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."
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Bullwhip
- Eye protection
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-
1
Wear sunglasses or safety glasses, a long sleeved shirt, long pants and shoes as protection against the fast moving popper.
-
2
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.
-
3
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.
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4
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.
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5
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.
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6
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.
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7
Practice with both arms until the loop travels down the length of the bullwhip, ending with a loud crack.
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1
Comments
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Sumariel
May 24, 2008
I didn't watch the video, I already can do this, I wouldn't mind a lesson in picking a fly off a bull's nose without disturbing the bull. My grandfather could do that. That would make this a useful trick. Sumariel -
Sumariel
May 24, 2008
I didn't watch the video, I already can do this, I wouldn't mind a lesson in picking a fly off a bull's nose without disturbing the bull. My grandfather could do that. That would make this a useful trick. Sumariel
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Larry Fike
May 24, 2008
Nice details. Now can for your piece on fly-fishing techniques!
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Larry Fike
May 24, 2008
Nice details. Now can for your piece on fly-fishing techniques!
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