Who taught you/how'd you learn whip cracking?
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- Snakewhip_Sable
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Who taught you/how'd you learn whip cracking?
Don't be shy, let us know. Stories are good if you got 'em.
- webley420
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I voted for "I was taught by a master (explain)." The ferst time I got to meet any one from COW was when I was invited to Renderking Fisks house. I got to meet Dalexs. A few weeks befor I went I had goten one of those 6ft Swivel Handle Whips and I could not get a crack out of it I showed it to Dalexs and CRRRACK CRRRACK CRRRACK!!! he was whiping that thing like he was born with it he showed me a few different crack but I can only do one correctly.
http://www.bullwhip.org/faq/cracking.html
That's where I learned my stuff from. Read the descriptions, watched some videos, watched some stuff here, went outside and gave it a shot. When I hit myself, I figured I was doing something wrong, so I came back inside, and re-read. I'm happy to say I've gotten a lot of stuff figured out now, and I'm fairly competent with my abilities. I also learned how to do a Figure 8 (something I've been trying for a LONG time) by watching a video of Sergei doing it at the QM 2003.
I'm now trying to figure out how to do this move, with little success:
I think I'll give up on it. lol - it's his signature move anyway. Might make an awesome avatar for him though.
In Christ,
Shane
And now... I'm going outside with my whip.
That's where I learned my stuff from. Read the descriptions, watched some videos, watched some stuff here, went outside and gave it a shot. When I hit myself, I figured I was doing something wrong, so I came back inside, and re-read. I'm happy to say I've gotten a lot of stuff figured out now, and I'm fairly competent with my abilities. I also learned how to do a Figure 8 (something I've been trying for a LONG time) by watching a video of Sergei doing it at the QM 2003.
I'm now trying to figure out how to do this move, with little success:
I think I'll give up on it. lol - it's his signature move anyway. Might make an awesome avatar for him though.
In Christ,
Shane
And now... I'm going outside with my whip.
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Learned how to do the side crack on my own,
used to have a 12 foot , swivel handled whip, used it in the rain and on terrible surfaces, like concrete, didn't know a thing about whipdressings or the like , back then.
Later on, I got hooked up with the internet and got a hold of
the Alex Green videos, those were a great help,
then came the Anthony Delonges videos, those taught me the
easy way to crack a whip by using the proper form, while still being able
to generate a loud desirable crack.
There sure are a lot of excellent resource's now a days, along with kind people who are willing to share what they've learned with others.
Crack on!
Jim J.
used to have a 12 foot , swivel handled whip, used it in the rain and on terrible surfaces, like concrete, didn't know a thing about whipdressings or the like , back then.
Later on, I got hooked up with the internet and got a hold of
the Alex Green videos, those were a great help,
then came the Anthony Delonges videos, those taught me the
easy way to crack a whip by using the proper form, while still being able
to generate a loud desirable crack.
There sure are a lot of excellent resource's now a days, along with kind people who are willing to share what they've learned with others.
Crack on!
Jim J.
- Neolithic
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I was taught by my father as well.Merrick wrote:I was taught by my father. He was something of a pro in his younger days, being able to whip the straw out of your mouth and that kind of thing. I havent tried to learn any such tricks, but my overhead crack is pretty cool.
Although I don't know if he was as expert as yours, Symon!
- Indiana Texas-girl
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The basic cattleman's crack I was taught years ago by some old timer that lived near us. It was on an old swivel handled whip that was old when I saw it nearly 40 yrs ago.
When I recently, (about 8 years ago)seriously got involved with whips I read and watched as many movies and videos as I could get my hands on. Lot's of trial and error, and quite a few welts on the back and legs trying to do some of the things I saw. I have cut a million leaves off those surrounding mesquite trees. The two handed stuff was what worked on the back.
Folks that have really helped me improve with a whip are quite a good bunch of whip crackers that I consider good friends.
Robert Duke has long been an inspiration to me. Too smooth and too cool. I would rather watch Robert crack a pair of whips than eat. (I've seen him eat and it ain't nice! Just kidding). All kidding aside, Robert and I talk whips on a regular basis, both making and cracking and his advice is welcomed. Thanks Robert.
Mark Mulligan - whip cracker, whip maker and saddle maker. This Australian transplant has been an encouragment to me since I met him about 3 yrs ago. He has taught me much about whip construction and how the whips respond. Mark has always been available when I have a question about whipmaking and critiques any different style whips I make. I'm proud to call Mark my friend.
Sebastian - One fine whip handler, and always willing to show what he knows and help get the tricks down. Just a great friend and a joy to visit with.
Bobby Carter - A whip cracker from Houston that is the most technical whip cracker I've met. When Bobby does the "Seven Seas" you can definately hear 7 sharp cracks. And his Arrowheads are awesome! He is one to learn the technicals from.
Peter Jack - though I only met him once, he offered up a lot of information that has not only improved my whipcracking skills, but more importantly gave me a few hints and secrets that improved my whipmaking.
Others that have helped along the way: Chris and Kerri Barr - Australia; Bill Sigler, Oklahoma; Doug Whitaker, Texas; and many others too numerous to mention. I learn something from everyone I watch that cracks a whip. (Even if it is how not to do something!)
And the videos of Mike Murphy, Ben Hughes, Alex Green, John Brady have all helped.
So, my learning continues and it is always a blast.
Jerry R
When I recently, (about 8 years ago)seriously got involved with whips I read and watched as many movies and videos as I could get my hands on. Lot's of trial and error, and quite a few welts on the back and legs trying to do some of the things I saw. I have cut a million leaves off those surrounding mesquite trees. The two handed stuff was what worked on the back.
Folks that have really helped me improve with a whip are quite a good bunch of whip crackers that I consider good friends.
Robert Duke has long been an inspiration to me. Too smooth and too cool. I would rather watch Robert crack a pair of whips than eat. (I've seen him eat and it ain't nice! Just kidding). All kidding aside, Robert and I talk whips on a regular basis, both making and cracking and his advice is welcomed. Thanks Robert.
Mark Mulligan - whip cracker, whip maker and saddle maker. This Australian transplant has been an encouragment to me since I met him about 3 yrs ago. He has taught me much about whip construction and how the whips respond. Mark has always been available when I have a question about whipmaking and critiques any different style whips I make. I'm proud to call Mark my friend.
Sebastian - One fine whip handler, and always willing to show what he knows and help get the tricks down. Just a great friend and a joy to visit with.
Bobby Carter - A whip cracker from Houston that is the most technical whip cracker I've met. When Bobby does the "Seven Seas" you can definately hear 7 sharp cracks. And his Arrowheads are awesome! He is one to learn the technicals from.
Peter Jack - though I only met him once, he offered up a lot of information that has not only improved my whipcracking skills, but more importantly gave me a few hints and secrets that improved my whipmaking.
Others that have helped along the way: Chris and Kerri Barr - Australia; Bill Sigler, Oklahoma; Doug Whitaker, Texas; and many others too numerous to mention. I learn something from everyone I watch that cracks a whip. (Even if it is how not to do something!)
And the videos of Mike Murphy, Ben Hughes, Alex Green, John Brady have all helped.
So, my learning continues and it is always a blast.
Jerry R
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- Canyon
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Unfortunately, I can't crack a whip.
I have tried to learn it myself but I find this very difficult.
A while ago, I joined a Yahoo group called Whipcrack UK, but I haven't really been in a position to meet up with anyone, something I am thinking of doing some time next year when things settle down a bit more.
I have been going through a bit of a mid life crisis lately and sometimes I get the feeling that it's just something that I'll never be able to do. Or maybe its because I've not had enough practice. We shall see.
I have tried to learn it myself but I find this very difficult.
A while ago, I joined a Yahoo group called Whipcrack UK, but I haven't really been in a position to meet up with anyone, something I am thinking of doing some time next year when things settle down a bit more.
I have been going through a bit of a mid life crisis lately and sometimes I get the feeling that it's just something that I'll never be able to do. Or maybe its because I've not had enough practice. We shall see.
- Gater
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self taught.
After Raiders, I picked up one of those cheapo 6-foot jobbies from the local fair for $10. It cracked OK, but each crack would snap a plait, so out came a strip of duct tape. Then I tried to swing from a basement beam, and snapped it in half. more duct tape. by the time I was done, it was basically a duct-tape whip with a cheap leather core.
A few years later, a friend from the US sent me a Mexican 10' swivel-handle whip, and I took it from there, just crackin away in the back yard. I learned all of my current cracks on that l'il Mexican whip. Now I have my 10" DM, and have picked up on snapping a particular leaf off of a branch, and snapping styrofoam cups off of the ground. Unfortunately, my current home does not afford a suitable area for practice, and my abilities are starting to atrophy. I have to get back into it soon, or lose what little talent I have picked up.
(althogh the "I was born with a tail" comment does offer seguay to a Gater joke)
After Raiders, I picked up one of those cheapo 6-foot jobbies from the local fair for $10. It cracked OK, but each crack would snap a plait, so out came a strip of duct tape. Then I tried to swing from a basement beam, and snapped it in half. more duct tape. by the time I was done, it was basically a duct-tape whip with a cheap leather core.
A few years later, a friend from the US sent me a Mexican 10' swivel-handle whip, and I took it from there, just crackin away in the back yard. I learned all of my current cracks on that l'il Mexican whip. Now I have my 10" DM, and have picked up on snapping a particular leaf off of a branch, and snapping styrofoam cups off of the ground. Unfortunately, my current home does not afford a suitable area for practice, and my abilities are starting to atrophy. I have to get back into it soon, or lose what little talent I have picked up.
(althogh the "I was born with a tail" comment does offer seguay to a Gater joke)
- Indiana Texas-girl
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Canyon, it's definitely a challenging sport but it's fun at the same time. You're constantly challenging yourself to improve and it seems the learning curve never stops. It took me a month to get the side arm crack down. It takes perseverance but the joy you feel when you've made a successful crack is exhilerating. If I ever make it over to the UK, I'll be happy to show you some cracks. It can be quite the tension reliever when you're stressed out.Canyon wrote:
I have been going through a bit of a mid life crisis lately and sometimes I get the feeling that it's just something that I'll never be able to do. Or maybe its because I've not had enough practice. We shall see.
For some of you serious whipper snappers, Josh DeWitt of Dallas makes some awesome whip stands. The one I have I can put styrofoam cups or saltine crackers in. I even had him add about 3-4 inches in the middle part so it'd stick up high enough for me to rest my hat on when I'm not cracking. He can also make one where you can attach a dry spaghetti noodle to it. There's also a collapsable one for traveling. Makes for a way to practice target skills and very affordable:
http://hometown.aol.com/jdewhips/home.html
I voted that I was trained by a master. I'll explain.
Now, I'd futzed with whips ever since seeing Raiders back in '81, and I learned a lot from watching the making of Raiders, (possibly on "Standby, Lights, Camera, Action" with Leonard Nimoy back when "Nick" was "Nickelodeon,") and an interview SOMEWHERE in which Harrison Ford said, "the secret is to throw it really easy while making it look like you're trying really hard," or something like that.
I improved. But, I was using one of those crummy "Flea Market" whips from India with the crappy rope core that flies apart on you after a couple days, (probably the same darn things Gater's talking about.) I must have gone through about 10 of them! I also once managed to braid my own whip out of long leather boot strings. I could only braid flat, but I got the thing out to about 7 or 8 foot. It had several sections of braided shoestring. It was @#$%, but it worked better than that thing from India. It didn't crack really well, but got me used to the flow of how the thong on a real whip would move.
A 10' swivel handle followed some years later, (and has since been sold in a yard sale,)
Flash forward about 10-15 years. I'm already a member of this forum. Had been for a while.
Now, I'd known for a couple years that there was a fellow near Dayton who taught whip care and handling seminars, but never really seriously took the time or money to do it.
Then last year, I did something to preempt a premature midlife crisis. My wife was shooting a documentary in Indonesia, and would be gone for two months. Those two months happened to fall with my 30th birthday right smack in the middle, and it seemed like all of my friends were going to be busy that weekend.
So, to prevent myself from sitting at home, (I live out in back of beyond in Southeastern Ohio,) and getting all depressed that I'd turned the big "Three-Oh," I decided to sign up for the two day class that just happened to fall right on my birthday. What did I have to lose? It would at least be fun! And if I didn't like it, I could at least chock it up to a good story.
I went down toward Dayton, and met my whip instructor, Gery Deer. We had a blast over those two days! Gery is an incredible showman and a fantastic teacher.
When folks here say "Crack is addictive," they ain't kiddin'! I was hooked after my first circus crack!
I bought one of our very own Jim "RacerX" Jarrell's "Ugly Ducklings," and haven't quit.
For Christmas, I got an 8' Joe Strain Lonestar, (which after a week in Florida, away from the snow and ice storms we've had here in Ohio, is broken in beautifully!) and have plans to get a 6' target whip from Paul Nolan, and one or two stockwhips from either Mike Murphy or Janine Frasier.
Happy Crackin'!
-Dan
Now, I'd futzed with whips ever since seeing Raiders back in '81, and I learned a lot from watching the making of Raiders, (possibly on "Standby, Lights, Camera, Action" with Leonard Nimoy back when "Nick" was "Nickelodeon,") and an interview SOMEWHERE in which Harrison Ford said, "the secret is to throw it really easy while making it look like you're trying really hard," or something like that.
I improved. But, I was using one of those crummy "Flea Market" whips from India with the crappy rope core that flies apart on you after a couple days, (probably the same darn things Gater's talking about.) I must have gone through about 10 of them! I also once managed to braid my own whip out of long leather boot strings. I could only braid flat, but I got the thing out to about 7 or 8 foot. It had several sections of braided shoestring. It was @#$%, but it worked better than that thing from India. It didn't crack really well, but got me used to the flow of how the thong on a real whip would move.
A 10' swivel handle followed some years later, (and has since been sold in a yard sale,)
Flash forward about 10-15 years. I'm already a member of this forum. Had been for a while.
Now, I'd known for a couple years that there was a fellow near Dayton who taught whip care and handling seminars, but never really seriously took the time or money to do it.
Then last year, I did something to preempt a premature midlife crisis. My wife was shooting a documentary in Indonesia, and would be gone for two months. Those two months happened to fall with my 30th birthday right smack in the middle, and it seemed like all of my friends were going to be busy that weekend.
So, to prevent myself from sitting at home, (I live out in back of beyond in Southeastern Ohio,) and getting all depressed that I'd turned the big "Three-Oh," I decided to sign up for the two day class that just happened to fall right on my birthday. What did I have to lose? It would at least be fun! And if I didn't like it, I could at least chock it up to a good story.
I went down toward Dayton, and met my whip instructor, Gery Deer. We had a blast over those two days! Gery is an incredible showman and a fantastic teacher.
When folks here say "Crack is addictive," they ain't kiddin'! I was hooked after my first circus crack!
I bought one of our very own Jim "RacerX" Jarrell's "Ugly Ducklings," and haven't quit.
For Christmas, I got an 8' Joe Strain Lonestar, (which after a week in Florida, away from the snow and ice storms we've had here in Ohio, is broken in beautifully!) and have plans to get a 6' target whip from Paul Nolan, and one or two stockwhips from either Mike Murphy or Janine Frasier.
Happy Crackin'!
-Dan
I first became interested in whipcracking back in 1993 when a friend of mine from school loaned me a taped copy of Last Crusade (which I hadn't seen since its theatrical exhibition in 1989). It was like seeing the movie for the first time, and it really got me jazzed for Indiana Jones again. I began calling every farm supply store in the region, asking if they sold bullwhips. This became my daily ritual after I got home from school. After many false leads, my persistence paid off. One place did have whips. The guy on the phone quoted me a price of $30, and I had my dad pick it up for me on his way home from work the very next day.
Now prior to this, I had never seen a whip in real life, only in the Indiana Jones movies, so I naturally thought that all whips looked exactly like that. I was in for such a letdown! What my dad brought home to me was an 8-foot, 8-plait red-and-white checkered cowhide bull made in Mexico. That was the first thing to go, so I sanded the ink stamp from the wooden swivel handle and got cracking. The only thing I had to learn from was how Harrison Ford handled the bullwhip in The Making of Raiders, which I'd found by pure luck at the BX. I studied this tape for hours, days, months; watching, rewinding, and slow-motion framing through it over and over. Then I would go outside and practice on our 6-acre lawn in rural Louisiana, where I had plenty of room, and nobody to disturb.
I used empty soda cans on crates and boxes for target practice, and worked on different combinations of whip maneuvers, blending the various swings and cracks until I could perform them flawlessly. I became aware of footwork and pacing, and learned that the art of whipcracking was like a dance, where you had to know the right moves or your partner would sting you. And indeed I did suffer a few nasty whip bites, particularly an enlongated lash mark across my back that lasted about two days. After that, I figured that it was better to practice whipcracking with a shirt ON!
I never actually wore out my first whip, but in my quest for authenticity I widened my net and found another place that sold them. This time I selected my whip in-person to make sure I was getting a quality product. I was disappointed to find nothing but 8-plait cowhide bullwhips with wooden swivel handles and flat, flap-like falls. Nevertheless, I settled for an orangey-brown whip, and burned my first one. For some odd reason, I found burning old whips to be an acceptable method of disposal, as they were destroyed completely, with no reminders.
I used my new bullwhip for another couple of years before I decided that it, too, was unacceptable. My third whip cost me $50, and was mail ordered from Dallas, Texas. I selected it from a catalog of whips at a local ranch supply warehouse. It was a 10-foot orange latigo bullwhip with a fully plaited handle. It lacked a wrist loop and a proper fall, but I fixed the latter by slicing the flat fall into four strips and braiding in a leather shoelace, to which I attached a cracker of my own making. Now I was happy, because I had a halfway decent Indiana Jones bullwhip that actually looked the part. This whip was superior to the others I had owned, and I used it until 1997, when I discovered David Morgan's whips on the Internet.
Over the next four or five months, I studied whips online, and corresponded with Mr. Morgan, asking many, many questions about how whips were made. Then I burned my latigo whip on a leap of faith, and asked my parents to invest $500 on a real Indiana Jones bullwhip for me. To add to the risk, I promised David that I would be ordering a whip from him within two weeks time, even though I hadn't asked my parents yet. Fortunately, they were persuaded by my ceaseless reasoning that it was the best whip money could buy, and at the very end of July 1997, a 12-foot Indy was being made for me in Bothell, Washington. Why I asked for the longest bullwhip available, I'll never know. It wasn't easy to handle, in fact it was very heavy. But I managed to wield it, albeit not as easily as the previous 8-foot whip.
My David Morgan was my first authentic piece of Indygear, and my sole bullwhip until I added another to my collection in 2000. This time I went to the opposite end of the spectrum, and asked for a 6-foot whip, which was like leather lightning in my capable hands. The only thing I didn't like about it was the roughness of the lash plaiting, and the diamonds on the handle were too big for my taste. I purchased a 6-foot blacksnake from Morgan later that same year, and experimented with double whipwork, which I found that I could do with limited success. Finally, I decided to go for broke and order one last bullwhip from the Master. To finance the endeavor, I had to sell all of my other whips. I was reluctant to part with my two bullwhips, because I was very attached to them, but I could care less about the snakewhip, which I had grown bored with.
The two bullwhips were sold to a whip collector on Club Obi Wan, while the blacksnake went to a whip enthusiast in New York, via eBay. I used the funds to order an 8-foot bullwhip from David Morgan, which I deemed to be the perfect functional length for an adventurer's whip. I requested a very slick, tightly plaited bullwhip with a shorter handle that was made to my specifications (I later learned that this was one of the last custom whips that Morgan made; he refused to modify his designs in the following years). I received my bullwhip on August 27, 2001, and it was everything I had wanted in a bullwhip since 1993, at long last.
I have recently been bitten by the whip bug, and I have placed an order with EM Whips for a 6-foot, 16-plait Indy bullwhip with customized shortened handle. This marks the first time that I will be going with another whipmaker, but from what I have seen of Bernie's work, it is beyond spectacular. Don't get me wrong, I love my David Morgan, but I can no longer afford his prices, particularly what he's asking for a 16-plait Indy. After looking at the pics on JAN's page http://www.indianajones.dk/Webside/Bill ... r/Whip.htm, I'm looking forward to it!
Me with my cheap bullwhip, circa 1994, and with my David Morgan, last year.
Now prior to this, I had never seen a whip in real life, only in the Indiana Jones movies, so I naturally thought that all whips looked exactly like that. I was in for such a letdown! What my dad brought home to me was an 8-foot, 8-plait red-and-white checkered cowhide bull made in Mexico. That was the first thing to go, so I sanded the ink stamp from the wooden swivel handle and got cracking. The only thing I had to learn from was how Harrison Ford handled the bullwhip in The Making of Raiders, which I'd found by pure luck at the BX. I studied this tape for hours, days, months; watching, rewinding, and slow-motion framing through it over and over. Then I would go outside and practice on our 6-acre lawn in rural Louisiana, where I had plenty of room, and nobody to disturb.
I used empty soda cans on crates and boxes for target practice, and worked on different combinations of whip maneuvers, blending the various swings and cracks until I could perform them flawlessly. I became aware of footwork and pacing, and learned that the art of whipcracking was like a dance, where you had to know the right moves or your partner would sting you. And indeed I did suffer a few nasty whip bites, particularly an enlongated lash mark across my back that lasted about two days. After that, I figured that it was better to practice whipcracking with a shirt ON!
I never actually wore out my first whip, but in my quest for authenticity I widened my net and found another place that sold them. This time I selected my whip in-person to make sure I was getting a quality product. I was disappointed to find nothing but 8-plait cowhide bullwhips with wooden swivel handles and flat, flap-like falls. Nevertheless, I settled for an orangey-brown whip, and burned my first one. For some odd reason, I found burning old whips to be an acceptable method of disposal, as they were destroyed completely, with no reminders.
I used my new bullwhip for another couple of years before I decided that it, too, was unacceptable. My third whip cost me $50, and was mail ordered from Dallas, Texas. I selected it from a catalog of whips at a local ranch supply warehouse. It was a 10-foot orange latigo bullwhip with a fully plaited handle. It lacked a wrist loop and a proper fall, but I fixed the latter by slicing the flat fall into four strips and braiding in a leather shoelace, to which I attached a cracker of my own making. Now I was happy, because I had a halfway decent Indiana Jones bullwhip that actually looked the part. This whip was superior to the others I had owned, and I used it until 1997, when I discovered David Morgan's whips on the Internet.
Over the next four or five months, I studied whips online, and corresponded with Mr. Morgan, asking many, many questions about how whips were made. Then I burned my latigo whip on a leap of faith, and asked my parents to invest $500 on a real Indiana Jones bullwhip for me. To add to the risk, I promised David that I would be ordering a whip from him within two weeks time, even though I hadn't asked my parents yet. Fortunately, they were persuaded by my ceaseless reasoning that it was the best whip money could buy, and at the very end of July 1997, a 12-foot Indy was being made for me in Bothell, Washington. Why I asked for the longest bullwhip available, I'll never know. It wasn't easy to handle, in fact it was very heavy. But I managed to wield it, albeit not as easily as the previous 8-foot whip.
My David Morgan was my first authentic piece of Indygear, and my sole bullwhip until I added another to my collection in 2000. This time I went to the opposite end of the spectrum, and asked for a 6-foot whip, which was like leather lightning in my capable hands. The only thing I didn't like about it was the roughness of the lash plaiting, and the diamonds on the handle were too big for my taste. I purchased a 6-foot blacksnake from Morgan later that same year, and experimented with double whipwork, which I found that I could do with limited success. Finally, I decided to go for broke and order one last bullwhip from the Master. To finance the endeavor, I had to sell all of my other whips. I was reluctant to part with my two bullwhips, because I was very attached to them, but I could care less about the snakewhip, which I had grown bored with.
The two bullwhips were sold to a whip collector on Club Obi Wan, while the blacksnake went to a whip enthusiast in New York, via eBay. I used the funds to order an 8-foot bullwhip from David Morgan, which I deemed to be the perfect functional length for an adventurer's whip. I requested a very slick, tightly plaited bullwhip with a shorter handle that was made to my specifications (I later learned that this was one of the last custom whips that Morgan made; he refused to modify his designs in the following years). I received my bullwhip on August 27, 2001, and it was everything I had wanted in a bullwhip since 1993, at long last.
I have recently been bitten by the whip bug, and I have placed an order with EM Whips for a 6-foot, 16-plait Indy bullwhip with customized shortened handle. This marks the first time that I will be going with another whipmaker, but from what I have seen of Bernie's work, it is beyond spectacular. Don't get me wrong, I love my David Morgan, but I can no longer afford his prices, particularly what he's asking for a 16-plait Indy. After looking at the pics on JAN's page http://www.indianajones.dk/Webside/Bill ... r/Whip.htm, I'm looking forward to it!
Me with my cheap bullwhip, circa 1994, and with my David Morgan, last year.
- Andiana
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Well, I can do the 'Sergei-Full Body-Wavy-Whip Move'. It took me some practice, but with my Winrich, it's a sinch!IndyMcFly wrote:http://www.bullwhip.org/faq/cracking.html
That's where I learned my stuff from. Read the descriptions, watched some videos, watched some stuff here, went outside and gave it a shot. When I hit myself, I figured I was doing something wrong, so I came back inside, and re-read. I'm happy to say I've gotten a lot of stuff figured out now, and I'm fairly competent with my abilities. I also learned how to do a Figure 8 (something I've been trying for a LONG time) by watching a video of Sergei doing it at the QM 2003.
I'm now trying to figure out how to do this move, with little success:
I think I'll give up on it. lol - it's his signature move anyway. Might make an awesome avatar for him though.
In Christ,
Shane
I had a Disney whip for about 5 years, and then previously got a Winrich Roo-hide 8' 12 plaiter.....hehehe..
I learned the basic forward crack 4 years ago (when I was 10)
I greatly improved my whiping skills at the QM summit when ITG gave me a little session...thanx!! [/quote]
- IndianaCollins
- Archaeologist
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- Field Surveyor
- Posts: 95
- Joined: Sat Oct 16, 2004 8:03 pm
- Location: Kentucky
Update
Update: Yesterday I got a phone call from Bernie (EM Whips) in Australia. He cut short his vacation when he learned that a huge tree fell on part of his house, destroying his satellite and computer. He has to call and verify all orders because his digital records were lost in the accident. Anyway, he says that he's starting on my bullwhip today! I feel bad for what happened, but with the kind of money he's making, and the waiting time on his whips, I'm sure he'll recover with no problems.
P.S.- David Morgan has removed all 16-plait Classic Bullwhips from his website. It looks like he is no longer offering them.
P.S.- David Morgan has removed all 16-plait Classic Bullwhips from his website. It looks like he is no longer offering them.
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- Professor of Archaeology
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Indydawg taught me my first crack, the overhead. Then I watched Alex Greene's video once. So, I voted self taught. I'd read about various cracks over on the Yahoo! Whip Enthusiast group or here and teach myself through trial and error.
Funny thing is, I get the crack but I wonder how the critique would be if I performed them at a WE meeting. It wouldn't surprise me if I have a bad habit or three (form-wise).
I.J.
Funny thing is, I get the crack but I wonder how the critique would be if I performed them at a WE meeting. It wouldn't surprise me if I have a bad habit or three (form-wise).
I.J.
- IndyFrench
- Writer of Things
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Posted this previously in another thread. By the way IndyCollins - good to see you in these parts again.
Hey all,
I've never shared this story with anyone here, so I thought I'd post it now. Well, like everyone else here, I wanted to learn to use a bullwhip because of Indiana Jones. That Cairo street fight had sealed the deal. I must learn the bullwhip. When I was around 15 years old, 1994, I received a 12 foot swivel handle bullwhip for Christmas from my grandfather.
There was no IndyGear then, and no Internet. I had no idea where I would learn to use the bullwhip. Surprisingly, my grandfather said, "Shoot son, I was cracking whips all the time as a kid. I'll teach you." He was in his mid-70s at the time. It was then I learned that my grandfather, while growing up in the 1920s and 1930s had learned the bullwhip from his uncle, Edward.
With pictures to prove it, my grandfather told me that Edward was a crack shot with two six-shooters and he also knew the bullwhip. He was a real, old-time cowboy. Edward lived in California and worked in the motion picture business as a stunt rider and shooter in Tom Mix westerns and the like. He rode in the serials with the posse.
Later, he joined the Border Patrol and in the days before the paved roads and elaborate checkpoints, Edward patrolled the border on horseback with twin revolvers and his bullwhip.
My grandmother's brother was also a bullwhip artist. Now deceased, her brother Jimmy would bring his bullwhip to school back in the 1920s and during recess, he'd show the other kids tricks, like snuffing out matches and candles with the crack of his whip. She told me he was also continually trying to light a match with his whip, a real perfectionist.
Well, my grandfather taught me the whip. I picked up a few more skills years later from Sergei, but everything started with Charles French. To date, he's given me every whip I have ever possessed, including the 10 foot David Morgan he gave me in May of 2001. Now I hear a rumor that he's trying to acquire me a Webley MKVI as a graduate school present.
He loved shooting just as much as whipcracking as a youth, and yeah, he taught me how to shoot years ago too. I guess Indiana Jones quite literally brought me closer to my grandfather.
Mike
Hey all,
I've never shared this story with anyone here, so I thought I'd post it now. Well, like everyone else here, I wanted to learn to use a bullwhip because of Indiana Jones. That Cairo street fight had sealed the deal. I must learn the bullwhip. When I was around 15 years old, 1994, I received a 12 foot swivel handle bullwhip for Christmas from my grandfather.
There was no IndyGear then, and no Internet. I had no idea where I would learn to use the bullwhip. Surprisingly, my grandfather said, "Shoot son, I was cracking whips all the time as a kid. I'll teach you." He was in his mid-70s at the time. It was then I learned that my grandfather, while growing up in the 1920s and 1930s had learned the bullwhip from his uncle, Edward.
With pictures to prove it, my grandfather told me that Edward was a crack shot with two six-shooters and he also knew the bullwhip. He was a real, old-time cowboy. Edward lived in California and worked in the motion picture business as a stunt rider and shooter in Tom Mix westerns and the like. He rode in the serials with the posse.
Later, he joined the Border Patrol and in the days before the paved roads and elaborate checkpoints, Edward patrolled the border on horseback with twin revolvers and his bullwhip.
My grandmother's brother was also a bullwhip artist. Now deceased, her brother Jimmy would bring his bullwhip to school back in the 1920s and during recess, he'd show the other kids tricks, like snuffing out matches and candles with the crack of his whip. She told me he was also continually trying to light a match with his whip, a real perfectionist.
Well, my grandfather taught me the whip. I picked up a few more skills years later from Sergei, but everything started with Charles French. To date, he's given me every whip I have ever possessed, including the 10 foot David Morgan he gave me in May of 2001. Now I hear a rumor that he's trying to acquire me a Webley MKVI as a graduate school present.
He loved shooting just as much as whipcracking as a youth, and yeah, he taught me how to shoot years ago too. I guess Indiana Jones quite literally brought me closer to my grandfather.
Mike
Update: I received my whip from Bernie this afternoon, and it is fantastic! For the record, it is a 6-foot, 16-plait Indy-style bullwhip with a shortened handle, per my specifications. I've honestly never seen a whip with such tight, smooth plaiting! It really is remarkable how he managed to get the strands to lay down so perfectly. I can't even see the transition where he dropped the strands into the point of the whip.
Overall, the bullwhip is lighter than I anticipated, but that's to be expected on a 6-foot whip. The stiffness will go away with dressing and use, I'm sure. I love the whiskey-colored leather! It's quite a bit darker than the photograph depicted, but that's due to the camera flash. The engraved sphere was also a pleasant surprise. It includes the date and place where the whip was made, my name, the serial number, and the whipmaker's name, etched very finely into a silver sphere set into the base of the handle. The COA was also a nice touch. I can tell that Mr. Wojcicki takes pride in his work, and rightfully so.
The bonus DVD was both informative and comprehensive, and proves that spontaneity can be priceless (I laughed out loud when his dog started barking, and he yelled at him to be quiet)!
I named my whip Kylie, because she's smooth, sexy, and Australian! ;-)
-Dale
Overall, the bullwhip is lighter than I anticipated, but that's to be expected on a 6-foot whip. The stiffness will go away with dressing and use, I'm sure. I love the whiskey-colored leather! It's quite a bit darker than the photograph depicted, but that's due to the camera flash. The engraved sphere was also a pleasant surprise. It includes the date and place where the whip was made, my name, the serial number, and the whipmaker's name, etched very finely into a silver sphere set into the base of the handle. The COA was also a nice touch. I can tell that Mr. Wojcicki takes pride in his work, and rightfully so.
The bonus DVD was both informative and comprehensive, and proves that spontaneity can be priceless (I laughed out loud when his dog started barking, and he yelled at him to be quiet)!
I named my whip Kylie, because she's smooth, sexy, and Australian! ;-)
-Dale
- Indiana Jerry
- Scoundrel
- Posts: 4684
- Joined: Sat Sep 11, 2004 12:59 am
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Even better than awesome, Canyon. Holly has all the patience of a teacher...she never once giggled at me while she taught me my first real cracks! No matter how many times I whipped myself in the head. And knocked my own hat off. And wrapped it around my ankles. And in no time she'd gotten me hooked on it. LOADS OF FUN!Canyon wrote:Wow, whipwarrior. That was a great story.
Gee, perhaps I should just give up right now. Just kidding.
Holly, that would be awesome!Indiana Texas-girl wrote:If I ever make it over to the UK, I'll be happy to show you some cracks. It can be quite the tension reliever when you're stressed out.
Holly's just the coolest teacher, and great w/ whips...that's why I picked 'I was taught by a master.'
J
- Indiana Texas-girl
- Expeditionary Hero
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Jerry, You over estimate the powers of the dark side. Actually, I did giggle when your whip knocked the hat off your head and the hat spun to the ground like a tornado. That was hilarious, but otherwise I wouldn't dare laugh at anyone...only you Jerry.
Now I'm really blushing.Indiana Jerry wrote:
Holly's just the coolest teacher, and great w/ whips...that's why I picked 'I was taught by a master.'
- Indiana Jerry
- Scoundrel
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- Snakewhip_Sable
- Scoundrel
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- Joined: Mon Oct 04, 2004 12:23 am
- Location: Palliser City, south of Midian, Alberta, DBSSWDD
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Y'oughta set up a camcorder in your back yard and pracitce 'til it happens. It'd be a great party trick. If you can't figure it right away, always remember 'chicks dig scars'.Indiana Jerry wrote:Man, I wish someone had the spinning fedora on film...it's just too hard of an accident to try to recreate.
I picked it up on my when I was a little kid.All I had when I started was a piece of rope that sent me to the doctors office to get three stithces in my elbo in wich it left me a great scare Since then I have owned four whips
nothing realy cool about them tho.I have brought the cops to my house once tho neighbors called saying there was gun shots going off.For me it was all in the flick of the wrist I have learned how to whip swing with em but I dont recomend it unless you know your whip wont give out on you & that you know when your whip has a good hold.I dont like to brag cuz there somone out there gonna show ya up but I can make em sound like a gun going off,I have to wear ear plugs cuz otherwise I would make myself go deaf 8-[ I still get a ringing noise tho.
Well thats my story & I m sticking to it
Wear gear in good health & crack on
nothing realy cool about them tho.I have brought the cops to my house once tho neighbors called saying there was gun shots going off.For me it was all in the flick of the wrist I have learned how to whip swing with em but I dont recomend it unless you know your whip wont give out on you & that you know when your whip has a good hold.I dont like to brag cuz there somone out there gonna show ya up but I can make em sound like a gun going off,I have to wear ear plugs cuz otherwise I would make myself go deaf 8-[ I still get a ringing noise tho.
Well thats my story & I m sticking to it
Wear gear in good health & crack on
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- Vendor
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The first lesson in "correct" usage of a bullwhip was at the QM II summit. It was of course our own Sergei who patiently showed me how to hold the whip where my arms need to be and how to throw it. That was the most fun I have had in a very long time. BTW Sergei loaned me a whip since I did not own one. Can we say very gracious? Yes I am planning on buying a whip (this year) right after my jacket. Thanks again Walt.
Cheers,
Jeff
Cheers,
Jeff
- Sergei
- Admin Emeritus
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Wow thank you Jeff for the kind words - and from the other previous poster's comments above. I am proud to be the "launching pad". Many thanks... I enjoy teaching and seeing the excitement from someone experiencing their first sonic boom. I am not that great of a performer, but at least I can "launch" some enthusiasm in the sport.Gobler wrote:The first lesson in "correct" usage of a bullwhip was at the QM II summit. It was of course our own Sergei who patiently showed me how to hold the whip where my arms need to be and how to throw it. That was the most fun I have had in a very long time. BTW Sergei loaned me a whip since I did not own one. Can we say very gracious? Yes I am planning on buying a whip (this year) right after my jacket. Thanks again Walt.
Cheers,
Jeff
-Sergei
- Indiana Jerry
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Man, I thought the coyotes were loud down in Long Beach...that would explain it.Dalexs wrote:Holly forgot to mention that I was across the field howling with laughter!!!
Hahaha...this is extra relevant and funny to me, since 'The Launching Pad' is the name of a daycare here...Sergei wrote:I am proud to be the "launching pad". Many thanks... I enjoy teaching and seeing the excitement from someone experiencing their first sonic boom. I am not that great of a performer, but at least I can "launch" some enthusiasm in the sport.-Sergei