Whip Cracking
learn to master the sport of cracking and manipulating a whip!
Sport whip cracking! The perfect activity for those looking for something a bit different, quirky or unusual! Join us on for our whip-workshops.
Learn to crack, target and grip with a whip!
Learn to master the ancient art of whip cracking, from breaking the sound barrier to hitting targets—become a regular Indiana Jones in no time! Ridgeway Adventures is the first UK indoor activity centre to offer regular whip cracking workshops. Inspired by TV and film heroes like Zorro, Catwoman, and Indiana Jones, this is your chance to crack the whip like a pro.
Each session begins with a full safety briefing. Whip cracking is not for the faint-hearted—expect a few “ouch” moments! Wide-brimmed hats, protective glasses, and optional earplugs are provided.
Workshops cover whip handling and control, producing a sonic crack, target hitting, disarming techniques, and grip skills. Beginners will learn the basics, including the cattleman’s crack and back crack, before moving on to fun target challenges in the second half of the session.
What do I need for a whip cracking session?
Beginners’ whip cracking sessions involve a small element of pain. Participants must wear long sleeves, enclosed trousers, and fully enclosed shoes (no flip-flops or sandals). Layers help absorb any accidental contact. If you have a low pain tolerance, this activity may not be suitable—being “kissed” by a whip feels like a light caning or stinging slap. Sessions are 16+ only.
Sessions are for novices, designed for groups of up to 6 people. All participants must be 16+. The aim is to introduce beginners to controlling and cracking a whip safely, with a focus on avoiding self-injury.
The whip is one of the oldest human inventions to break the sound barrier, historically used in agriculture, coach travel, and, more darkly, corporal punishment. In the last century, whip cracking became a circus performance art, often part of a lion-tamer or ringmaster act.
In recent decades, whip cracking has grown as a sport celebrating rural agricultural traditions—from Bavarian Aperschnalzen, used to clear snow and ward off evil spirits, to practices in America and Australia. Social media stars like Adam Winrich and Jacques Ze Whipper have helped popularise it worldwide.