Yet Another Beginner

[iSmk85]

I've decided to go for my first experience with hookah at a bar. So, I've some questions any noob should have concerning their first time smoking hookah, but not the first time smoking by a long shot.

I'm a social smoker so I am well acquainted with the ritual and joy of tobacco. I've managed to keep out of the realm of a big time pack a day habit, but I do find time to smoke at least a couple times a day. I know, weird, but, it works for me. I'm very interested in trying hookah so I thought I'd ask some questions before I go jump in the pool sometime next week...

I'm a little nervous about getting it started. Do the servers light the coals for you or is that something I'd be expected to do? I hate to go in the place and tell someone "uh, its my first time" but, if it comes down to it, should I expect them to help me get started or is that taboo?

I saw a video on YouTube I think where there was this guy doing a "how-to"... He mentioned hookah should be inhaled straight from the hose instead of drawing on it first like you would a cigarette, otherwise you wouldn't enjoy it. I am pretty sure eventually I'd be up for that later, at least occasionally, or in combination with a more traditional drag I can french inhale, but at first does it work to just suck a nice ball into your mouth first then take the deep inhale breath? I'd think I could handle it but I don't want to get a chest-full then spend the next hour in the bathroom...

Any flavor in particular a noob should start with? I'm intrigued by anything citrus but totally in the dark on what's tasty...

I think it is a safe assumption that shisha delivers way more nic than the typical cigarette... Is that correct?

Any guidance is appreciated. I know noobs are a pain but somehow I bet noobs in this forum are most welcome.

[ryno]

If you're going to a bar, they should set it all up for you coals and all. Inhale I have found is preference from smoker to smoker, and I typically dont do a cig style inhale, but do french inhale alot

[Bulldog_916]

I've decided to go for my first experience with hookah at a bar. So, I've some questions any noob should have concerning their first time smoking hookah, but not the first time smoking by a long shot.

I'm a social smoker so I am well acquainted with the ritual and joy of tobacco. I've managed to keep out of the realm of a big time pack a day habit, but I do find time to smoke at least a couple times a day. I know, weird, but, it works for me. I'm very interested in trying hookah so I thought I'd ask some questions before I go jump in the pool sometime next week...

I'm a little nervous about getting it started. Do the servers light the coals for you or is that something I'd be expected to do? I hate to go in the place and tell someone "uh, its my first time" but, if it comes down to it, should I expect them to help me get started or is that taboo?

I saw a video on YouTube I think where there was this guy doing a "how-to"... He mentioned hookah should be inhaled straight from the hose instead of drawing on it first like you would a cigarette, otherwise you wouldn't enjoy it. I am pretty sure eventually I'd be up for that later, at least occasionally, or in combination with a more traditional drag I can french inhale, but at first does it work to just suck a nice ball into your mouth first then take the deep inhale breath? I'd think I could handle it but I don't want to get a chest-full then spend the next hour in the bathroom...

Any flavor in particular a noob should start with? I'm intrigued by anything citrus but totally in the dark on what's tasty...

I think it is a safe assumption that shisha delivers way more nic than the typical cigarette... Is that correct?

Any guidance is appreciated. I know noobs are a pain but somehow I bet noobs in this forum are most welcome.

Do an apple shisha first. It's what most of us started on. If you do citrus, do an orange or a mandarin type flavor. They will give you a description of the flavors if you ask them. I'm sure they have a list.

Hey man, noobs are ALWAYS welcome here. Just make sure you search for your question, it's likely been answered before, but if you cant find it, throw up a post and we'll be glad to help.

[DJ_HOSSEIX]

As far as coals in a hookah bar it depends if the lounge you are going to is down right shit or not. If its some cheap place they will give you quick lights if not they will bring you lit natural wood coals and place them on the bowl for you.

As far as coal placement always start from the outer "edges" of the rim.

As far as how to smoke, it depends on the tobacco. If i am smoking nakhla or more traditional tobaccos i smoke for flavor and take drags as if im smoking a cigar. If im smoking the more wet juicy Al Fakher, Fumari, Fantasia, Starbuzz shisha i will take a huge drag.

In regards to flavors, it depends on what brand your lounge serves. One bit of advice i can give you is that anything that is Double Apple flavor in reality in licorice flavor.


Nicotine percentage depends on if a particular shisha is washed or unwashed. You will find that shishas like Tangiers and Nakhla are 0.5% and thus are unwashed whereas shishas like Al Fakher and Starbuzz are around the 0.03% and thus are washed.

[ambuletzd2h]

I would also recommend a apple shisha for your first as well. I started off with nahkla double apple and loved it, its kinda a heavy head buzz though if its gonna be your first time. if you dont like apple try to get maybe a mixed fruit or a fruit punch flavor.

[iSmk85]

Do an apple shisha first. It's what most of us started on. If you do citrus, do an orange or a mandarin type flavor. They will give you a description of the flavors if you ask them. I'm sure they have a list.

Hey man, noobs are ALWAYS welcome here. Just make sure you search for your question, it's likely been answered before, but if you cant find it, throw up a post and we'll be glad to help.

Thanks for the help all... I've been perusing this board for a few weeks but didn't find anything specific to the questions I had. Lots of "which hookah should I buy" but not much as far as the basic how to... I really appreciate the info...