Whip workshops at the San Francisco Circus Center are held on the First and Third Thurdsay evenings of the month.
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Here are some videos from the workshop.
Below are the workshop safety guidelines. Please note that eye protection is now mandatory.
Bullwhip Workshop Safety
Bullwhips can cut flesh, break bones, put out an eye, or slice off an ear. Treat them with respect and use these common sense safety precautions to limit damage to the occasional welt.
Protect Other People
- Be aware of the space all around you, including directly behind you and over your head. Allow plenty of room for your whip to crack.
- Do not fool around with a whip or threaten anyone with it. Uncontrolled and unscripted use of a whip can have unpredictable results.
- Never use a whip where it might pick up dirt or gravel and fling it at someone.
Protect Yourself
- Wear protective clothing. Eye protection is required. Gloves will prevent blisters on your hands. Ear plugs will make the sound level more comfortable. A stout jacket and pants may save you some welts.
- When you are not cracking, stay near the walls of the gym. Do not enter anyone else's space without warning them. Remember they may be wearing ear plugs so make sure they acknowledge you.
Protect the Whips
- Do not crack the whip too loud. It is bad for the whip and unpleasant for other people. True control of the whip means you can crack it as quietly as you like.
- Do not use anyone else's whip without permission.
- When you are not using the whip, do not leave it on the floor where someone might tread on it or trip over it.