The humble riding crop is one of the most kinky accessories around. But, how do we use them? And are there any tried and tested techniques that we should be mindful of using for more pleasurable impact play? Settle in for a satisfying scroll through our top 6 tips for using a crop.
Firstly, what is a crop?
Possibly the most novel of kinky accoutrements due to its common use as an accessory to a killer outfit, the crop nevertheless, is a staple in any kinkster toolbox and has a myriad of erotic uses. Once used to tame wild beasts, a classic crop features a handle followed by a long slimline shaft with a folded leather tongue at the tip. When flicked in quick succession, this tool delivers licks of stinging sensations to the skin; perfect if you're dabbling in the pleasures of impact play. Overall, the crop isn't just a tool or a kinky fashion accessory, it puts the user in command and says 'I'm in charge'.
Why might you use a crop?
The crop has the unique ability to strike with specificity. When the user is an inexperienced wielder of spankers, we would recommend a crop or a paddle over a whip or flogger, due to its unerring ability to hit the ‘right’ spot (arse cheeks, perineum, breast) as opposed to the ‘wrong’ spot (kidneys, tail bone). Crops also have the distinctive ability to work quite quickly; exceptional if you're looking to incorporate repetitive actions or the element of surprise into your crop play.
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Our top 6 tips for using a crop.
1. With your partner blindfolded, clap your heels loudly across the floor (floorboards are a sensory bonus) whilst slapping the crop into your palm. The anticipatory input will send your subjects into overdrive.
2. You can use a crop in a very sensual way. For example, experiment with running the tip across your lover’s lips, neck, arms, torso, nipples, stomach, thighs and beyond.
3. To warm up your lover’s rump, deliver rapid but gentle whacks on their arse cheeks. This is a wonderful sensation and feels suitably kinky, without the pain. And, bent over a chair in a beautiful, submissive position, the scene can be an utter delight for both parties.
4. Intersperse light, rapid motions with harder ones, all the time checking in with your lover to ensure that they consistently consenting to the sensations. Tip: Use the traffic-light system and the word 'Green' to communicate, "Keep Going", 'Amber' to "Slow Down" or 'Red' to stop immediately.
5. You don’t have to limit your play to the flat end of the crop. You can use the length in the same way you use a cane, for more intense sensation or even the handle for a different feel. Some designs even come with handles meant for penetration.
6. A crop isn’t just for spanking the arse. Try those light, rapid strokes on the following areas:
- Clitoris – A lashing kind of lick.
- Labia – Exceptional for waking up the clitoral 'arms' that extend under the vulva.
- Nipples – If nipple stimulation is your jam, this sensation is a must-try.
- Perineum (keep the balls away with your hand) – The prostate can be indirectly pleasured this way and it’s a great way to mix up your hand-job technique.
- Feet – Only smack the ball and heel, never the top of the foot or the in-step. Many foot fetishists really enjoy this! You could even start with a foot massage and go from there.
- Cock – You heard me. Have your lover hold the balls (so they don't get in the way) and then tap the cock along the length to begin with. Increase intensity as much as the subject desires.
