Spanking paddles

Which kinds of BDSM paddle are there?

• Faux leather a wide paddle with a little give is the gentlest start, such as the Faux Leather Spanking Paddle from Fifty Shades of Grey or the Heart Throb Paddle from CalExotics.
• Real leather the Genuine Leather Spank Paddle from Hidden Desire gives a fuller, deeper smack.
• Silicone flexible and easy to clean, like the Silicone Paddle and Plug from Taboom. Silicone feels sharper than leather.
• Two sides the Hard And Soft Touch Paddle from Taboom has a soft side and a hard side, so you can switch between them.
• With studs the Spiked Paddles from Hidden Desire come in medium, large and extra large. Their small points give a sharper sensation and are meant for experienced players.
• Electric the Electro Shock Paddle combines a smack with an electric tingle. You can read more about that kind of play under electro sex.

How do shape and length change the feel?

A short paddle with a firm handle gives you plenty of control, which helps while you are still learning how hard to swing. A longer paddle travels further and therefore feels heavier, even when you make the same movement. A wide blade spreads the impact over a large area and lands with a thud, whereas a narrow one like the Woven Slapper stings more. Some paddles leave an imprint, such as the heart of the Heart Throb Paddle or the footprint of the Dirty Footprint Paddle. That makes the play more cheeky, and for many people a temporary mark is part of the fun.

Which positions work best for spanking?

Lying across the knee is the classic spanking position and feels intimate straight away, but it is less practical with a long paddle. Bending over the edge of the bed or a sturdy chair gives the receiver support and the giver more room to swing. Lying face down with a pillow under the hips is the most relaxed position for a longer session. Choose a position in which the receiver lies or stands steadily, so a smack never lands somewhere unexpected.

How do you use a paddle safely?

Agree beforehand on what you both want and choose a safe word. If a paddle is your first step into impact play, also read your first BDSM gear. Warm up the skin first with light pats and build up slowly. Only spank fleshy areas, such as the bottom and the tops of the thighs. Never aim at the lower back, the kidneys, the tailbone or the joints, and never use an electric paddle above the waist. After use, clean the paddle with a damp cloth or a sex toy cleaner.

Aftercare is part of every session. Gently rub a mild, unscented lotion into the skin, have something to drink and take time to come back down. A day later, talk about how it felt, so you both know what you would like to change next time. That builds trust, and with it the room to go a little further.

Looking for a different sensation? Then have a look at the floggers and the BDSM whips, or browse all our BDSM toys.

Frequently asked questions about BDSM paddles