Table of Contents
Bondage games are particularly popular in the BDSM area of the LGBTQIA+ community, but many heterosexual couples also find them very stimulating. If you’re into bondage, you can find a so-called rigger (also known as a rope top) who will take the lead in this type of play and tie you up properly. Do you want to learn more about riggers in BDSM? Then read this article.
Rigger & rope top: where do these terms come from?
The term “rigger” comes, how could it be otherwise, from the English-speaking world and is rendered in German as “Takler”. The term comes from seafaring and describes the person on board who is responsible for the rigging and who thus also takes care of the masts and ropes. The English alternative term ‘rope top’ is also composed of the corresponding words ‘rope’ and ‘top’ (for the one who leads). In the context of BDSM, a rigger and rope top therefore describe the same person, namely the one who is responsible for the ropes and ties you up as the bottom.
What roles are there for a rigger top?
First of all, it is important to know that a rigger does not necessarily have to be dominant, but simply enjoys the bondage and the aesthetics associated with it. This distinguishes them from rope tops, who want to live out their dominance. If you see yourself as a BDSM rigger, there may always be overlaps with other roles that have become established in this area. These include, in particular, doms, daddies, masters, sadists, brat tamers (tamers of brats) and spankers. What they all have in common is that they take the active role in partnerships or during sex sessions, each with their own focus.
The counterpart to the rigger top BDSM is the rope bottom, also often called a “bunny”. They are usually more of the submissive type and enjoy playing with and being tied up. They are submissive and would probably describe themselves as a “sub”, “bottom”, “serf” or “brat”. They are passionate about being tied up, immobilized and submitting to their dominant partner in this way, leaving them in charge.
A special variant is so-called self-rigging. Like other sexual activities, you can also practice rigger BDSM with yourself. As a rigger, you can try out new knots or patterns on yourself, either in preparation or for artistic purposes. If you like it, you can tie yourself up before masturbating to arouse yourself sexually. This is called self-rigging. The aim here is to achieve the exhilaration that comes from being tied up. However, it is important that you only use techniques and ropes in a solo session that allow you to free yourself easily and without help.
Tying as a sexual experience or an art form?
Rigger BDSM is seen by many fans primarily as a sexual practice. Some are already satisfied with the rope bondage and the bondage itself to feel sexual stimulation and be satisfied. In this case, separate genital stimulation is not necessary. But there are also fans of this BDSM variant who see rope bondage merely as foreplay. They like it when the genital stimulation takes place during or after the bondage.
But there are also players who do not consider rigger BDSM or rope bondage to be a sexual act, but see it mainly as performance art. They see the configuration of knots and patterns or the poses of the tied person as a form of art.
When you are a rigger or rope-top
So the exciting question for you is whether you are a brigger or more suited to the role of rope-top. Do ropes turn you on? Do you only watch bondage porn? Does Japanese knot art (shibari) feel like meditation to you? Then you might be a brigger. Does it give you a kick when your partner is absolutely immobilized? Do you suffer from withdrawal symptoms if you can’t work with ropes, gags, tape or metal handcuffs and ankle cuffs for a while? If so, you may well be a rope top.
Rigger or rope top: what to look out for
Whether you are a rigger or a rope top, there is a basic requirement for you and your partner to enjoy a session. To ensure the health and safety of your partner, it is essential that you are sufficiently informed about the various techniques, body parts and safety risks. If you are a beginner yourself, you should slowly approach this type of play.
The most important thing here is patience. And since no one is born a master, as a rigger, you need to practice, practice, and practice some more. Many riggers often do this to themselves due to a lack of models. Practicing is essential for your partner, because ropes that are tied too tightly or incorrectly can be very uncomfortable and not only ruin the experience for you, but can also cause permanent nerve damage or even strangle the person tied up.
As a rigger or rope-top, you should never leave your tied partner alone during a session. Rather, it is your job to continuously monitor their condition through empathetic communication. You also have to keep an eye on their sensitivity, motor skills and skin color at all times. For emergencies, you should always have a safety cutter handy. At this point, for a better overview, here are the most important tips for a successful bondage session in a nutshell:
· Start slowly: Rigger BDSM can be a very intense experience. A slow start can help everyone involved learn what feels comfortable for them.
· Remember communication: Communicating with your partner helps improve the shared experience and creates a safe, trusting, and enjoyable environment.
Choose the right partner: Rigger BDSM requires a high level of trust and intimacy between the participants because the bottom or rope bunny surrenders control to you as the top.
Learn the art of tying: Some bondage techniques can be potentially harmful to your partner if not performed or positioned correctly. For maximum safety, make sure you have mastered the various techniques.
Use the right material: Using different ropes, toys or other binding materials can positively influence the bondage experience and improve the experience. As a partner, discuss the utensils and methods to be used with each other. One of you may be allergic to some material.
Conclusion: Safety and health always have priority when it comes to bondage fun.
Even for experienced riggers, it is important to practice new techniques and knots first. The good news is that there is plenty of educational material for beginners and advanced learners in the form of books, online courses or YouTube channels. Even before a bondage session, it makes sense to clarify the framework conditions with your partner. In addition to the basic agreement of consent, this includes the do’s and don’ts, as well as the definition of a safe word.
Regardless of your role, always remember that a session as a rigger, whether you are a BDSM, rope-top or rope-bottom, should be fun and, if desired, lead to an unforgettable orgasm and not end in the hospital. However, be aware that as a rigger, you are the BDSM or rope-top, and you bear the main responsibility for your partner because you are the one who ties them up. To ensure that everyone gets their money’s worth and has an erotic and horny time during a bondage session, skill, communication, patience and safety awareness are required. To summarize it with a modified advertising motto: If you know what you’re doing, the bondage will work out.
|