The Waterfall is a partner-on-top position with a twist. One partner lies on their back across the bed with their head and shoulders hanging over the edge, "spilling" toward the floor like a waterfall. The other partner straddles their hips. It suits couples of any gender who already like straddling positions and want to try something new. The penetrating partner can use their own body or a strap-on, and the position also works without penetration. Because one person is partly upside down, it's best for short, playful stretches rather than a whole session.
How to Do the Waterfall Position
- Pick the right surface. A low, sturdy bed or a wide couch is ideal. The lower the edge, the less your head drops and the easier it is to reach the floor.
- Bottom partner lies down. Lie on your back with your hips on the mattress, then shift toward the edge until your shoulders and head go past it. Put your palms flat on the floor (or on a pile of pillows) so your arms carry your upper body, not your neck.
- Top partner climbs on. Straddle your partner's hips and kneel on the mattress, facing their face. Keep your knees on the bed rather than near the edge, so your weight stays over solid ground.
- Find a rhythm. The person on top controls the depth and the speed. Rocking or grinding usually feels better here than big bouncing, which can push your partner further off the bed.
- Come up slowly. When you're done, the top partner climbs off first. The bottom partner slides back onto the bed, rests for a moment and sits up gradually.
Many people describe a head-rush sensation from having the head lower than the hips. Some find it adds intensity, and others just feel dizzy. Both are normal, and neither means you're doing it wrong.
3 Waterfall Variations
1. Half Waterfall
Only the shoulder blades go over the edge, and the head rests on a stack of pillows or a cushion on the floor. You get the arched-back feeling with much less blood rushing to your head. It's the best starting point for first-timers.
2. Reverse Waterfall
The top partner turns around to face the bottom partner's feet, steadying themselves with their hands on their partner's thighs or the mattress. The angle changes, and the bottom partner gets a different view. The top partner should check in out loud more often, because you can't see each other's faces.
3. Grinding Waterfall
The same setup without penetration. The top partner grinds against the bottom partner's pelvis or thigh, which works for any combination of bodies. It's also a good way to test how the head-down position feels before adding more.
Comfort Tips
- Spend a few minutes at a time with your head down, then switch to a flat position and come back if you both want to.
- Put a folded blanket or pillows on the floor under your head and hands in case you slide.
- If the edge of the mattress digs into your back, put a rolled towel under your mid-back.
- Keep lube within reach. Sensations and angles change in this position, and extra glide helps.
- A partner with knee pain can put a pillow under their knees, or switch to the Half Waterfall, where the bottom partner can bend their legs and push with their feet.
When to Skip It
Having your head lower than your heart isn't for everyone. The bottom partner should skip this position (or stick to a fully supported Half Waterfall after checking with a doctor) if they have:
- high blood pressure, heart conditions, glaucoma or other eye pressure problems
- neck or back injuries, or recent surgery
- a recent head injury, a tendency to dizziness or fainting, or reflux
- a pregnancy. A pregnant partner shouldn't be the one hanging upside down, and lying flat on the back is often uncomfortable later in pregnancy.
Stop right away if anyone feels a pounding headache, sees spots, feels sick, or has pain in the neck, back or knees. Slide back onto the bed, sit up slowly and drink some water.
Communication and Consent
Talk it through before you try it. The partner hanging off the bed can't easily see their partner and may find it harder to speak, so agree on a simple signal, like two taps on the thigh, that means "help me up now." The top partner should keep checking in. A quick "Still good?" is all it takes. Either of you can stop at any point, and switching back to a flat position isn't a failure. Barrier methods like condoms work exactly as usual here, so use them if they're part of your safer-sex plan.
FAQ
Is the Waterfall a beginner position?
It's moderately challenging. Partners who are comfortable with straddling positions can usually manage it, especially if they start with the Half Waterfall.
Who should be on the bottom?
Whoever feels comfortable being partly upside down and doesn't have any of the health issues listed above. It doesn't depend on gender or on who is penetrating.
Can we do it without a bed?
A sturdy couch, a padded bench or a stack of firm cushions on the floor can all work, as long as the surface won't tip or slide and can hold both of you.
