Hogtie
The hogtie is a common bondage position that effectively immobilizes a bottom, but doesn’t always require rope. Cuffs and bondage tape can also be used. The classic position binds a person’s hands behind their back and to their ankles. If a person isn’t very flexible or the position causes unpleasant discomfort (that’s not part of a scene), their wrists and ankles can be bound farther apart. Once tied, the bottom can be positioned on their stomach or side for easy access. They can also be tied with their legs apart for sexual play.
Crotch Rope
The crotch rope, while most commonly performed on women, can be performed on anyone. In women, a rope is pulled between the labia to apply pressure to the genitals. A knot is often used to apply strategic pressure or friction on the clitoris. For men, the rope is used to place pressure on the scrotum or to bind the scrotum. Regardless of gender, the tie can be used for pleasure or pain depending on how tight the rope is or how is it manipulated. Crotch ropes can be worn under clothing allowing for a little kinky “play” in public without fear of being caught.
Predicament Bondage
Predicament bondage doesn’t have to incorporate rope or any physical bondage. The bottom or submissive is given a choice between two “bad” options and forced to maintain a position or hold a stance, knowing if they stumble, they will be subjected to one of the “tortures.” It’s a bondage of the mind and body more than with rope.
However, predicament bondage can be incorporated with rope bondage. A bottom may be partially suspended by their hair while also balancing precariously over a length of rope. They must stand on their toes and as they become tired, choose between the pull on their scalp or the burn between their legs.
Sex Restraint
If you’re looking for something less intense than a full rope suspension scene, and just want to get kinky with a little bondage, sex restraints are probably more your thing. This type of bondage provides a variety of options, from silk scarves and ties to metal handcuffs. The purpose is to prevent one partner from moving or “escaping” while you tease, torment, and please the other. For those into more intense BDSM power exchanges, sex restraints can be used in erotic torture, Dominance and submission, and humiliation play.
Finally, a Word About Bondage and Safety
When a person is physically restrained by rope, cuffs, tape, or anything else, physical harm is a real threat. You should always play with both a safeword and/or a gesture. The rigger, however, should not rely only on the bottom to indicate a problem. They should also keep their eyes open for discoloration in the limbs or anything that might indicate problems. Check in with each other often.
Always keep surgical scissors at hand when playing with rope or even bondage tape if the bottom needs to be quickly released. Know where the keys are to the handcuffs, too. Do not tie someone up with rope until you’ve learned some techniques and practiced your ties. When bondage goes bad, people can get seriously injured.
Look for change in color in the bottom’s limbs as well. Hands, feet, breasts, and other body parts turning purple and blue may be common in some porn, but it’s not a safe way to play. Being in certain positions can make it difficult for a bottom to breath or cause numbness and tingling. Stop the scene and remove the bonds when this happens.
Bondage can be a way to find sexual pleasure, experience a power exchange, or enjoy a specific kink or fetish. Learn as much as you can before you begin to make sure the experience is a good one for everyone involved.