To some it may sound awkward, being surrounded by other people while someone tells you how to properly handle a flogger or whip, but it is extremely important to learn these things if you are going to play with these toys.
Imagine this: you're a new Sub and about to let your Dom whip or flog you- your Dom doesn't know how to use the toy, and instead of hitting your back or bottom, your inexperienced Dom hits the back of your neck or head. You can damage your neck, head, lose hearing, and many other complications, all because your Dom didn't know how to wield a specific toy.
It's important for us Subs to have complete faith and trust in our Doms when they use such toys. Let's imagine another scenario--this one may not seem as serious as the previous one, but has a much worse end for the sub. Imagine you're a sub, handcuffed and tied to the bed. Everything is set up; your paddles and other toys are waiting on the dresser to be used, candles are burning so they can drip hot wax on you. But suddenly, your Dom remembers that they have to go get something from the other room and leaves you tied to the bed--your candles catch the curtains on fire and you're still tied to the bed. You can imagine how this could end for you.
I'm not trying to scare you away from BDSM or kinky sex- I love it myself and enjoy it in my life. I am simply emphasizing the point that learning how to safely practice said kinks is important. If you have the spare time and money, take a class on the matter. If you either don't have that, or feel awkward about people learning about your kinks, you can learn a lot of basic information online.
Practice using floggers and whips on pillows or large stuffed animals. Use your common sense and never leave a tied up person alone in the room. Always have a signal for when things have gone to far- not just a safe word, but a safe signal for when they can't speak and their hands are cuffed.
There are many places you can learn about BDSM safety. Learn about it before you jump in and let someone hit you with a belt or tie you up and leave you. You can find information on the subject online, in books (like this one, Bondage for Beginners), at classes, and simply by talking with an experienced Kinkster.
Learn as much as you can on the subject for you and your partner's safety
