Q: Can I provide my own whip?
A: Of course you may but within the guidelines laid out by the studio. They are as follows:
-Non-Swivel Handle Although durable and useful for driving cattle, the swivel handle makes the whip unpredictable when it comes to targeting and multiple cracking. This will lead to bad habits and make the whip unsafe while working around others.
-Plaited Leather (Nylon) Belly(ies) This is very important as a belly defines the "life" of a whip. It allows for a smoother loop formation, which leads to accuracy and consistent ease of use.
-Replaceable Fall This allows both the fall and cracker to be replaced as needed.
-5' to 8' Length This is a good length for working indoors and still allowing the more advanced cracking techniques you will learn. A shorter whip will move too quickly to provide adequate feedback to a a new student, while a longer whip while slower, will be clumsy when more vigorous cracking is attempted.
Quality is expensive. A good quality kangaroo hide whip starts at around $450 and it just goes up from there. But with proper maintenance and care, it will last as long as the whip handler does, if not longer. A quality whip cannot be manufactured by a machine, so each plait is cut and braided by hand, a rare technical skill in this day and age that takes years of experience to master. It is truly an art in and of itself and each whip is unique and more then worth it's monetary value. The SuperSonic Studio recommends the Economy Bullwhip by Swordguy Builds (Torrance Fisher) as an excellent first whip. Starting at $154 USD a beginner or an experienced whip handler can purchase a quality, hand made whip by a well known maker that will serve them well. Feel free to ask if you think you've found a whip you can use during your training, or would like help finding the right whip for you.
Q: Is there an age limit to learning the whip?
A: Kids from 8-80 can be taught to use a whip. In Australia it's not uncommon to see children as young as six competing at regional tournaments for whip skill. The SuperSonic Studio imposes an age limit of 13 for an unaccompanied minor.
Q: Is this dangerous?
A: If taught correctly and approached with safety in mind, whip cracking is safe as any sport you may engage in.
Q: What should I wear to my lesson?
A: You want to be comfortable and have ease of movement. A baseball cap or similar is encouraged. Eye protection is mandatory for beginning students.
Q; What should I bring to my lesson?
A: Always bring your eye and ear protection. A notebook and a good pencil to jot down notes and reminders as you learn is a good idea. As is a bottle of water to remain hydrated. And always remember your whip!
Q: How do I care for my whip?
A: This is covered during your course of instruction.
Q: Are there any videos I can watch if I can't find an personal instructor?
A: James endorses and uses Anthony DeLongis's Mastering the Bullwhip Vol. III and IV which can be found for download HERE.
Q: I did not find my question here!
A: Use our Contact Us page and we'll see if we can answer it!