A cracker of a bloke
IT’S become a quintessential Aussie pastime, but whip cracking is a way of life for Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs. With three Guinness World Records under his belt, Nathan now travels the nation putting on whip cracking shows and selling handmade whips.
“I think most people can relate to whip cracking, everyone has a story they can tell about whip cracking,” he enthuses.
Nathan’s passion started as a 14-year-old when he was travelling around Australia with his parents.
“When I was younger, I used to muck around with a rope and a stick. Then we met this fellow when we were travelling, he was an ex-cop from Perth. He really inspired me to get my own whip,” he told Dubbo Photo News in the lead-up to his show here next week.
Nathan saved his coins and when he reached $60, purchased his first whip.
When he couldn’t afford a second whip, he started making his own using whatever materials he could find.
“I looked at how much it would cost and the leather was too expensive so I made my first whip out of inner
Nathan’s Guinness World Records:
z Longest whip ever cracked – 100.47 metres z Most whip cracks in a minute with two whips – 697 z Most whip cracks using one hand – 359
tube rubber.”
After growing up in the tiny West Australian mining town of Greenbushes, Nathan now calls Mataranka in the Northern Territory home.
When he’s not on the road, he can be found there, performing his show every night.
“I’ve just been travelling around Australia for five years. It’s a good way to meet new people and gets my name out there. I also have a large following on social media so that helps too.
“I work every day, I love it,” he said.
Nathan is a bit of a character and puts a lot of effort into his shows to ensure the crowd’s enjoyment.
“The sound of the whip draws people’s attention and I get about 200 to 300 people to my shows. I try to make sure my show entertains – with a bit of showmanship and a bit of humour.”
WHAT WHERE WHEN
z Outback Whip Cracking Extravaganza starring Nathan ‘Whippy’ Griggs
z Dubbo Greyhound Racing Track
z Wednesday, March 14, from 7pm
z Food and drink will be available for purchase from the venue. FREE event, with donations appreciated – ‘Pass the hat around’