms back. Try to run the flogger on the genitals to arouse your Sub. All is up to you and to the bottom's desires.

6. Hold by bottoms needs

As long as the play is aimed at satisfying the needs of both parties, it is recommended to consider bottoms needs. If he wants a masochistic experience above all, then striking harder can be just ok. Some bottoms are sensory-oriented and like variety of strokes. Others seem to be more aroused by the scene itself. In this case they may content themselves with the light flogging. All in all the communication here should come first.