My Shisha Hurts My Lungs?

[Alex Jahan]

[size="2"][b]Hey first up I have been using Shisha for quite a while now at the local cafe in my area - recently I realised that it cost's too much spending £7 each time - so I bought myself a decent medium sized Hookah from my local store, I also bought coal, and some tobacco of course..

So I set the Shisha up how it is generally known - I filled the Tobacco Bowl to the Brim, put tin foil over it and popped in some holes, I filled the Base with Normal Cold Water - although not extremely chilled. And set it up, I then lit the coal with a lighter and placed it over!

The taste was DISGUSTING! [/b][/size][img]http://www.hookahforum.com/public/style_emoticons/default/bad.gif[/img] - [size="4"]It tastes like chemicals went into my system and very burnt, and I could not even barely taste the Tobacco at all. This has kind of put me off Shisha for a very long time, but just for next time (because I will most likely be doing it again) - what methods should I use to set it up and have the nice fruity, ice cold taste it has at cafes? I Need to know properly how to set it up - so any descriptions will be thanked in advance [/size]

[Chreees]

Give this thread a good lookover: http://www.hookahforum.com/topic/40373-beginners-guide-to-hookah/

It should get you started on the right path. What kind of coal and tobacco were you using?

Also, moving this to Discussion Group.

[ahhhdam]

Yup check out the link Incubusratm gave. From what you said you lit your coal and plopped it on top. From what I'm gathering, I'm assuming its a quick-light and that you didn't let it fully light up before taking a puff causing you to taste all the quick light chemical goodness. Next time let the coal light all the way before putting it on the bowl and taking a puff. Also welcome to the forums

[king_lunchb0x]

if at all possible try using a natural coal,coconaras leave no taste ( or at least i cant tell). And kanaras and ch arent bad, they just smell when you light them. The only problem is you need a coil burner to light nats..is this possible for you?
edited: what shisha are you using? Edited April 23, 2011 by king_lunchb0x

[TheyCallMeDave]

I agree with Chris here, however I think we need to take a step back and look at the setup before suggesting new products/equipment. Technique is key before purchasing higher end goods.

Original Poster, could you please describe in detail what you are doing with the coal? How long you light it, what ti looks like when you have it on the bowl, WHERE on the bowl (this is important, as you will find out in the link Incubusratm gave you)

If the problem you are having doesn't go away after reading the link given and adjusting, give us some more information about what you are doing, and I garuntee we can give you the answer to your problem.

Best of luck, and welcome to the forum.

[EvansLight]

If I had to guess by the way the post sounds, you are using quicklight coals and not letting them burn off all the quick lighting material before putting it on the hookah. Make sure the coal stops flickering and sparking and wait till it is glowing red all over.