What Is Rigger Kink BDSM?

What Is BDSM?

BDSM is a physical and psychological sexual practice that focuses on an exchange of power between sexual partners. Those involved are consenting participants in a variety of varying acts, depending on the specific interests or “kinks” of the individual(s) involved. BDSM is an abbreviation of bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, and sadism and masochism.¹

The BDSM acronym combines three ideas:

• B&D stands for Bondage and Discipline: B&D involves using physical restraint and punishment of a partner.
• D&S stands for Dominance and Submission: D&S involves power dynamics between partners. Can be entirely psychological in nature
• S&M stands for Sadism and Masochism: S&M involves deriving sexual pleasure from giving and/or receiving pain. Primarily physical in nature.

Research from the 1970s and 1980s considered interest in BDSM practices to be pathological in nature and tied both BDSM and sexual sadism disorders together.¹ However, more recent research has found that rather than being pathological in nature, BDSM practitioners are well-adjusted adults with the ability to communicate appropriately with others and foster suitable emotional connections.³ This, tied with a focus on consent between participants, sets BDSM kink apart from sexual sadism disorder.

Over time, public opinion on BDSM has become more favorable as certain scientific research and varying forms of media focus on the consensual nature of the practice. An improved understanding of BDSM has contributed to its destigmatization and has called to question its place in psychopathological classifications.²

What Is Rigger BDSM?

Rigger BDSM is a sexual practice of tying a partner, or oneself, with rope. Rigger BDSM involves rope patterns and knots that restrict movement. The term “rigger” is believed to have nautical inspiration, as “riggers” were traditionally those who handled ropes that controlled a ship’s sails. Rigger BDSM, or rope bondage can vary in intensity and sexual nature.

The rigger is sometimes known as the “rope top,” while the individual being tied is known as the “rope bunny” or “rope bottom.” The rope top is often dominant; however, this is not always the case. In certain scenarios, a “dom” (dominant partner) will command a “sub” (submissive partner) to tie them up. In such a case, the dom will be the rope bottom, while the sub will be the rope top.

Rope bondage is also known as Shibari. Shibari is a Japanese term that means “to tie.” Shibari is considered an arousing artistic medium, involving both a “rigger,” the rope top, and a model, the rope bunny or rope bottom. In certain instances, the rigger does not have a model and will practice and demonstrate on themselves. This is especially common while learning new techniques.

Why Riggers Enjoy Rope Bondage

Rigger BDSM is largely a sexual practice for many participants. For some, the rope bondage and restraint will provide enough sexual stimulation to feel satisfied. In such cases, genital stimulation may not occur or be necessary. In other instances, the rope bondage and restraint may be considered foreplay. Genital stimulation may occur while still restrained or afterward.

Those who do not view rigger BDSM, or rope bondage, as a sexual act may view it as performance art. The configuration of knots and patterns, as well as the pose of the model can be considered a form of art. While rope tops may derive pleasure from creating art, rope bottoms have reported feeling relaxed and satisfied when submitting to their rope top and embracing the sensations of the body.

Self-Rigging

As with other sexual activities, or artistic mediums, rigger BDSM can be practiced by oneself. A rigger may practice knots or patterns on themself for artistic purposes or practice. In other instances, one may self-rig prior to masturbation in an attempt to arouse oneself. Self-rigging is about the high of being restrained; however, it’s imperative that the solo participant uses techniques and ropes that one can easily escape from.

How to Be a Rigger

If one is interested in becoming involved in rigger BDSM, there are certain items of concern to consider. Those who wish to be a rope top must practice their technique before attempting such on a partner or rope bottom. Those who wish to be a rope bottom should take care in finding a partner that they can trust and share an intimate connection with.

Learning appropriate techniques and which materials are best suited for such can be a major factor when considering the safety of one’s partner.  If not executed appropriately, rope bondage or “rigging” a partner can cause temporary or permanent nerve damage. Even those with multiple years of practice as a rigger can accidentally harm a partner if appropriate care is not taken while engaging in rope bondage.⁴

Here are ten steps to safely getting started with rigger kink BDSM:

1. Communicate with Your Partner

Before beginning rigger BDSM, or any BDSM activity, it’s vital that you practice honest and appropriate communication with your selected partner. Being truthful about all the types of BDSM play you’re interested in will ideally lead to the most pleasurable outcome for both parties. Without healthy and honest communication, the other aspects of BDSM can become muddled.

2. Choose Your Scenario

Part of the appeal of rigger BDSM, and BDSM as a whole, is the variety of scenarios for play that partners can explore. The way the rope bottom, or rope bunny, is restrained will ideally fit into the scenario established beforehand. Other toys or props can be added into the scenario to enhance the experience. Both parties should agree on the scenario and set boundaries before beginning play.

3. Choose Your Role

Before engaging in rigger BDSM, the parties involved should establish their preferred role. The rope bottom may not necessarily be the submissive one in the dynamic and vice versa. Submissive partners may derive pleasure from obeying instructions to tie up their dominant. Partners should choose their role before beginning play.

4. Plan for the Unexpected

Planning ahead with a partner can help both parties become prepared and comfortable with unexpected changes or pivots. Pain or pleasure in unexpected ways can surprise one or both parties involved. Due to unexpected reactions or changes, the parties involved may need to make changes to the intended scenario. All parties involved should establish whether they are okay with deviating from the intended scenario beforehand.

5. Choose the Proper Materials

There are a variety of rope types to choose from while engaging in rigger BDSM. Ropes are made of varying material types that alter feel and sturdiness. Different types of material can enhance play dependent on the intentions of those involved. Participants may also choose to include blindfolds, wrist cuffs or ankle cuffs to enhance the bondage experience.

6. Learn Anatomy and Technique

Before engaging in rigger BDSM, participants should take time to practice techniques and study how being bound for an extended period of time can cause physical harm to themselves or a partner. Participants should practice their “rigging” before binding a partner and learn how to appropriately position partners while bound to maintain their safety.

7. Choose a Safeword

Safewords are necessary for BDSM play. In rigger BDSM, a safeword provides the rope bottom a method of informing the rope top that they are uncomfortable or experiencing pain without mixing messages. Partners should choose a word that does not fit in with their selected scenario so the safeword stands out during play.

8. Be Careful

Even if the parties involved are knowledgeable of technique and anatomy, participants in rigger BDSM should still exercise special care as to not harm their partner. Rope tops should communicate with their rope bottom to ensure that they are comfortable and not experiencing pain. Rope bottoms should not be left alone. Something to cut restraints should be nearby in the event that ropes need to be quickly cut.

9. Post-Play

Following rigger BDSM, or other types of BDSM play, partners should spend time checking in with one another to ensure they are in a positive headspace regarding the experience. Partners should be honest with one another and express any items of concern that may have arisen during play.

10. It’s Not Always About Sex

Not all participants in rigger BDSM are interested in the sexual aspect of the activity. Some enjoy the practice for artistic purposes. Not all participants in rigger BDSM will be aroused by the experience or may only find arousal through one role. Experimentation and honesty about one’s intentions or preferences with a partner is vital.

Tips for Practicing Rigger BDSM

As with other non-conventional sexual practices, those interested in experimenting with rigger BDSM may not be entirely knowledgeable about the practice. Those interested may engage in activity with another partner who is also new to the practice, or seek out a partner who is more experienced with the practice. In either case, participants will learn through prior research and experience.

Here are some tips and tricks to help you explore Rigger BDSM:

• Start slowly: Rigger BDSM can be an intense practice. Easing into the activity can help participants learn what they find pleasurable.
• Remember communication is essential: Communication with one’s partner will only serve to enhance the experience and maintain a safe and comfortable environment.
• Engage with a partner you’re comfortable with: Rigger BDSM requires a level of trust and intimacy among partners, with the rope bottom, or rope bunny, relinquishing control to the rope top.
• Practice techniques: Different binding techniques can be potentially harmful to a partner if not completed appropriately or applied to the correct anatomical area. To ensure safety, participants should practice the technique.
• Utilize proper supplies: Different types of ropes, toys, or other binding materials can alter and potentially enhance a rigger BDSM experience. Partners should be honest with one another about what types of items they are interested in experimenting with.

How to Bring Up Rigger BDSM With a Therapist

Clients may be intimidated by the prospect of discussing rigger BDSM, or kink in general, with a therapist, as such are “taboo” topics. Potential clients in such a circumstance should seek out a provider who identifies as sex-positive or kink-positive on their professional profiles or listings for their practice. Potential clients may also benefit by seeking out a certified sex therapist who is experienced with discussing sex-oriented topics with clients.

In My Experience

In my experience, clients can sometimes be squeamish when it comes to discussing things that are more sexual in nature. One’s level of comfortability in discussing such topics with a provider is largely dependent on one’s personal background. Some clients may need to feel extremely comfortable with their provider before they are able to discuss their sexual activity and interests. I’ve expressed to many of my clients, both individuals and couples, that sexual exploration can be a healthy and enjoyable experience. My sentiments remain consistent even when discussing BDSM activities, such as rigger BDSM.