Impact Play is a more extreme form of paddling or spanking, an intense pounding that is often done with the intent to cause deep tissue bruising. It consists of one person, known as the ‘bottom’, being struck by another person, known as the ‘top’. Due to its popularity, there are plenty of specialised implements available including; floggers, whips, rods, switches, fists, and hands. It is considered part of edge play due to the risk of serious damage if instruments are used incorrectly or without care.
Educate yourself to the body
There are some parts of the body that you should avoid at all times. Hitting these parts of the body could result in sever, sometimes fatal, damage. This includes:
Kidneys – these are located in the back below the ribcage and above the butt. They are extremely delicate and it doesn’t take much to impact them.
Tailbone – this is at the base of the spine. A whip is unlikely to break it, but there’s still a possibility that it will. It’s just not worth the risk.
Spine – it’s easy to bruise as there’s not much protecting it and there’s always a chance that a disk would be dislodged after impact.
Neck – is a very sensitive areas that is made up of arteries, tendons, glands, and of course the larynx.
Face – although slapping the face lightly is fine, there are a lot of areas on the face that can be easily damaged such as the eyes, jaw and ears. There’s also a risk of causing permanent damage.
Safety issues
Impact Play implements have the potential to open the surface of the skin, either by cutting or scraping or by causing the weakened skin to break. Keep in mind that thin whips such as bullwhips and tightly braided cats, have a smaller impact area and are more likely to cut. Only progress to intermediate implements such as rubber floggers, leather cats and wide-tailed floggers once you are comfortable with the basics.
Safe word
As with all forms of kink play, a safe word should be established so that the action can be stopped instantly should anything go wrong. Pick a word beforehand, making sure it is a word that is unlikely to be said by accident in the bedroom (such as ocean or red lorry). It should be agreed that the safe word will only be used in serious situations and that the scene will stop immediately if it is said by either party. If you are combining Impact Play with gagging, a safe signal should be agreed upon instead.
Establish hard limits
It’s not just safe words that need to be discussed before play. Discussing limits with your partner will ensure that you are both as safe and comfortable as possible. Limits may be necessary due to a physical problem, such as an old injury, or a mental or emotional reason. Everyone has limits, so discuss these in detail and respect them. If you try pushing the boundaries, it could have a serious impact on both your sex life and your relationship.
When starting out, it is best to make a rough plan of events – that way you both know what will happen, and when. This will prevent any nasty surprises and will ensure that you both get exactly what you want out of the experience.
Starting out
Building up to the experience is important, as few enjoy being smacked and whipped when they’re not in the mood. For some, an important part of build-up is the smell and feel of the tool; for such a person, at various points before and during your session you should hold the whip near your partners face and allow him or her 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.
As with most sexual experiences, it is best to begin slowly and gently, progressing to greater intensities as you become comfortable. Let it begin softly, and build as endorphin levels rise to stronger strokes. As a general rule, 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 and smacks may be given.
Varying sensations
Varying sensations will stop the scene from becoming too boring or predictable. Stop occasionally during your session, and run something along the area that has been flogged; an ice cube, silk scarf, your fingers and so forth. Avoid striking in the same place every time, as this will sting more than cause pleasure. Of course, if your partner enjoys a bit of pain – they may want you to strike in the same place. Discuss you pattern of strokes and rhythm beforehand, to establish what you and your partner want from this experience.