What is a BDSM Rigger?

Honestly, when you’re just starting to explore the wide world of BDSM, the sheer volume of options, terms, etiquette and BDSM gear can seem a little intimidating. That’s okay! You don’t need to (and can’t possibly!) know everything all at once. Take your time, explore, do some research and really try and understand why people like BDSM.   

A great way to satisfy your curiosity about all things bondage is to read through reviews, articles and blog posts written by people who have been in and around the BDSM scene for a long while. Maybe you’ve done just that! If so, you may have come across the word ‘rigger’ and wondered what, exactly, a BDSM rigger is.

Wonder no more! We’re here to answer at least one of your questions about bondage play, and that’s: ‘what’s a rigger in BDSM?’ Once you have all the info, you can move on to deciding if it’s something you and your partner might be into trying when the mood strikes. No muss, no fuss!

What is a Rigger?

Okay, let’s dive right in. From brat BDSM to primal BDSM, there are many types of roles in the BDSM community. But what is a BDSM rigger you ask? Simply put, a BDSM rigger is someone who enjoys tying rope as part of a BDSM scene. The term originates from sailing, and it’s in reference to the rigging (ropes) of ships and boats. Sailors have to learn a lot of complicated knots, and BDSM riggers do, too, if they want to keep practicing and perfecting their art.

Generally, rigging involves tying up a partner, but there are self-riggers, or people who practice self bondage as well. It’s more challenging to tie yourself up, especially in suspension-based rigging (when the person being tied up is ultimately hanging from the ceiling or a hook), but dedicated riggers have figured out all kinds of ways to satisfy their rope cravings.

How Do Riggers Use Rope in BDSM?

There are some major myths about riggers in BDSM. For instance, people may assume that  riggers must always be, or want to be, the dominant partner in a scene, that the best rigs are suspension-based, or that riggers have to ‘do all of the work’ by tying super complicated knots. Luckily, none of these are necessarily true. Anyone can be a rigger and use their tying skills when they’re with a partner. Simply put- anyone who enjoys the art form can be a rigger or a rope bunny.

Using rope in BDSM can be as simple as restricting some movement by fashioning a leash for your partner to something complex like a full-body harness. The experience that many riggers have when they’re tying translates to erotic thrills for both their partners. As a rigger becomes more skilled with their medium, they can move between knots and usages of rope as they and their partner decide is best. Just remember to always have a clear safe word, and to honor it at all times.

Submissive Riggers

Just because you’re the one tying the knots doesn’t mean you have to be the dom. The dominant partner doesn’t have to lift a finger as long as they can still command you. While many doms enjoy manhandling their partners, others prefer to relax and let their subs gaze at them or fulfill their needs with just words to guide them.

If your dom looks especially alluring with ropes, they may command you to tie them up and then satisfy them or yourself while they watch to ensure that you follow their rules. There can be something very sexy about waiting on someone else hand and foot, especially when they couldn’t do anything even if they wanted to.

Just make sure to tie them down comfortably if you’re planning on playing for a while.

Is It Always Sexual?

It might surprise you to learn that not all rigging in BDSM is sexual. In fact, not all of BDSM is sexual either. For many, the process of being tied down or up in various ways is inherently arousing and can lead to some pretty steamy scenes. However, some people enjoy the feel of the rope in their hands and perfecting knots for aesthetic pleasure, and it isn’t sexual at all for them.

Some riggers showcase their work at BDSM conventions or classes, and you can get a sense of the artistry involved. Plus, many of them are willing to teach you their methods, so you too can learn how to tie yourself or your partner like a true artist.

It’s always important to monitor your partner whenever you use a rope for rope bondage to ensure that they are getting proper circulation to any parts that are tied and that their airway is clear. Stay in constant communication with your partner to make sure that everyone is enjoying themselves.

Let’s Sum It Up!

If you’re looking for some great BDSM gear, check out our collection of everything you need to get all tied up in the best way. If you want to get started honing your rigging skills or encourage your partner to do so, we have some fantastic ropes and BDSM kits to choose from. Give the gift of tying the knot (literally) with these fun ropes, and enjoy a night neither one of you will ever forget!

 Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bondage_rigger