Suspension Bondage

Suspension bondage can be an exhilarating paradox as the restrained participant often feels a great sense of freedom. One of the aims of bondage is to restrict, limit or entirely remove the bound person’s ability to move, rendering them helpless. However, when the person is bound and then levitated off the ground, that same helplessness can transform into a sensation of floating, weightlessness and perhaps even entering their own form of “subspace.” Of course, the rigger also enjoys the bound person’s perilous situation, deriving pleasure from putting them in such a state.

This relationship between submissive and dominant is particularly critical in a suspension bondage scene. Consent and communication are cornerstones of BDSM play and relationships, but they must be taken to new heights when enjoying suspension bondage.

This type of play requires significant training and study before even attempting one’s first scene. Different resources are available, but some people learn best from a guide during a scene. Many people begin their training by doing partial suspensions, building up knowledge and understanding before embarking on a full suspension. Patience, in both the dominant and submissive, are key to learning and subsequently enjoying suspension bondage.

There is so much to learn in suspension bondage, and patience is so critical, because it is a dangerous activity that can cause serious injuries. In the most basic sense, if a person is not bound properly, they could fall and land awkwardly, causing injury. Another important consideration is that the rigger needs to understand the physics of suspension, and the impact of restraints combined with gravity on the bound person’s different joints and body parts. Injuries including nerve damage and circulation issues can result from improper suspension.

As part of suspension bondage training, the tying partner also learns that they must always have a quick release or escape plan for the suspended partner in case anything goes wrong.