As any proper public school student could tell you, paddling is a virtual English tradition which has evolved from punishment to pleasure.

Whereas paddles were once the exclusive property S+M fetishists, they’re now commonly used in mainstream sex play on par with blindfolds or handcuffs.

So what are they?

They’re basically straps with a handle, and can be made from a variety of materials including leather, wood, rubber and plastic. Each material can be fashioned with varying degrees of flexibility and stiffness which affects how intensely they will perform; the stiffer the paddle the more intense the sensation. Thwack!

As with any kind of sexual stimulation derived from striking, some general rules should be followed to avoid causing harm.

First, not all areas of the body are suitable for paddling so it’s important to limit the experience to the top of the legs, palms of the hands and, of course, the primary region, the backside.

The fleshy, muscular mounds of the bum seem to have been made for paddling, but that doesn’t mean that you should just start whacking away with no thought to the after effects. We rely on the posterior as our in-house cushions and use it extensively throughout the course of an average day so causing a mass of welts or open wounds can be a source of discomfort for days or even weeks and could well bring your paddling days to an abrupt end.

It’s a good idea to have a safe word which the recipient can use if the action gets too intense for comfort and remember to keep your paddles clean. Regularly disinfect them to avoid infection should you break the skin.

Have fun but bear in mind that too much of anything isn’t necessarily a good thing. Respect your partner’s wishes and stop when requested.

Sadie xxx

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