The one true answer is it depends. On the flogger, on the person using it, on your mindset, if you’re restrained, etc.

I use a big, heavy, thuddy flogger, and alterate it with belts, crops, a sharp mini flogger, etc.
After a nice gradual warm up, I increase the intensity. Veronica says that she starts to float, and about a half our in, she’s taking some very hard strikes with no problems.

The keys are a good warmup, and constant communication with your Master

Being flogged is quite possibly my favorite thing in the hole world. seriously.

I have an adorable (actually didn’t cost a fortune), heavy, soft suade flogger; I think about 40 falls/tails, long enough to work; short enough for it to be easily handled by Sir, or Ma’am.

Back, bottom, thighs, when I’m bound down on the bed; or not restrained, starting gently… not just ‘flogging’ with it; being caressed across my skin too… takes about five minutes and I’m already in a very submissive place in my head, then increased in intensity… harder, but thuddy, and, I’m starting to bliss out… and just want more… harder still, getting some sting, and lots of thud, quick succession of ‘strikes, some longer gaps… moving about in different locations on me… I find it so relaxing, because of how my mind can just go so deep into submission (not even talking about subspace yet), and then, if Sir/Ma’am wants, moving on to harder flogging, or changing to paddle, etc, and the subspace can start to loom on the horizon…

We’ve also a lot smaller overly painful one, which is sort of harder leather, and really less good; being smaller you’d think it hurt less…. oh no, that’s got quite a sting… sometimes Sir will use that one me, when he sees I’m blissing out a lot; sometimes he’ll use some sting from that smaller flogger (or a cane), to almost ‘bring me back’, If I’m shooting off into lala land too quickly (afterall I can become quite usefless to serve his needs, if I’m so blissed out I’m the equavelent of on a drug-high)…

Ahh. yes, I rather like floggers; experiment and try… its the only way; I’ve rarely found them truely painful (not at all like caning, having a crop used, or a serious paddling etc)

I hope that whatever happened was not done under sad circumstances and will not leave a bad taste in your mouth in regards to this whole lifestyle.

You are young and there is so much ahead of you. Whatever the case continue to educate yourself on everything. The resources these days are vast and detailed. For starters, have a stroll through many of the groups here. Of course there is always the chance of running into drama. That cannot be helped.

And above all, do not get suckered into a M/s relationship that degrades and isolates you from family and friends. That is a situation best avoided.