How to Crack a Bullwhip

Introduction

Maybe you don't have any cattle to drive to market, but cracking a bullwhip isn't just for cowboys or Spanish vaqueros anymore. Just ask Indiana Jones--seen here in the whip crackin' trailer for the great first movie in the series, "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Read on to be like Indy and break the sound barrier with the popper, which is the end of a bullwhip. You'll be rewarded with a sonic "crack."

By: eHow Hobbies, Games & Toys Editor

Length: 0:00

Comments: 0

View more articles by this author

Flag | RSS

(0)

Add to Favorites

URL:
Embed:

Instructions

Text Size: – +

Print Article

Difficulty: Moderate

Tips & Warnings:

Don't try to muscle the crack. A smooth fluid movement permits the loop to run the length of the whip and pick up the necessary speed.
If the end of the bullwhip hits the ground before it cracks, you're dropping your arm too far.
Expect to get popped a few times while learning. Even the experts pop themselves.

Step1

Wear sunglasses or safety glasses, a long sleeved shirt, long pants and shoes as protection against the fast moving popper.

Step2

Allow plenty of space to crack the whip. If the bullwhip is 5 feet long, you'll need twice that amount of space plus the length of your arm. The popper will be moving at about 700 mph, which can damage anything in its way.

Step3

Grasp the handle of the bullwhip firmly with your thumb pointing forward as if you were shaking hands with the handle. Lower your arm to your side and allow the whip to dangle freely. Make sure it's not behind you so it won't strike you when it begins to move.

Step4

Raise your arm straight up all the way in one smooth upward swinging motion. The leather should fall into a natural loop up at the top near the handle. Make sure the loop is on the outside rather than between you and your upraised arm.

Step5

Practice the upswing without trying to crack the bullwhip until you can perform it smoothly. Because your arms will quickly tire, practice with both your right and left arms, keeping that loop to the outside each time.

Step6

Bring your forearm forward with a light wrist snap. Aim your thumb and wrist in the direction you want the whip to go. Move the upper arm to a parallel position with the ground, as if you were casting a fishing rod or throwing a ball.

Step7

Practice with both arms until the loop travels down the length of the bullwhip, ending with a loud crack.