Suspension Bondage, which can involve partial or full suspension, usually follows a Japanese style with beautiful and intricate rope patterns. However, as it’s considered to carry higher risks than other forms of sexual bondage it’s often avoided.
It is a highly technical position, but if you and your partner learn the ropes and play within your abilities, you are guaranteed to have a lot of fun. The bottom typically feels a sense of freedom, due to their floating position, which is coupled with a sense of helplessness, while the top generally feels a sense of achievement in restraining the bottom and enjoys the greater possibilities for sexual positions than traditional bondage allows.
So, if you revel in restraint, here’s the basics to get you started.
Safety First
Suspension introduces several additional safety issues to rope bondage. While every scene has its own risks, there are certain risks that apply to many suspension-play scenes.
The first is our old friend gravity and as the saying goes – what goes up, must come down. Invest in your equipment and ensure you learn to tie proper knots, otherwise your partner may not remain suspended for very long. Less obvious dangers include nerve damage, circulation problems, and fainting. Your partner’s body weight is working against them when they’re suspended, and so basic anatomical knowledge also becomes more important. It’s not uncommon for interested parties to experiment with partial suspension techniques before graduating to full suspension.
You should always ask the person being tied about their physical health. If they have an EpiPen or inhaler, be sure the top knows and can administer these if needed. If you’re being tied up let the person tying you know if you have any injuries, nerve problems or if you have any limb weakness. It is crucial to communicate at all times so that both top and bottom feel safe and comfortable.
As with all forms of rope play, plan ahead: bring scissors or a knife, and don’t be afraid to cut someone out if things go awry.
Rope and Rope-care
All forms of rope, string, and cord can be used for bondage. However, we recommend investing in suitable, good quality rope. Suspension bondage introduces some additional variables to consider when choosing rope:
Once your rope begins to show signs of heavy use – such as broken fibres – it is time to invest in some new rope. Rope is replaceable, but your bottom isn’t.
As with other toys and restraints, it’s a good idea to clean ropes before a scene. Wash the ropes with warm water and soap. It’s imperative to make sure that the rope is completely dry prior to storage. Hemp ropes can be washed in a washing machine on a gentle cycle, and nylon ropes can be bleached (although excessive bleaching will weaken them over time). Some choose to softened their ropes with fabric softener, but this can really reduce the life span of your ropes.
Tools and Hardware
Safety-rated climbing gear can be a little pricey, but is highly recommended for suspension play. Carabiners provide a smooth, non-damaging surface for your ropes when you hoist and pull. These come in all shapes and sizes, but the most important consideration is choosing one that is rated for climbing. Swivels are also used in suspension bondage – they allow your partner to spin, which can be controlled for those who like less movement.
Do not try to suspend someone if you’ve never tried suspension exercises like this before. The top needs to have had plenty of practice in suspension bondage before attempting to lift someone fully off the ground. However, you can use the suspension points to help you in your tying practice, even if you’re just starting out. The bottom can stand with both feet on the floor while the top plays with the suspension ring to pull their arms into the air and practice with a fixed point.
Once you’ve practiced and are ready to put your skills to the test, it is recommended that someone else be present during your first few scenes (preferably someone with experience) who can observe and intervene if any help is needed.
This is just the tip of the iceberg and we recommend reading a lot more before attempting suspension bondage. Most suspension bondage educational material can be found online, and there are some great videos that talk you through knots and positions to put your partner in.