MATT'S WHIP PAGE

Welcome to my Whip page. Check out these terrific David Morgan Bullwhips which are used by Hugo in Maracaibo, Venezuela. On the day I received my Whip we cracked it so much that the end (cracker) came off. If you're in the mood send us a picture of your Whip and I'll put it on this page.

SPORT-CRACKING

A definition of sport-cracking could be 'developing and using Whip handling skills'. In other words, getting flash with the Whip. This can be learning straightforward Whipcracking or cracking sequences. Multiple cracking, using more than one Whip. Accuracy of hitting or cutting targets. Picking up, or moving targets with the Whip, controlling targets. It's all done with Whips. This page is about the struggles of an amateur Whipcracker and getting started with the Whip.

I first became interested in Whipcracking after finding some sports-whip references on the web. Before then, I'd never thought about learning Bullwhip skills. I had a vague idea that some western groups were about, but never considered (or cared) whether any of them might be interested in Whip cracking, and I'd never seen any Whip artists or performers, even on TV.

After seeing the stuff on the web, it took me two months to decide to get the Morgan Bullwhip, which arrived after about a 7 week wait. There's a picture somewhere on this page.

You can get replacement crackers from David Morgan. They give instructions how to replace the cracker here. For technical info. and commercial links it's Bullwhips FAQ.

If my e-mail is anything to go by, the term 'sport-cracking' isn't universal. Plain 'Whipcracking' or even 'Bullwhipping' get used just as much and it's an art as well as a sport. I reckon it all depends on how posh you want to be.

LEARNING TO CRACK THE WHIP

It's early days I know but this Whipcracking is not going well. I've had a few days practice so far. It just won't stop raining, unless it's snowing that is. I don't really have a clue what I'm doing. It's quite hard work.

Stuff growing in the garden and tin cans seem to be ideal volunteers for target practice. You'll need to be surprisingly fit and I've learned that you can expect to receive the 'occasional' lick while you learn to crack the Whip - it doesn't hurt at all, you'll just laugh and carry on. Not.

To help improve my cracking I'm using the information from the above FAQ. I can't quite stretch to paying for private lessons but I've invested in a video tape or two. I don't expect much progress until the sun comes out.

Anthony de Longis is offering group or private tuition. (I think you have to go to California.)

WHIP TRAINING/VIDEOS

So far I've seen these tapes advertised. I cannot learn anything from those written descriptions of Whipcracking on Bullwhips FAQ. They are meaningless-other than to the person that wrote them, I guess. Presumably other Whip 'experts' can follow the descriptions. A regular guy is more likely to give up than learn anything. It has to be Whip training videos and those quicktime movies. Really I'd like a personal Whip trainer but don't think that's going to happen, so...

The Art of the Bullwhip.
Learn the Art of Whipcracking made easy Pt 1.
Learn the Art of Whipcracking made easy Pt 2.
Bullwhip Basics-The first 6 lessons
Whipcracking with the Masters-Volume 1
Mastering the Bullwhip 1 The Anatomy of the Bullwhip
Mastering the Bullwhip 2 Faster than a speeding bullet
John Brady on Video
The Ways of Whips.

REVIEWS

The Art of the Bullwhip;-You get get to see David Morgan being very knowledgeable and watch out for Vince Bruce who is amazing. This tape is an informative all rounder. A no-frills production that's a bit of a who's who in the Whip world. For a first tape I should have gone for something that gives more instruction, although I did learn that all Whip artists smoke.

Whipcracking made easy;- If you can already crack the Whip, this tape is pretty dull. A short tape that uses several clips from the Art of the Bullwhip. The names of the cracks differ from what Bullwhips FAQ tell us. Alex Green shows you how an amateur can show-off big time by stringing a load of different cracks together. This tape might help me sort my dodgy sidearm crack, which could be an opposite horizontal crack. It's hard to know.

Whipcracking made easy Part 2:- I don't think the Whipcracking is actually made easy, but you know what to do if you're going to improve your cracking. It's much more of a training video than 'entertainment'. Techniques and props dedicated to improving your target work are shown. OK

Mastering the Bullwhip Volume 1:- There's no cowboy hat or spurs. It's has a classroom feel and the teacher wears spectacles. Mr DeLongis is articulate, the pace is right and the teaching style is just fine for me. I'm learning a lot here - it's serious tuition. No cowboy rough-stuff. This guy knows the Bullwhips and how to teach. It says "running time 57 min" on the label. Time well spent. I 'm ready to watch this again.

Mastering the Bullwhip Volume 2 :-This is exactly what you would expect. A bit of revision and some flash stuff. Not entertaining. Teacher just shows you what you need to know. "Running time 46 min" it says.

The Ways of Whips :-Review by Adam ( since I haven't seen it) who says, "Truly the best instructional video for anyone wanting information on how to crack a Stockwhip. He [Whip Man - Peter Jack] even wrote and played the background music (it's pretty good). Check-out how the Whipman "picks" apples!! It's stripped down, get to the point, no fluff, whip crackin', eye poppin', instruction!! Definitely worth checking out!"

John Brady :-Review by David who says, "Simply amazing. John does every single and double-handed multiple cracking trick imaginable with extreme speed. Interview segments by Mark Allen. See multiple cracking sequences like the Arrowhead, Queensland Flash, and Sidney Flash. Beginning whip artists will probably be hard pressed to glean much from this, but seasoned whip artists ought to be able to pick up some things from him."

Whip cracking with the Masters :-Review by David who says, " I was disappointed in this whip video. I was expecting some new tricks from De Longis, but it's basically just pieces of his videos, Mastering the Bullwhip Vol.1 & 2. Colin's stockwhip work is o.k., but nothing spectacular. You would do yourself better with Anthony's work in his other two videos."

If you know what the other tapes are like, send me some Whipcracking mail before any more money is spent. I've received one vote for the John Brady video. The Disney movie, "The Man from Snowy River" (1982) has a few nice Whip-cracking scenes. I've been watching an old Black and White movie, "The Law of the Lash" (1947). Small town roughs get predictable taming from a Whip-man who gets the gal. Complete rubbish. Also, "King of the Bullwhip" (1950) Our hero is a Whip-wielding lawman who takes on masked Whip-fiend. Whips-a-plenty but no gal. Not bad. Other suggestions are welcome. There's a movie called "Men with Whips" - does anyone know anything about it. Click here to see the only reference I've been able to find.

PROGRESS

Whipcracking Update 1. I've had the Whip for nearly a month now and today was the best yet. Not only was it the first day that didn't rain but I was able to leave work early for an ace Whipcracking session. After about a five minute warm-up I was really doing some terrific cracks. I've had to stop through exhaustion-and I only got two licks. I can't explain the sense of satisfaction from cracking the Whip. The replacement popper is as good as new.

My technique involves an unfortunate 'left-leg-lift' as I deliver the crack and these two licks are a bit unpleasant really. I suspect that I'm still putting in more muscle than skill at the moment, but it still feels pretty satisfying... well apart from those licks.

I'm told that if the popper came off after one day then I'm cracking too hard. "It's about form, not muscle," apparently. Well maybe you don't need to be fit after all. Whips are similar to fishing rods in a way. Crack whips or fly fishing robs around your backyard fish pond to help you practice.

Whipcracking Update 2. I've got it worked out now. You must do exactly as Karen Quest does, in the Bullwhips FAQ quicktime movie "forward crack". Instead of getting out-of-breath type of exhausted, you can carry on for ages with much less effort. The cracks are very satisfying, and can be dished out in pretty quick succession. The left-leg-lift issue is sorted and I understand the whole thing now looks dead cool. A bit of a set-back is that eventually your arm drops off.
I can now do an overhead crack, but it feels a bit dangerous as the crack is that much nearer. I'm also trying the forward crack with my left hand. The odd attempt is successful but generally I end up Whipping myself a fair bit.
The Whip is six weeks old now, has a worn-in look and is much more fluid than at first. I've got through three poppers so far- the crack really changes with a new popper. I now suspect that when the popper came off on the first day, it must have caught on something. Poppers don't fall off that easily-they just start to look increasingly wrecked.

Whipcracking Update 3. It's only one week later and it all seems so easy now. Instead of exhaustion, the cracking sessions are limited by how much noise I can take. The cracks are unbelievably loud. The only licks I get are whenever I try the side-arm crack. I am also getting a bit of an itch to work with longer Whips. If anyone out there is using long Whips, say 10ft +, tell us about it.

This sidearm/opposite horizontal crack is hard work for me. I'm back to getting Whipped a lot and when I do get a crack, it's not exactly fierce. I know that I will master the crack, but how many licks will it take.

I've found the answer to this one-forget it. I'll come back and sort this out when I'm next in the mood. There's no point in carrying on. I'm getting nowhere. I'll start again when I feel like it. I feel better already.

WHIP PROBLEM

The Morgan Bullwhip is looking a bit dodgy at the point just before where fall is attached. I had been pretending that it wasn't happening. A fellow Whipcracker has written to me for advice about the same thing on his Whip. We would grateful for the opinion of Whip experts. It looks like this part of the Whip is getting a lot of abuse. Are we doing something wrong or breaking any Whip laws?

My e-mail replies so far suggest the following...This nearly always happens. The flexible thong takes a lot of bending stress where it's attached to the rigid knot. Just ignore it, unless a strand is broken, then rebraid. It's aggravated by cracking wildly and when the Whip catches on itself...so calm down and stop hitting solid objects.
Many thanks to those who have e-mailed.

THE WHIPLESS

Some people think that it's OK to look down on those that don't use the Whip. I know I do. A top gift idea for the Whipless is a Beginner's Whipcracking Kit. It's pretty easy to throw this lot together:- Bullwhip, replacement crackers, training video, safety goggles and some Whip wax. Everything you need to get cracking. If you're minus a Whip yourself, you know what to ask for.

WHIP HISTORY ( CONDENSED VERSION )

Whips have always been around. Whether it's to drive cattle or to make your horse run faster, the Whip gets used. Throughout history, rulers, law enforcers and slavers all used Whips to get their way. This enduring symbol of power is also used to entertain us. This can be the Circus Ringmaster, Indiana Jones or a performing Whip artist. I guess our Whips are here to stay.

STUFF

I now know from Whip-mail received that these long Whips are fairly difficult to keep of the ground. Not something you really want to have to sort out while you're learning. That 20ft Bullwhip will have to wait. If you fancy some Whip-talk, my e-mail is just below. I'm in England. (I guess you worked that out by my accent.) I won't be able to tell you what Whip to buy, I just don't know enough. My only tip is to stick to a 6 or 8ft. to start with. Why don't we ever hear from Australians - either they don't have computers or they don't have Whips. Any thoughts?

WHIP NEWS

Err... I mean NEW WHIPS. This recently arrived. It's the handle of my new 8ft, 20 plait Bullwhip made for me by Whipman, Peter Jack. I got this image by laying the Whip handle on the scanner and covering it with a t-shirt. You can see the same Whip just below in the Gallery.

MORE WHIP NEWS

I've had an idea for another kind of Whip activity. It involves a certain amount of Whip-crime where YOU are the criminal. Please take a look at Vintage Whip Dudes page here. It's a gallery of people posing with Whips from the olde worlde days. All the pictures are black and white. Please keep a look out for pictures of John Wayne etc. Also check Whip Dudes, for more up to date stuff Catwoman, your next door neighbor, anyone really who is posing with the Whip. If I get into trouble with the International Whip Police, I'll have to stop.

WHIP HOLSTER

I've now got a holster for hanging the Whip from my belt. The Mark Allen catalog charges $14.95. Postage $4.68 Total $29.20. Hmm...Cowboy math? Handling charge it seems is a mere $9.57. My advice: carry the Whip in your hand. (This picture looks really arty in negative)

Check out Whips-on-line for the some Whip links.

I don't update this page too often since there's only so much you can say after a while. Look forward to hearing from from you. I've now got myself a Nylon Bullwhip. It doesn't feel quite right. It was so inexpensive, it was virtually free. I'm about to go and use it so email me if you want to know how I get on.

Did you ever walk past a field of cows and think "Walking Whips"?

Whipcracking mail here

GALLERY

As well as Bullwhips, there's some pretty unusual Whips here. All Whip pictures welcomed. Please supervise your children in the gallery or leave them in the CRECHE.(New window opens)

Hey, here it is, my latest Whip. Good looking and it even smells kinda good too. You can see the quality above. When I opened the box I was pretty excited, I've only just calmed down. The phrase "not a toy" springs to mind.

This picture was sent to me with a request for anonymity. The owner lives in England. Apparently it's Russian. (The Whip, that is.)

Uwe from Germany says it's called a Nagaika.

This is my very own David Morgan Bullwhip. It's a 16 plait 6 ft 'Classic' Whip. It doesn't look quite as pristine as this anymore.

Whipman Benjamin J. Scott in California is responsible here. Not only did he make this beauty but even performed at his church once and gave lessons for about an hour afterwards. Sounds like a top church.

Apparently he's not rich. Well you can't have everything Ben. Thanks for sharing this great looking Whip.

A Whip used by a youngster as part of his Cowboy outfit.

Spotted on ebay, we are told that 'this cute little Whip came with a toy cowboy outfit that Dad wore as a child. It is well constructed and in good condition. It is 35" long from the end of the strap.'

I guess it's just a quirt really. A great Whip for a junior cowboy.

This non scary looking whip is made by Jim Hurlbutt. It's a 16 plait 7 ft bullwhip that's suprisingly light.
You wouldn't use this for stock control - but it looks pretty good.

I'm holding a Sjambok which belongs to Phil. It's made from plastic and has had the handle rewrapped in kangaroo hide by Joe Strain.

These four beauties are Uwe's. There's a 12 plait Australian Whip from David Morgan. A 'German latigo' Bullwhip. A Mexican swivel handle and lastly an old US swivel handle.

The first three are actually in use. Uwe.

WHIP WARNING. If you are new to this Whip thing then watch out...once you get started, this is what your house ends up like fairly quickly. If this picture scares you, then you should stop now.
If you're like me and think this looks quite good then you'll be pleased to know that these are more of Hugo's Whips including an Argentinian Whip made in 1982. Thanks Hugo.

Click on the image to find out the story behind this Bullwhip. Used by Joe E. Brown who is better known as MASTER of the BULLWHIP.

There's not too many Cowboys here in England. In general the Whips look a bit more like this. Not quite John Wayne but still pretty good. I've no idea how this type of Whip handles.

This tiny signal Whip is about 30 inches long. The fine braiding makes it look much bigger even with the ruler in the photo'. The whole Whip fits in the wrist loop. Coiled, it's about the size of a mobile phone (and far better to have on your belt).

You can't crack it, but it snaps nicely. It has no real function but is nice to carry around and looks good. Made by Mr. Morgan.

Pay attention for Whip History from the coast of Georgia. This is a plantation-made slave Whip measuring 12' 7" plus the handle.

The Whip was made by stacking leather and tying it together with leather ties. There's some fairly high res. pictures here if you want to see exactly how it's made.

These fine Whips get used by Jim in Greensboro PA. From the left it's a Morgan, then a Whipman (same as my one) and on the right an 8ft nylon Bullwhip from Mark Allen. In the past I owned cheap Whips and wore them out rather quickly', says Jim.

This is a terrific old Whip that has been made using a long iron rod inside the hickory wooden handle. Thought to be from the early 'Gold-field' days. (I don't know what that means, but you might)

Many thanks for this picture of a 9 foot Bullwhip made by David Bould of Bould Whips, Australia. Crafted for use by Whipman J.R Miller in White City - south of Portland OR. "The Whip handles very nicely, is flexible and cracks beautifully" says J.R.

"Make sure Peter Jack gets all due credit for his wonderful work," says Sebastian who uses these matching New Zealand Stock Whips. Sebastian is in Dallas, Texas.

This Whip is used by Marco Senf in Germany. It's a 10 ft Morgan. Marco says it's his favorite Whip.
We all like it too.

Adam Sandoval tells us about his Whips. "Top right: Old Buckman(told it was a collector's item - the company went out of business) 10' cowhide; it's the first real whip I ever owned, it's 12 years old and my most prized of all my whips. Bottom Left: Peter Jack Stockman's whip; 6' 4 plait cowhide. This is my work-horse. Since it's cowhide it can take some serious abuse. Once you try a stock whip you'll never go back. You can do so much with stock whips that you can't with bull whips. My favorite whip.

Bottom right: Peter Jack Custom Stock whip; 6' 16 plait kangaroo leather. It's nice but since every now and then I'll accidentially hit the whip on itself. So now it's just on the side until I feel confident enough that no harm will ever come to this whip."

Pay attention again now. Here's another historical artifact, this one from a from a nautical collection.

Scary looking 8 &1/2 foot Whip kept by a Ships Captain. The owner tells us that it's made of canvas and leather and dates from the middle 1800's. "The rigid 'cone' at the tip which appears to be very fine hemp rope work."

I reckon it was a snake Whip that's had the end chopped off, but dont tell Captain.

Aye Aye Sir.

Designed by a lazy bull it's a very charitable Whip. Created from Styrofoam, cotton wool and a feathers it's completely ~~useless~~ silent.
(Warning: regular bullwhip dudes will think you're holding a target..or they may just start to dislike you of course.)
Reviews;-
I prefer the new lenient Whip -Lazy Horse
Every day is like a holiday with the Lenient Whip - Unemployed Whip Performer
Ouch- Confused person