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Physical effort: High Inverted

The Edge of the Bed (The Waterfall): an acrobatic position with the receiver arched in a bridge

The Edge of the Bed (The Waterfall) is an acrobatic position for experienced couples. The penetrating partner kneels upright and lifts the receiver's pelvis with both hands, bringing it against their own. The receiver arches the back down towards the floor like a bridge, arms stretched overhead, hands on the floor and head hanging, with the legs wrapped around the partner's hips. It allows deep vaginal or anal penetration, but it demands a lot of flexibility and strength and carries a risk for the back and neck.

Also known as: The Waterfall · Edge of the bed

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Illustration of The Edge of the Bed (The Waterfall): The penetrating partner kneels upright and holds the receiver's pelvis with both hands. The receiver, facing up, arches the back into a bridge towards the floor
Anatomy and biomechanics

The penetrating partner kneels on the floor with the knees apart and the torso upright. The receiver, facing up, brings the pelvis against the partner's, who holds and lifts it with both hands at the hips or thighs. The receiver's legs, open and bent, wrap around the partner's hips with the feet towards the floor behind. From there, the receiver arches the back downwards in a curve, stretches the arms overhead and places the palms on the floor, with the head hanging between the arms. The receiver's weight is shared between their own hands and the partner's hands. The penetrating partner sets the rhythm, since the receiver can barely move. Penetration, vaginal or anal, tends to be deep. There is no eye contact or kissing: the receiver's head is tipped back.

Why this position works

It mostly appeals to couples who enjoy acrobatic positions and trying something different. With the pelvis raised and the back arched, the entry angle changes a lot and penetration can be very deep; some people find being upside down and held by their partner intense. It is a position for short moments and for couples with some practice. Sensations vary from person to person.

Power Play Vigor and Energy Complete Rhythm Control Difficult High Mobility Required Penis-Anus Configuration Penis-Vagina Configuration

Variations of this position

Variation 1: Cushions under the back

A stack of firm cushions supports the receiver's upper back: the arch is gentler and the hands are free.

The penetrating partner still kneels and holds the pelvis, but the receiver's back rests on the cushions instead of hanging down to the floor. There is no load on the wrists, the lower back arches less and the head is supported. It is the most cautious way to try the position.

  1. Stack two or three firm cushions on the floor at the level of the receiver's shoulder blades.
  2. The receiver lies on their back with the upper back on the cushions and the legs around the partner's hips.
  3. The kneeling partner lifts the receiver's pelvis with the hands until it lines up with their own.
  4. Adjust the height of the cushions until the back is not strained.

Variation 2: Ankles crossed

The receiver crosses the ankles behind the partner to hold on with the legs and ease the partner's arms.

Instead of letting the feet point to the floor, the receiver closes the legs around the partner's waist or buttocks and crosses the ankles. Part of the pelvis's weight is carried by the receiver's own legs, the penetrating partner needs less arm strength and the whole position is more stable. Movement is reduced to short rocking.

  1. Get into the base position, with the penetrating partner kneeling and supporting the pelvis.
  2. The receiver wraps the legs around the partner's waist and crosses the ankles behind.
  3. The penetrating partner loosens the grip slightly without letting go.
  4. Move with short rocking motions and lower the pelvis to the floor when you finish.

Variation 3: Over the edge of the bed

The penetrating partner kneels on the mattress near the edge and the receiver's back rests partly on it, with the hands on the floor.

The mechanics are the same (penetrating partner kneeling, receiver arched with hands on the floor), but the receiver's lower back rests on the edge of the mattress and only the shoulders and arms go down to the floor. The arch is shorter and both partners' hands carry less weight.

  1. The penetrating partner kneels on the bed, close to the edge.
  2. The receiver lies on their back with the pelvis on the partner's thighs and the back towards the edge.
  3. The receiver slowly slides the shoulders off the mattress until the hands reach the floor.
  4. Hold it briefly and climb back onto the bed with help if dizziness or discomfort appears.

✓ Tips
  • Only try it if the receiver has a flexible, pain-free back; it is not suitable with lower back pain or neck or wrist problems.
  • Start with the receiver lying on their back and arching gradually while the partner supports the pelvis; never drop into it.
  • Use a soft, non-slip surface (a thick rug or a mattress on the floor) and stop at any sign of instability or dizziness.
  • Keep thrusts short and gentle: at this angle, if the penis slips out and goes back in hard, it can bend and get injured.
  • For anal sex, use plenty of lube and a condom and go slowly; do not move from anal to vaginal penetration without changing the condom.
  • Hold it briefly and come out of it carefully: the penetrating partner lowers the receiver's pelvis to the floor before letting go.
Interaction type
Vaginal or anal penetration with the receiver arched in a bridge and the partner kneeling
Active anatomy
Penis
Receptive anatomy
Vagina or anus
Main stimulation
Deep vaginal or anal penetration with the pelvis raised
Setups and participants
Couple · 2 people GayHeteroLesbienne

Frequently asked questions

Is it suitable for lower back pain or reduced mobility?

No. The receiver's back is strongly arched and the head hangs down, so it is not recommended with lower back pain, neck problems, arthritis or reduced mobility.

Why is it also called The Edge of the Bed?

Because a gentler way to do it is over the edge of the bed (variation 3): the penetrating partner kneels on the mattress and the receiver's back rests partly on the edge, with the hands on the floor.

How can we make it less demanding?

Put firm cushions under the receiver's upper back so they do not have to hold themselves up with their hands, and have the receiver cross the ankles behind the partner to help support the pelvis.

Sources and references

  • Literatura de sexología clínica y ergonomía sexual

Reviewed by the editorial team ·

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