Very perceptive! You guys are getting closer. You're right about the covering (specifically, it's a padded mat, the same kind as I used on the bondage board...which was repurposed from previously being used as the floor for the big steel cage). And it is there mainly to prevent splinters, as an extra precaution even though I sanded the board. You're also right about his balls being tied. Beyond that, I'll give you guys a pretty big hint here: His balls are tied, as well as his cuffed hands secured, to prevent him from escaping from "something else". Bigger hint: Focus on that metal bolt you see in the center of the board. What could be on the other side, that I wouldn't want him to be able to escape from? *evil grin!*