WHIP MAINTANENCE

     Proper use of the Bullwhip is surely an art and a technique.  As sure as the compass points north so the whip points where the thumb dictates.  With the thumb nicely lined up with the handle, so your whip obeys.  There are several steps to using the bullwhip correctly and successfully, you should be in an area where no obstacles hinder the procedure.  The whip must have a clear path to execute its movement.  You need to consider a couple of things
•    How long is the whip?  Times two
•    How long is the fall?  Times two
•    How long is your arm?  Times two
•    Distance needed around you
     Imagine yourself standing in the middle of a circle, the surrounding area from where you are standing in the centre must be the length of your arm, plus the length of the fall and of course the length of the whip times two.  Add these together and from where you stand in the centre of the imaginary circle, this measurement must be met in all directions.  For instance, if the whip is 12 feet, the fall is 1 foot and your arm is 2 feet, your circle will need a diameter of 30 feet in order to properly and safely maneuver your whip.
     Be prepared to suffer through this initiation period of using the whip.  You will no doubt be hitting yourself through trial and error, so wear safety equipment, especially eyewear.  A hat is always a good idea as well, rather than have the whip wrapped around your head.  Maybe this is part of the reason cowboys wear those wide brimmed hats?  Overall, keep yourself protected when learning and even after when you become experienced.  Keeping the loop fashioned by the whip on the outside of your arm can help control not hitting yourself.  Just remember, the whip will go wherever your thumb is pointing.
 
     More to remember when thinking about safety, the end of your whip travels faster than the speed of sound, so be precise, misplacing it can do a lot of damage.
•    Extend the length of the whip behind you making sure the area is free of obstacles
•    Bringing your whip forward in a fluid motion, point your thumb towards the desired target , the more fluid the motion the more crack in the whip
•    Cock your arm back and away from your body to the side this way the whip won’t come back at your body but rather to the side
•    Once you have this technique mastered you can then move on to bigger and better moves
•    Before trying anything advanced, such as wrapping your neck, even with hours of practice this type of move can be very dangerous and intricate control of the whip is needed here
•    When cocking your whip be aware of the potential hazards of the fall lifting objects into the air and tossing them, it can happen
•    Never, ever use people for target practice, one wrong move can remove an eye when someone is holding a target it is suggested they stand with their back to you and arm outstretched, safety glasses and clothing should be worn
Maintaining the whip and keeping it in good condition is right up there with the importance of using it safely.  Getting a whip for the first time can be exhilarating, and exciting, but safety rules.  It is not a toy and you must remember the damage it could do.  Enjoy, have fun, learn safely.