When thinking about BDSM, what typically comes to mind?
Do visions of Rihanna singing about whips and chains dance in your head? Maybe you transport yourself to the "Red Room" — or better yet, over the knee of Mr. Grey from Secretary (*drool*). Whatever raunchy thought swirls through your brain, chances are it doesn't even scratch the surface of what BDSM is all about.
Sure, you may know about getting spanked or even walked on a leash, but have you ever heard about the rigger kink? No? Well, buckle up because you're in for a sexy treat. In this post, we're diving into the mind-altering world of BDSM to uncover all there is to know about the role of a rigger.
So if you've ever wondered about rope play or are simply looking for ways to spice things up in the bedroom — keep reading. Here's what you need to know about a rigger in BDSM.
First Things First, What's BDSM?
While power exchange dynamics have been part of relationships since the dawn of time, BDSM is an acronym that serves as an umbrella term for the spectrum of sexual behaviors, roles, and preferences — some of which include sex, and others do not.
Yep, you read that right. Despite what so many people have come to believe, BDSM doesn't have to involve getting freaky in the sheets (or whips, chains, and kinky sex), as the mental connotations of some acts are more of a turn-on than the actual act (think foreplay) leading to sex.
In other words, BDSM is what you make it.
What Does the Acronym BDSM Stand For?
Hold onto your derrieres because it's a real orgy of an acronym: Bondage, Discipline, Dominance, Submission, Sadism, and Masochism. Yes, we know — there are more words than letters but don't worry, we'll explain.
- Bondage means being tied up or restrained.
- Discipline refers to a set of agreed-upon rules and punishments for a dominant individual to exert control over a submissive playmate.
- Dominance is the act of showing dominance over a partner, either during sex or outside the bedroom.
- Submission is the sexual counterpart of dominance — it refers to showing submission to the Dom's actions and wishes.
- Sadism refers to an individual (called a sadist) who finds pleasure or enjoyment in inflicting physical or psychological pain on the other.
- Masochism is the tendency to derive pleasure — especially sexual gratification — from one's own pain.
While these are the broader categories, there's no one way to practice BDSM. Different types can include power play, bondage, edging, sensory deprivation, role-playing, and even humiliation. There are also a ton of different personas and roles to explore in the world of BDSM — such as the rigger.
What's a Rigger?
Now that we've covered the BDSM basics, it's time for the main event — learning all there is to know about the rigger kink. So, what's a rigger?
The word rigger is a BDSM term that refers to an individual who enjoys restraining their partner with rope bondage (sometimes called Shibari or Kinbachu). This might be for sexual stimulation, performance art, spiritual purposes, or just as a hobby.
A rigger is generally a Dom, and their sub — the person who enjoys getting tied up — is known as a rope bunny, rope bottom, or rope slut. Another moniker for a rigger in bed is a rope artist.
That said, this fetish isn't always about power play. There's also an element of trust between a rigger and their rope bunny, which makes it insanely intimate.
Think You Might Have a Rigger Kink?
If you've never experienced the pure bliss of rope play via BDSM, this may seem a little strange to you. But the truth is that you might have a rigger kink and not even know it.
There are a few characteristics or preferences you'll have that can point out if you're a rope artist or bunny:
- While getting jiggy in the sheets, you often use your hands to bind your partner.
- You usually prefer sexual positions that keep your movement limited or bound.
- You've always wanted to practice submission by being physically tied down.
- When watching porn, you typically go for the hot and heavy stuff, including ropes, cuffs, leashes, and chains.
- You're perfectly fine with trusting someone to tie you up.
- You find beauty in ropes and knots.
If any of these things resonate with you, then there's a chance you've got a rigger kink! Don't shut down this sexual desire or kick it to the curb — explore your fantasy and satisfy your urge to play with rope.
How To Be a Knotty Rigger in Bed?
Now that you know you've got a thing for bondage, let's go over a few general tips on how to be the knottiest rigger you can be, shall we?
Learn the Ropes
The first step is deciding what type of rope you want. Cotton or silk ropes are awesome for newbies because they are typically pretty soft and easier to work with than synthetic materials (think nylon or polypropylene).
Not sure where to find a good beginner's rope for hours of raunchy bondage play? Check out the Deluxe Silky Beginner Rope. It's soft, silky, and perfect for creating elaborate body harnesses and rope restraints.
Hot Tip: Tease and please your captives' senses with the Fetish Fantasy Satin Blindfold. Silky, smooth, and flexible, this elegant blindfold creates a total blackout, so they won't be able to see your next move.
Brush Up on Anatomy
Learning anatomy is super important for anyone looking to explore the rigger kink. Binding a buddy can put them in positions that could be potentially dangerous if not done correctly — especially when bound for long bouts of time or suspended from the ceiling (which, yum).
Get a good understanding of how all the muscles and joints in the human body work and react to restraints and rope to ensure your rope slut's safety.
Note: Accidents can happen even if you're basically an expert on all things anatomy. Don't leave ropes tied around someone for long periods — especially unsupervised.
Communicate, Communicate, Communicate
Oh, and did we say communicate?
It doesn't matter if you're a rope artist newbie or a long-time bunny; when it comes to BDSM — or just sex in general — communication is key.
Communicating your fantasies and desires and any boundaries you're not willing to cross is essential to keep things safe and enjoyable for all parties involved. So speak up, agree on a safe word, be respectful, and have fun!
Practice Makes Perfect
When it comes to the rigger kink, many people think they can dive right into it because, well… it’s just ropes, right? All you need to do is make some knots, and wham, bam, thank you, ma’am — you’re a rigger.
Guess again, friends. Like making yourself cum to achieve that sweet, sweet orgasmic release, tying knots is an art that requires some finesse. In other words, it’s a learned skill. So before tying anyone up, take time to get comfortable with rope. Practice making knots, and eventually, you’ll get the kink down pat.
Hot Tip: Need a good rope to practice with? Check out the Black Fetish Fantasy Mini Silk Rope. It’s six feet long, super soft, and packed with a whole lot of knotty pleasure potential.
The Final Word
So, what's a rigger?
In short, a rigger is a spicy individual that finds pleasure in tying up a partner. Some riggers or folks also practice self-bondage, but we'll be honest — tying yourself up can be super challenging. Of course, practice makes perfect, so if that's your thang, then we say go for it! Just be sure to keep safety at the forefront.
Ready to unleash your inner sexual deviant and explore your wildest fantasies with bondage? Check out our huge inventory of BDSM goodies, including blindfolds, whips, cuffs, rope, and more.
Whether you're looking to get tied down and flogged or teased and pleased, you can count on Simpli Pleasures to have just what you need to make your knottiest dreams come true.
Sources:
Full article: BDSM, becoming and the flows of desire | T and F Online
sadism | psychosexual disorder | Britannica
An Introduction to BDSM for Psychotherapists | Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy