What is a Rigger in BDSM? Explained in Detail

This article will help you understand BDSM rigger role - from learning the proper behavior to tips on safe acting
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Last updatedLast updated: February 09, 2024
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There are many terms used when describing BDSM, including dominant, submissive, sadism, masochism, and roleplay. There is also a less common term, despite how common the practice is. This term is rigger, which is what you call someone who enjoys tying up others.

If you’re interested in becoming a rigger, you can’t just grab any rope and start tying up your partner. This type of bondage needs to be done properly to prevent injuring your partner in some way. Such injuries could be temporary or permanent, so those involved in the rigger kink need to be well trained to ensure the safest play possible. Some rope techniques can take years to master, so you need extensive training before attempting this with a partner. For more information on what a rigger is and how to incorporate this type of bondage into your BDSM play, keep reading.

What is a rigger in BDSM?

The rigger BDSM definition is a person who uses ropes for both functional and artistic bondage Trusted Source Why More Men Should Be Practicing Bondage - InsideHook If you’ve even a little bit curious about bondage, you should consider letting your partner tie you up. There are benefits to both sides. www.insidehook.com , tying up another person in intricate ways. They may do this for sexual purposes but riggers also perform their rope bondage for photography, art, performance Trusted Source Rigger Lucas likes to tie up women | Local News | Detroit | Detroit Metro Times The artist talks about roping, rigging, bunnies and ‘head space.’ www.metrotimes.com , or even spiritual reasons.

The term rigger is believed to come from nautical terminology since this is the name of those on ships who dealt with the ropes that control the sails. Though the ropes aren’t used in quite the same way, the use of them, as well as knot and suspension techniques, are similar in that they are used for restraint.

Though riggers can tie themselves up, they often prefer to use their skills on others. That’s where their partner comes in. This person is usually called a rope bunny or a rope bottom. They allow themselves to be tied up with intricate patterns and knots, trusting the rigger to do so safely.

Riggers don’t always tie up their partners for sexual purposes and often just enjoy using the restraints, while others use them to enhance their sexual activities.

How to be a rigger

If you’re interested in becoming a rigger, there are very specific rules that you need to follow. First, you need to practice before you begin tying up an actual person, learning the right knots and designs that you want to try out. Once you’ve mastered this on your own, you can bring in another person. The following sections should help you get started with some couple’s activities.

1.      Discuss with partner

Before you begin with any type of BDSM, including bondage of this type, it is best to discuss with your partner all aspects of the play you’re interested in. This way, you can both communicate your desires and fantasies, as well as any boundaries that you are unwilling to cross. Trust is key, so be open and honest to avoid any unexpected and unwanted surprises.

2.      Choose proper ropes

There are lots of rope types to choose from, made of a variety of materials. These include cotton, hemp, polypropylene, jute. You can also use Nylon Bondage Rope, which is body-safe and sturdy, with sealed ends to reduce fraying. You can also choose a set, like the Kinklab Bondage Basics Restraint Kit, which comes with 25 feet of nylon rope, a padded leather blindfold, leather wrist cuffs, and leather ankle cuffs for more versatile restraints.

3.      Learn anatomy

Learning anatomy is as important as learning those rope-tying techniques. Binding a person can have them placed in positions that could be damaging if not done correctly, especially when bound for longer periods. Be sure you’re aware of how all of the muscles and joints in the human body work and react to such restraint to ensure your rope bunny’s safety.

4.      Choose scenario

You can choose from a variety of scenarios for play, photography, or even arousal, depending on your BDSM desires. How you restrain your rope bunny should fit into the scenario you have in mind, plus you can add other toys, like sex swings, clit clamps, vibrators, or even spanking paddles. Both parties should agree on the scenario and set any boundaries before you begin.

5.      Choose Your Role

Though the rigger BDSM meaning may have you believing the rigger is the dominant in the relationship, this isn’t always the case. Many riggers prefer to be the submissive, tying up their dominant or themselves as instructed. Choose which role each of you will be playing before you begin.

6.      Safeword

Safewords are a must during BDSM play since they give your rope bunny a way to tell you they are uncomfortable or in pain without any confusion. Choose a word that doesn’t fit into your scenario, like “milkshake” or “lampshade”.

7.      Be careful

Even if you’re up-to-date on your anatomy, you still need to be careful when tying up your rope bunny. Communicate with them while restraining them to be sure they are comfortable and not in any pain. Watch for proper airflow and circulation to avoid injury and never leave them alone. Keep a pair of scissors or a knife nearby for quick rope cutting if needed.

8.      It’s not all sex

Not all riggers like to use ropes for sexual purposes. Some just enjoy the act of tying a person up, while others do so for artistic or photographic purposes. Sex may have nothing to do with it, so don’t expect you’ll automatically be turned on when the ropes come out.

9.      Aftercare

Aftercare is one of the most important parts of any BDSM play since these types of sexual experiences can be quite intense for everyone involved. Check in with each other both physically and emotionally to be sure you’re back in the right real-world headspace and soothe any discomfort or negative feelings.

10.    Plan ahead

Planning ahead can prepare you for any occurrence, whether good or bad. This is especially important when trying out new scenarios or techniques in your BDSM play. You need to communicate every detail with your partner to be sure you are both on the same page with what to expect and how you want the scenario to play out. Making changes in the middle of a scenario should also be discussed to be sure everyone is willing to alter the game.

Final thoughts

Though not everyone chooses to use ropes in their BDSM practices, they are a popular choice, due to their versatility. You can use ropes to bind a person into a specific position, suspend them from the ceiling, or use bondage for more decorative purposes. Of course, it takes a lot of practice to become an expert in rigger BDSM, so it isn’t something you should rush. Taking the time to learn the proper bondage and knotting techniques is a must and can take years to master.

You also need to learn how to tie up your partner to ensure their safety and eliminate the risks of damage to their muscles and joints. Improper bondage can lead to permanent damage or death, so take your time and communicate with your partner at all times to keep your scenarios safe and enjoyable for everyone involved.

References

1.
Why More Men Should Be Practicing Bondage - InsideHook
If you’ve even a little bit curious about bondage, you should consider letting your partner tie you up. There are benefits to both sides.
2.
Rigger Lucas likes to tie up women | Local News | Detroit | Detroit Metro Times
The artist talks about roping, rigging, bunnies and ‘head space.’
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