With leather and clanking of chains, BDSM is the epitome of the unknown. Having said that, there are probably so many things racing through your mind about it.
From suspension to bondage, it could easily turn any conversation steamy.
Rigging or Shibari (Japanese rope bondage) is the safest bet if you’re a beginner to BDSM or a certified expert.
Regardless of whether or not you’re the one being tied up, the art of rope bondage has always been a dip into the artistic side.
This article is curated for the inner artisté within you, if you’d like to know more about how you could dive into this sexual art form, we suggest you stay a while.
What does a rigger do?
In simple terms, bondage riggers are a role in BDSM, as the person who enjoys typing people up with rope.
A person’s rigger kink preference depends on what they like and with proper research and consensual trial and error, you can gauge your shibari style, whether you’re a rope top or rope bottom, the choice is completely up to you.
Shibari has been considered a form of a rope bondage scene or art by a person whose kink enjoys tying different knots of textured ropes around the body as a form of decoration or for some, to spice things up in the bedroom.
Can anyone be a rigger?
In some aspects yes! This truly depends on what role you identify in the scene or the purpose of the practice itself.
A rigger kink can be done by both male and female counterparts, this goes the same for those who use it for erotic sexual purposes.
Whether you’re a dom or a rope bunny, rope top, or rope bottoms, you can enjoy the service of what’s in store for you and your kink!
It doesn’t matter who ties who, the important thing is that both parties find mutual pleasure in the act.
What type of rigger are you?
Now you’re probably thinking, “What kind of rigger am I?” or, “What is a rigger kink?” The most common are those who use it for art or sexual pleasure. It doesn’t matter whichever you chose as long as you genuinely enjoy yourself!
Those who enjoy it as an art form can rig themselves or other people in different variations of rope tying, from a cheeky chest harness (a rope tied around the bunny’s chest) or something more complex like hog-tying this type of rigger doesn’t seek the rigging sexually aspect of it all, but rather see it as an art form and avoid tying for a power exchange with a rope bottom.
Most people use it for sexual play and may use the aid of ropes in suspension, bondage, or the restriction of movement from their partner.
This can create a very controlled environment for rope bondage and the person who does shibari tying them to explore the limits of their respected rope bottom as well as themselves when it comes to either being dominant or submissive rigger.
Is a rigger dominant?
You don’t have to be a dom in the sea of riggers! It depends fully on what your comfort level is at this point.
If you’re the type of person with the specific rigger kink who likes to bark orders at their brats and tie them up into different variations or those who love to be doe-eyed and be told what to do and when to do it, then this myth can be easily debunked.
Depending on the situation, there have been some doms who ask their subs to tie them up, so it doesn’t come with a only doms aspect, rigging can truly be enjoyed by everyone!
Rope Selection
Safe sex is always the best option for everyone and even in BDSM it always plays an integral role! With rigging, there are a few things to put in mind when it comes to prep and carrying out the deed, such as choosing the kind of materials you want to tie or be tied up with! Rope burns and private parts don’t seem to mesh well.
No one wants something uncomfortable close to their skin let alone their private bits. There are different kinds of rope out there with various textures and price points as such – cotton rope, hemp rope, synthetic, and nylon which are all available options for you to enjoy with yourself or a partner.
Choosing the right kind of texture, as well as a hold, can make the experience all the more comfortable.
Rigging do’s and don’ts
Even though BDSM may seem like an all-cards-are-on-the-table type of deal, there should still be clear and established rules to make sure it’s smooth sailing from here on out!
Here’s a clear list of do’s and don’ts when it comes to rigging.
- Always have clear consent– This should be a no-brainer. Nothing is sexier than a clear green light to undergo this experience with your partner and that both of you are in a clear mental state to know what you’re getting into.
- Go over limits – Having a safe word can save both of you the stress of overstimulation or pain great enough that the experience isn’t as enjoyable anymore. A clear indication of what your partner is capable of handling can make the transaction easier for both of you.
- Do practice tying and releasing – Nothing is more awkward than fumbling around the ropes as well as getting the knot but being unable to release your partner after the whole ordeal is over! Research and trial and error are your best friends; utilize all the resources available to you before you bust out sharp objects to cut your partner loose!
- Communication – Bounce ideas and establish roles with your partner and communicate all the way. Identify whose the dom and whose the sub as well as what the clear goal or task is. It doesn’t hurt to be clear about what you want or how you want things done.
- Aftercare – in both rigging as art and sex play, there should always be a way for you to make sure that after all things have been said and done, you or your partner feels cared for and fulfilled. Little touches here and there as well as positive reinforcement can go a long way to keep intimacy.
Final Thoughts
Rigging can be a very flexible form of both artistic expression and sexual liberation. It doesn’t take much to be involved in it, just a few skills to be learned, rope, and a ready mind.
In all aspects, we highly suggest our readers practice safe consensual forms of play to stimulate both the body and mind.
Rigging can be just that for you – for the dominant in you who wishes to be in control and the submissive who’s willing to take anything for their pleasure.
