Becoming a member of the BDSM scene can seem daunting, at best. There are so many options to choose from. Are you a Dom or a sub? Are you a sadist or a masochist? Are you a switch?
It can get pretty confusing. However, one of the most confusing problems you’ll encounter is what kind of implements you would like to use. To give you a working definition, an implement could be anything you use in the context of a scene. This can include anything such as rope, handcuffs or floggers.
Of course, this isn’t a science. You can figure out your orientation while you're trying out implements or vice versa. However, some implements are definitely better for beginners than others. For instance, picking up a whip on your first try may cause some serious damage and probably shouldn’t be approached unless you’ve had a ton of practice, a mentor and you do it with the proper amount of research.
So, what should you be using when you’re first starting out? I would say the best implements are:
Make sure that no matter what toys you decide to use that you also talk with your partner before and after. Also, choose a safeword and respect it. The goal is to make sure that everyone has a good time (even if that good time includes an enjoyable dose of pain).
Below are six toys that are great for beginners to experiment with.
A paddle is actually a pretty good implement on a number of fronts. For someone just delving into BDSM, especially someone that doesn’t quite know whether or not they’re into pain, this implement can be used fairly easily to gauge pain levels depending on the participants. Furthermore, it’s a phenomenal way to keep both participants safe. It's easy to hold and control, you can get one in a variety of materials (some more painful than others) and wielding doesn't require any particular skill.
The Sportsheets Saffron Square Paddle is bound in soft, smooth vegan leather. Whether you deliver a caress or a painful slap is up to you.
Rather then jumping head first into rope play, which can require quite a bit of expertise to do safely, check out a soft set of cuffs. Cuffs are fairly ubiquitous and easy to acquire and use. They provide an excellent starting point for people who want to get a taste for bondage. They are soft, easy to open and close and convenient to store and use. But don't be fooled: they're still strong enough to tie a submissive down in a number of secure and sexy ways.
These Sportsheets Saffron Cuffs are sexy, soft, safe - and secure.
Ball gags are all about trust, vulnerability and letting go - but they're also super safe and simple. They can provide the Dominant with a visual thrill, and build on that power dynamic by removing the submissive's ability to speak, creating a sense of helplessness. For beginners, a breathable ball gag, which includes holes to make breathing easier, can be especially good, because it ensures that the submissive isn't too overwhelmed by the experience. You can always move up to a regular ball gag down the road if you want to make things more intense! Because one partner won't be able to communicate, make sure you have a safe signal.
The Sportsheets Saffron Breathable Ball Gag is great for beginners.
As far as sensory deprivation is concerned, a blindfold is a very exciting option - and one that many people overlook because it's just so simple. Given that you’re with someone you trust, it can quite an exciting experiment to not be able to see your surroundings, or know what your partner might be up to next. Plus, science will tell you that when one sense is taken away, the others become sharper in response. This can mean more sensation and more satisfaction.
This satin blindfold from Sportsheets is as simple as it gets - but oh-so sexy!
If you're into power (or pet!) play, a leash and collar can make a great addition to your scene. And, while people often think of this option as "hardcore," the only thing hardcore about it is the power dynamic it creates. The toy itself is simple and safe for BDSM enthusiasts of all levels.
This leash and collar from Sportsheets' Saffron line is sexy, soft and made of vegan leather.
Here's a little bit of BDSM swag you probably haven't heard of: the love strap. This is a fun, sexy way to pull your partner in close, and it can even be doubled over to be used to give that partner a bit of a slap. It's perfect for "from behind" positions like "doggy style," and can allow for deeper and more powerful penetration (if that's what your'e into.)
The Sportsheet's Love Strap means more grip, control and deeper penetration.
All in all, all of these implements are relatively user friendly, and should offer an amazing introduction to play. So go ahead, test your limits (safely.) Enjoy!
