Impact Play with Bondage Whips, Crops, Floggers and Canes

Impact play, what the heck is it and why is it getting you more aroused than a nun in a cucumber field? In simple terms, impact play is a form of BDSM activity where one partner (often called the dominant or top) spanks the other (submissive or bottom) partner for sexual gratification – kinky and we love it (Reference 1).

Believe us, when you get down to the nitty-gritty of impact play there is so much more to discover. Impact play can range from playful taps to full-on ass-whooping and can involve whips, crops, paddles, floggers and lots more exciting tools.

Why People Love Crops, Whips, and Canes for Impact Play

Impact play is HUGE and not just in the dungeon scene. Heaps of couples love sprinkling a dash of spanking into their normally vanilla sex life. Heck, spanking has even gained the label of the BDSM gateway drug (Reference 2).  So, just why are so many people pushing their bare derriere in the air and gagging for a spanking?

First of all impact play is not just about sex. There is so much more to it than rubbing your dangly bits together. The feel of that quick, sharp sting on your body heightens all your skin’s senses, making you more alert to any touch that is about to follow (Reference 1). The result is whole body contouring orgasms.

Impact play requires a high level of trust from all partners involved, and the connection felt between a couple during impact play is super intense. With all partners flowing into the rhythm of their spanks and floating away in their private impact play bubble. Many regular impact play players report feelings of ‘flowing into each other’ during a particularly intense spanking session (Reference 3). During all this intimacy sharing, natural endorphins and happy hormones are released. The spanking sensation on the skin also stimulates your nerve receptors, promoting the brain to let out a nice flow of the reward hormone dopamine (Reference 1). So, not only are you getting a natural high, your brain is going to be left feeling happy and healthy after a good spanking sesh.

Did we mention power play? Impact play is one of the best BDSM activities for creating an intense power exchange between partners. You might think that the dominant partner has control, but in fact, the person being spanked dictates when, how hard and what with (Reference 2).

How To Impact Play Safely

Follow these rules on how to spank safely and respectfully whilst still keeping it sexy.

Sane, Safe and Consensual Impact Play – This is the mantra to obey for any BDSM activities, no matter how softcore. Establish a safeword before you begin. Something you can say if things get too weird and you need a cuddle break. You need to feel comfortable you can shout BANANAS in the middle of impact play and everything will stop.

Understand the facts – Impact play is ALWAYS consensual. Both partners need to be down to dominate or be dominated. Anyone who hits their partner without consent is performing an act of abuse (Reference 2).

Where is it safe to spank my partner? – The body has spank safe areas and areas that should be left spank free. Any part of the body protected by fat or muscle like the buttocks or upper thighs is okay to spank. Avoid sensitive areas that are exposed such as the sides of the body and belly. Whacking these spank free zones can cause damage to internal organs (Reference 4).

Top Tip: To ensure safe spanking have the bottom partner wear a pair of saucy undies that cover a large portion of the booty, and only spank in the clothed area (Reference 4).

What Is Erotic Spanking and How to Spank Someone

Erotic spanking is the most common type of impact play and involves the act of spanking someone for sexual arousal. This can be done with a hand, paddle or some other kinky apparatus (Reference 5).

Before any erotic spanking takes place, you and your partner need to have an open conversation. Make sure you are both on board with spanking. Discuss what it is about spanking that turns you on, how hard you would like to be spanked and possible spanking tools you want to use. The dominant partner should never spank another person until they have got a feel for it. Try practicing on a pillow, teddy bear or even a sex doll (if you are lucky enough to own one). In the beginning, always, always start with your hands. Skin to skin contact allows both partners to feel the pressure that is being applied (Reference 4).

Start off with slow, soft spanking. Try giving your partners booty a gentle rub to let them know the show is about to start. Pull your hand away and bring your open palm back down towards their bum cheek (remember to keep in the safe spanking area). Starting off too hard and forceful will only leave you with a tired hand and an uneasy feeling partner (Reference 5). Keep an eye on your partner’s body language during a spanking. If they look upset or distressed, stop!  

How To Conduct Impact Play With a Paddle

Beginner impact players wanting to level up from using their hand can try spanking with a spanking paddle. A spanking paddle has a flat surface with a handle that can be easily gripped in your hand. Paddles come in a variety of shapes and styles and deliver a ‘thuddy’ sensation rather than a sharp sting. If you are new to spanking we recommend starting with a paddle the size of a table tennis racket. The large surface area will spread the impact of the whack and lighten the pain.

Paddle Spankers For Beginners: Heart Paddle – £9.95. This fun, pink love heart paddle is the perfect starter spanking tool. Its wide surface area will deliver a ‘hard enough, but not too hard’ blow, and its center is coated in soft faux-fur in case the pain gets a little too much.

Paddle Spankers For Intermediate: Small Black Hand Shaped Paddle – £19.95. With its thin fingers spread apart, this spanker paddle is sure to leave a hefty whack on your partners behind. Its hand shape design can create both a ‘thud’ and ‘stinging’ sensation, depending on how hard you want to use it.

For a kinky paddle: Red Slave Paddle – £16.95. If you want a deliciously kinky BDSM paddle that will show your submissive who is boss, try this faux leather red slave paddle. It’s wide, the rectangular shape will ensure a hard thud is administered. The perfect booty prepping tool, before you move on to something more intense…if you wish.

How To Conduct Impact Play Using a Flogger

Floggers generally have bulky, easy to grip handles, with a bunch of thick tassels to use for whipping. The beauty of a flogger is they strike multiple areas of the body, therefore, having a bigger impact and creating more intense sensations. Don’t forget your pillow practice – the first rule before trying out any new impact play technique. Practice using a flogger on a pillow or bedpost. Start by slowly flicking the flogger in a figure-eight motion, the tassels should make light contact with the skin (Reference 5). Then vary your speed and force to find an impact intensity both you and your partner enjoy.

Floggers For Beginners: Black and Red Suede Flogger – £12.95. This soft suede flogger is perfect for beginner floggers wanting to implement a sting to their partner’s buttocks. The smaller sized tassels allow it to be used with variable intensity.

Floggers For Intermediate/Expert: Black and Red Tassel Luxury Flogger – £59.95. Think you are ready for something more hardcore? Try this black and red luxury flogger. The long, thick tassels will deliver a sharp sting. Complete with a sturdy woven handle to ensure you have a solid grip.

Floggers For the adventurous: Suede Tassel Flogger with Vibrator – £39.95. One end of this gorgeous suede flogger has over 50 strands, perfect for striking with. The other end combines as both an easy-grip handle, and a grooved vibrator. Your biggest dilemma will be which end to use first?

How To Spank Using A Crop

Dying to make your spanking a little darker? A crop is the perfect spanking tool for those kinky individuals wanting to experience more hardcore spanking but arent yet ready to use a whip or cane. Crops have a larger surface area than a whip or cane on the tip, so the impact is softer. Their long handle allows you to build more momentum behind that whack than a paddle can. These dynamic spanking toys are capable of delivering a mixture of stinging and thudding sensations, depending on how hard the Dom decides to crack them. Try running the soft end of the crop along your partner’s thighs and booty, before finishing them off with a sharp strike. This will quite literally keep them on their toes.

The best Crops for Beginners: Heart-Shaped Crop Whip with Silver Handle – £19.95. This crops wide heart-shaped end makes it perfect for beginners. Finished off with a stylish, silver, easy to grip handle, making sure you spank in style.

Crops For the adventurous: Electric Shock Crop – £49.95. To be used by the brave and experienced BDSM impact players only! Looking for a crop that has more buzz? This electric shock crop boasts 5 intensity levels that will leave your hair standing on end. No heavy spanking needed with this crop. A gentle tap against your partner’s body will instantly deliver a spine-tingling shock. IMPORTANT: Only ever use this toy below the waist to avoid contact with any internal organs.

If you enjoy using this type of toy, you will love our electro sex range. Read our blog on all things electro sex discover more about electro sex toys and why they are so exciting.

How To Conduct Impact Play using a Feather Tickler Crop

Feather tickler spanking crops create double the fun. These double-sided spankers allow you to experience multiple sensations. Containing the same kinkiness as a normal crop, meaning you can crack your partner into shape if they have been naughty. Run the feather tickler all over their body for a treat. Top Trick – mix it up between the two methods during impact play for a sensory overload. Your lover won’t know what’s coming next.

Our Favourite Pick: Black Feather Tickler and Spanking Crop – £12.95. This gorgeous black feather crop provides unlimited spanking fun without breaking the bank. Whether you want to tantalize and tickle or crack in to shape, this cute feather crop has got you covered.

How To Use A Whip and Cane

Moving on to the expert level impact play tools – whips and canes.

Planning on using a whip or cane during your next spanking showdown? Then make sure you are an advanced impact play player.

Whips and canes are not for the fainthearted, both creating a severe stinging ‘ouch’ effect. Whips have an easy to grip handle, leading on to a  long, snakey design that thins towards the end. This allows them to implement that real burn factor, leaving your bottom with a serious sting. Whereas, canes have one or a few, extremely thin long prongs leading on from a thick handle. The key advantage (or disadvantage, depending on your pain threshold) to using a cane during impact play, is all the pain and sensations administered is localised to one thin strip on the skin (Reference 5).

Only fatty and muscular areas to be whipped on the body, please! Some kinksters use a cane or a whip as a finishing tool to the end of an erotic impact play session; see it as an extra shot of tequila in an already lethal cocktail.

IMPORTANT: When using a whip or cane during impact play it is important you understand the responsibility you are holding. Whips and canes are capable of tearing skin, causing bleeding and even damaging internal organs. So, it is important you know how to use a whip or cane before playing with one. Learn how to use these tools from an expert at your local dungeon club. Then practise on a pillow, bedpost or chair; basically anything that isn’t breathing.

For Beginner Cane Users: Red Rattan Crop – Medium Thickness – £8.95 – This medium thickness crop is perfect for first-time crop users. Capable of delivering a sharp, sudden sting, without leaving lasting pain.

For Expert Cane Users: Rattan Cane 8 Prong BDSM Tool – £14.95. This multiple prong cane is capable of leaving a more intense sting than single prong canes.

Our Favourite Whip: Red and Black Whip – £17.95. This sexy whip will easily imprint a loud whack on your lover’s backside. The Oh ring, easy to grip handle allows you to hold on tightly while you deliver a sharp sting.

Spanking and Impact Play Accessories

Wanting to up your impact play game? Incorporate these kinky BDSM accessories into your spanking to turn things up a notch.

Blindfolds 

Using a blindfold during sex is amazing. Taking away the ability to see, heightens every other sense on the body. So, combine this with impact play and you’re senses are in for a night of pleasure. Blindfold your partner next time you are going to give them a good spanking. They won’t know when or where the next slap is going to come from, so their whole body will be super alert.

Shop our full range of blindfolds here.

Body Restraints

If you and your partner get a kick out of power play, you will love using body restraints in the bedroom. Using handcuffs or under the bed, restraints will help intensify the roles between sub and dom during impact play. Whilst your partner is bending over in an easily accessible spanking position. Have them cross their arms in front of them and handcuff together.

Shop our full range of body restraints here.

Impact Play Aftercare

Safewords and Spankers are important, but never forget a key part of impact play – The aftercare!

Like any other BDSM activity, impact play can be emotionally and physically demanding. So, it is important to check in on each other at the end of a spanking sesh to make sure both of you are feeling good.

• The large rush of endorphins released after impact play can leave you feeling drained. Always, keep some water, chocolate and warm comfy clothes to hand for when you come down from the natural high.
• Discussing the experience you both just shared together is essential. Talk about what you enjoyed and discuss things you would like to try again.

Now our guide to impact play has inspired you to pick up a paddle or two, all that is left to do is get spanking! 

Wanting to purchase your perfect spanking tool? Shop our full range of whips, spankers and ticklers here. Order online using our discreet delivery service, where our brandless parcel can be delivered to either your home or one of our 11,000 Royal Mail post office collection points.

References

• Hsieh, C. (2018). WTF Is Impact Play and Why Does It Turn Me On? [online] Cosmopolitan. Available at: https://www.cosmopolitan.com/sex-love/a25069397/impact-play/ [Accessed 8 Jan. 2020].
• ‌Zoë Ligon (2017). Enjoy Being Spanked? Here’s What You Need To Know About Impact Play. [online] Refinery29.com. Available at: https://www.refinery29.com/en-gb/best-impact-play-sex-tips [Accessed 8 Jan. 2020].
• ‌Anabelle Bernard Fournier (2018). The Art of Impact: How to Increase Intimacy With Impact Play. [online] Kinkly.com. Available at: https://www.kinkly.com/the-art-of-impact-how-to-increase-intimacy-with-impact-play/2/15433 [Accessed 8 Jan. 2020].
• ‌Sophie Saint Thomas (2017). A Very Useful Guide to Sexy Spanking. [online] GQ. Available at: https://www.gq.com/story/sexy-spanking-guide [Accessed 8 Jan. 2020].
• ‌Lords, K. (2017). The Ultimate Guide to Impact Play. [online] Kinkly.com. Available at: https://www.kinkly.com/the-ultimate-guide-to-impact-play/2/14389 [Accessed 8 Jan. 2020].