Using a shisha hookah for beginners can be an enjoyable experience, but it’s important to understand the basics to ensure a safe and pleasant session. Smoking shisha entails smoking flavored tobacco and non-tobacco with a special smoking device, most commonly known as a premium shisha for hookah. In different cultures, this device is also known as a hookah. Shisha tobacco is tobacco soaked in fruit shavings from fruits like apples, grapes and strawberries. A shisha device consists of a base, pipe, bowl and hose or a mouthpiece.
The tobacco is placed in the bowl at the top of the pipe structure. A piece of perforated aluminum foil covers the bowl, on top of which you place a charcoal tab that’s been lit and has heated through. The charcoal tab heats the tobacco in the bowl. You smoke the tobacco by using the hose or mouthpiece. The smooth, sweet smelling vapor from the tobacco is filtered through the base, containing water.
The following is a step-by-step guide for beginners who must be prepared:
1. Assemble the Hookah:
a. Base:
Fill the base with water until it covers the bottom of the stem.
Make sure the stem is securely attached to the base.
b. Shaft or Stem:
Connect the shaft or stem to the base, ensuring a tight seal.
Attach any necessary grommets to ensure an airtight fit.
c. Hose:
Attach the hose to the hose port on the stem.
Make sure the hose is clean and free from any blockages.
d. Bowl:
Place the bowl onto the top of the stem.
Ensure a tight seal with the grommet.
2. Prepare the Tobacco:
a. Choose Flavored Tobacco (Shisha):
Select a shisha flavor of your choice.
Make sure the shisha is fresh and moist.
b. Pack the Bowl:
Sprinkle the shisha tobacco into the bowl.
Avoid overpacking; leave some space between the tobacco and the foil.
c. Cover with Foil:
Stretch a piece of aluminum foil over the bowl.
Securely wrap the edges around the bowl.
d. Poke Holes:
Use a toothpick, fork, or a dedicated poker to make small holes in the foil.
Ensure even distribution for proper airflow.
3. Lighting the Coals:
a. Choose the Right Charcoal:
Use natural coconut coals or other hookah-specific coals.
b. Ignite the Coals:
Use a coal burner or a stove to light the coals.
Wait until they are red-hot and covered in ash.
c. Place on Bowl:
Carefully place the hot coals on the foil-covered bowl.
4. Smoking:
a. Inhale Gently:
Inhale slowly and steadily through the hose.
b. Manage Heat:
Adjust the number of coals or their placement to control heat.
Too much heat can result in a harsh taste.
c. Rotate Coals:
Rotate the coals periodically to ensure even heating of the shisha.
d. Enjoy Responsibly:
Keep sessions moderate, and stay hydrated.
5. Cleanup:
a. Dispose of Used Tobacco:
Empty the used shisha from the bowl.
b. Clean the Hookah:
Rinse the base, stem, and hose with water.
Use a brush to clean any residue.
6. General Tips:
. Experiment with different shisha flavors and packing methods.
. Practice good hygiene to enhance your hookah experience.
. Always use clean water in the base for a better taste.
Remember to take your time and enjoy the experience responsibly. It may take a bit of practice to get everything just right, so don’t be discouraged if your first session isn’t perfect.