What Is Face Riding? A Beginner's Guide to Facesitting

Face riding also called facesitting or "queening" (when a vulva owner does it)is an oral sex position where one partner sits or squats over the other's face while receiving oral stimulation. The person on top controls the depth, pressure, and angle, while the person on the bottom uses their mouth, tongue, and sometimes hands to provide pleasure.

In this guide, we'll explore facesitting techniques, safety tips, popular positions, and why so many people find this intimate act incredibly satisfying.

Why Do People Love Facesitting?

For the Person on Top (Rider)

• Control and empowerment: You control the pace, pressure, and angleno need to give directions constantly.
• Intense clitoral stimulation: Direct, sustained contact with the clitoris often leads to powerful orgasms.
• Psychological turn-on: The dominant position and visual element can be highly arousing.
• Full-body engagement: Your thighs, core, and hips are active, making the experience more immersive.

For the Person on Bottom (Giver)

• Immersive experience: Being surrounded by your partner's body creates an intimate, sensory-rich environment.
• Clear enthusiasm signals: When someone sits on your face, their desire is unmistakablemany people find this deeply arousing.
• Hands-free oral sex: Your hands are free to stimulate other areas (breasts, thighs, anus) or hold your partner's hips.
• Pleasing your partner: Watching and feeling your partner's pleasure can be incredibly satisfying.

According to Planned Parenthood's guide to oral sex, positions that allow the receiving partner to control stimulation often lead to higher satisfaction and orgasm rates.

Is Facesitting Safe?

Yes, when practiced with communication and awareness. The main concerns are breathing comfort and weight distributionboth easily managed.

Safety Tips

• Establish a safe signal: Agree on a tap-out gesture (e.g., tapping the thigh twice) if the giver needs air or a break.
• Start hovering, not sitting: The rider should hover above the face initially, gradually lowering as both partners get comfortable.
• Use pillows for support: Place a pillow under the giver's head to elevate it slightly, reducing neck strain.
• Check in frequently: Especially during your first few attempts, pause to ask "Are you okay?" or "Can you breathe?"
• Avoid full body weight: The rider should support most of their weight with their knees and thighs, not pressing down with full force.

Red flags to stop immediately:

• The giver signals discomfort or taps out.
• Either partner feels pain (beyond mild muscle fatigue).
• Breathing becomes genuinely difficult (not just momentarily obscured).

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Facesit

Preparation

1. Communicate beforehand: Discuss boundaries, comfort levels, and establish a safe signal.
2. Choose a comfortable surface: A bed with pillows is ideal; avoid hard floors.
3. Clean up: Both partners should shower or wash the genital area beforehand.
4. Set the mood: Dim lighting, music, or whatever helps you both relax.

Positioning (Step-by-Step)

For the Rider:

1. Start by straddling your partner's chest while they lie flat on their back.
2. Move forward slowly until your genitals are positioned above their face.
3. Lower yourself graduallyhover at first, then adjust pressure based on feedback.
4. Support your weight with your knees and thighs on either side of their head.
5. Find your rhythm: Rock your hips, grind, or stay stillwhatever feels best.

For the Giver:

1. Lie flat on your back with a pillow under your head for elevation.
2. Keep your arms free to hold your partner's hips, thighs, or provide additional stimulation.
3. Use your tongue, lips, and mouth to stimulate the clitoris, vulva, or perineum.
4. Breathe through your nose and signal if you need a break.

During Facesitting

• Start slow: The rider should hover and lower gradually, giving the giver time to adjust.
• Communicate: Use verbal cues ("That's perfect," "A little to the left") or moans to guide each other.
• Experiment with movement: Grinding, rocking back and forth, or circular motions can all feel different.
• Take breaks: If either partner needs to pause, do so without judgment.

Popular Facesitting Positions

1. Forward-Facing (Classic Queening)

Setup: The rider faces the giver's feet, straddling their face in a kneeling position.

Benefits:

• Optimal clitoral access for the giver.
• Rider can lean forward for additional support or to stimulate the giver's genitals simultaneously (69 variation).

Best for: Beginners, clitoral stimulation focus.

2. Reverse Facesitting

Setup: The rider faces the giver's head, squatting or kneeling with their back toward the giver's feet.

Benefits:

• Allows the giver to stimulate the anus or perineum more easily.
• Different angle can hit sensitive spots in new ways.
• Visual appeal for both partners.

Best for: People interested in analingus (rimming) or varied angles.

3. Squatting vs. Kneeling

Squatting: Feet flat on the bed/floor, hovering above the face.

• Pros: More control over pressure and movement, easier to lift off quickly.
• Cons: Requires leg strength, can be tiring.

Kneeling: Knees on either side of the head, sitting or hovering.

• Pros: More sustainable, easier to maintain for longer sessions.
• Cons: Less vertical control, requires good communication about pressure.

4. 69 with Facesitting

Setup: The rider leans forward while facesitting to perform oral sex on the giver simultaneously.

Benefits:

• Mutual pleasure for both partners.
• Highly intimate and immersive.

Best for: Couples who enjoy simultaneous stimulation and multitasking.

Enhancing Facesitting with Toys

For the Rider

• Clitoral vibrators: Hold a small bullet vibrator against your clitoris while your partner uses their tongue elsewhere (labia, vaginal opening).
• Nipple stimulation: Use nipple clamps or vibrators to heighten arousal.

For the Giver

• Vibrating cock rings: Wear a vibrating cock ring during facesittingthe vibration can stimulate the rider if they lean back slightly.
• Butt plugs or anal beads: For experienced users, wearing an anal toy during facesitting can intensify the giver's pleasure.

Common Concerns & Troubleshooting

I'm worried about my weight."

Solution: Remember that the rider supports most of their weight with their knees and thighs. The giver's head and neck are remarkably strong. Start by hovering, and lower gradually based on comfort. Most people find that body weight is not an issue with proper positioning.

What if I can't breathe?"

Solution: Use the agreed-upon safe signal (e.g., two taps on the thigh). The rider should immediately lift up. Breathing through the nose and taking short breaks prevents discomfort.

I feel self-conscious about being so close."

Solution: This is incredibly common. Remember:

• Your partner wants to be therethey find you arousing.
• Showering beforehand helps with confidence.
• Most people are far more critical of themselves than their partners are.

"My legs/knees get tired."

Solution:

• Switch between squatting and kneeling.
• Take breaksoral sex doesn't have to be continuous.
• Use pillows under the rider's knees for cushioning.

Hygiene & Safety

Before Facesitting

• Wash thoroughly: Both partners should clean the genital and anal areas with warm water and mild soap.
• Trim or groom: Remove sharp or scratchy hair if preferred (not required, but some find it more comfortable).
• Empty bladder: Reduces discomfort and urgency during the session.

After Facesitting

• Wash face and mouth: The giver should rinse their mouth and wash their face with mild soap.
• Clean any toys: Use warm water and toy-safe cleaner. For detailed instructions, visit Planned Parenthood's toy care guide.
• Pee if needed: Urinating after sexual activity (especially if penetration was involved) helps prevent UTIs.

Why Do Guys Like Facesitting?

Many men report loving facesitting for several reasons:

• Enthusiasm signals: When a partner sits on your face, their desire and arousal are unmistakable.
• Immersive sensory experience: Being surrounded by your partner's body is intensely intimate.
• Pleasing a partner: Watching and feeling your partner's pleasure can be deeply satisfying.
• Submissive appeal: For some, the act of being "beneath" their partner is psychologically arousing.
• Visual and olfactory stimulation: The proximity and sensory engagement are highly erotic for many people.

These reasons apply to people of all gendersfacesitting isn't exclusive to any particular dynamic or orientation.

Facesitting Position Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is face riding?

Face riding, also called facesitting or queening, is an oral sex position where one partner sits or squats over the other's face while receiving oral stimulation. The person on top controls the pressure, angle, and rhythm.

Is facesitting safe?

Yes, when practiced with communication and awareness. Establish a safe signal, start by hovering (not sitting with full weight), and check in frequently to ensure the giver can breathe comfortably.

How do I facesit for the first time?

Start by straddling your partner's chest, then move forward until your genitals are above their face. Hover at first, gradually lowering based on their comfort. Support most of your weight with your knees and thighs, and establish a safe signal before you begin.

Why do people enjoy facesitting?

The rider enjoys control, intense stimulation, and the psychological turn-on of the dominant position. The giver experiences immersive sensory engagement, clear enthusiasm signals, and the satisfaction of pleasuring their partner.

Can I use toys during facesitting?

Yes. The rider can use a small vibrator for added clitoral stimulation, and the giver can wear a vibrating cock ring or anal toy to enhance their own pleasure.

What if I'm worried about my weight during facesitting?

You should support most of your weight with your knees and thighs, not by sitting down with full force. Start by hovering and lower gradually. Most people find that body weight is not an issue with proper positioningthe giver's head and neck are stronger than you think.

Conclusion

Face riding (facesitting) is an intimate, empowering oral sex position that offers intense stimulation, psychological arousal, and deep connection for both partners. With clear communication, safety signals, and a willingness to experiment, it can become a favorite addition to your intimate repertoire.

Ready to explore toys that enhance shared pleasure? Browse sex toys for couples at Jissbon for body-safe options designed to deepen intimacy.