OttersSwim
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Joined: 9/1/2008
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So I just got back from Thunder in the Mountains, in Denver this past weekend. My first big conference and I just wanted to post a few thoughts about it from a newbie perspective. 
First, there is nothing better for the soul than surrounding yourself with 500+ other folk who think and feel like you do. I was very nervous at first (especially because I was dressed en'femme), but quickly got very comfortable. There was an energy at the conference that was pansexual, accepting, and friendly. Very good for the soul.
Second, a 36,000 sqft dungeon with more than a hundred play stations, crosses, benches, and like 30 high suspension points, a full sized junglegym, interrogation space, male and female only play areas...wow...then you put 500+ kinky people in that space...so much to watch, so much to learn, so much to oggle and squick at! I got to see some of the best singletail, flogging, piercing, fireplay, shibari, and cheesewiz and raw bacon and clowns and more things done with a pool noodle than I care to detail out here in polite company! The energy is amazing, the play spactacular, and opportunities to socialize, learn, and simply admire abound.
Third, there are the sessions. All I can say is wow! We attended a shibari class taught by Tony Buff and Derek da Silva that was excellent - and they are just yummy to look at! Two sessions (Decorative Bloodsports and Metal Bondage (also featuring Boymeat)) by Lolita Wolf who was just histerical and so engaged and geeky and full of delight in the subjects she taught...and the pain she inflicted. A session called Breaking the Mold with Fifth Angel and his wife where he did a scene dressed in a full clown suit...a very sadistic clown named Sparky... And a session on Aftercare for the Dominant by Sir Top and slave bonnie, two very energetic and engaging body specialists who also run Beyond Leather in Florida. And those are just the ones we got too! There were sessions on everything from fisting to fire play to clingwrap to sounding and more!
Fourth, there is the vendor area. 30 vendors selling everything from rope, to whips to corsets, jewelry, canes, leather goods, and chocolate honey! Again, something for nearly everyone, and so much to see for a relative newbie.
Fifth and finally, there are the people. We know a lot of folk all round the front range and this was a great opportunity to see them and spend time together. We also got to meet Lady Pact and Mister P61 on their crosscountry journey to their new home in CA and that was incredibly special!
So...I can highly recommend these conferences! Thunder seemed to me to be extremely well run and organized and I just learned and saw so much! If you are new, or experienced in the scene - save your pennies and go!
I know there have to be other really well run and fun conferences around the country, and frankly the world - there is probably something run at least once a year within driving distance of nearly everyone. Please, post your experiences here with those conferences and let's talk about the plusses and minuses of large BDSM conferences!
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I am on a journey of authenticity and self.
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