new to spanking and paddling

I talk to many people that are just getting into the spanking scene and they all have pretty much the same questions. I'm going to try to answer these questions here. If you have a question that isn't listed, contact me through this site and I will answer your question and may post it here. Be sure you give me the correct email to respond to.

First and foremost, because I'm a paddlemaker, the most common question I get is... I've never used a paddle before, what paddle should I get? You should get a light weight paddle that has a decent head size. The heavier, more dense the paddle, the more impact it will have and the more knowleagable you will need to be in how hard to use it. A lightweight paddle is always the best for someone just starting out. You will want to pay very good attention to the person you are spanking and make sure that they are comfortable with the level of play. Communication is very important when you are new to spanking and or paddling.

How do I go about meeting a play partner for the first time? The first meeting and maybe even multiple meetings after that, should be in a public place, never meet someone for the first time in a private location. Make sure that someone knows where you are going and when to expect a call from you. Make sure you have call times set up and call at those times so your 'safe call' person knows you are okay. This applies to both public meetings and play sessions. Make sure your safe call person has information on the person you are meeting with. If the person has a problem with giving this information, then reconsider your meeting. Your safety should be your number one priority.

It's my first play session, what should I do? Make sure that there is a 'safeword' in place. No matter if you're a top or a bottom, it is your responsibility to make sure this word is known and acknowledged by both. You may want to use something like green for go, yellow for ease up and red for dead stop. This will give more control over the intensity of the play session. Don't go overboard on your first session. I've seen many bottoms get very bruised and battered on the first session because the endorphins are running high. As a bottom, you may regret it in a day or two and as a top you may hear about it for days to come. Let your play become harder as you get more used to it. You'll be better able to judge how your bottom is doing and if you like the bruised ache that comes from a hard spanking. I have seen so many newbies attend their first three day event spanking party and play so hard the first night that they are unable to play at all for the rest of the party. If you are a top, and it is the first night of a multiple day event, be considerate of the bottoms you are playing with. Don't play so hard that you ruin them for the rest of the party and for the rest of the tops.

What about aftercare for the bottom? If the bottom is bruised, kneading the flesh can actually help break up the bruising. Some take baths with epsom salts and others use Arnica gel, cream or pills. Some also use Aloe Vera. Try one or any combination of these and find something that works for your skin type and body chemistry. Emotional aftercare is important too. The bottom quite often will need hugs and a reassuring voice, especially if the spanking was a disciplinary one. Don't pass over the tender moments, they are often what makes this kink so emotionally and physically satisfying.

How should I dress for my first meeting? The answer to this is more simple than you may think. Dress comfortable, in clothes that you feel good about yourself in. Make sure that both you and your clothes are clean and presentable. I know that shouldn't have to be said; however, I have seen individuals show up for a spanking 'get together' in clothes that belonged in the laundry basket.