Vapouround magazine Issue 02 | Page 48

F E AT U R E Can you blow O’s like a pro? If you’re a Star Wars fan, you’ll know your Bantha Fodder and Fraidee-frogs from the galaxy far far away. E very community uses terms specific to their group and the vaping community is no exception. It too has its own little lexicon and cloud chasing is not only a cool term but massive trend too. Blowing billowing puffs of smoke is just one of the vape tricks that creative vapers have up their sleeves. For the benefit of newbie vapers, cloud chasing doesn’t involve running whilst staring at the sky as if you’re flying an invisible kite. Cloud chasers use their e-cigarettes to create humungous vapour plumes which wouldn’t look out of place in Michael Jackson’s Thriller video. Such is the cult status of vape tricks, that it is inspiring competitions the world-over. Competitive vaping has been described as an extreme sport by The Wall Street Journal. Cloud chasing tournaments where vapers create the largest clouds, is a popular hobby that originated from across the pond from our American cousins, and which has caught on here 44 WINTER EDITION VAPOUROUND MAGAZINE too. It is hugely popular, and the de facto sport which has sponsors distributing covetable cash prizes, can be lucrative for winning vapers and promoters alike. Rich from the Best Vapor Flavours website (www.bestvaporflavors.com) says: “Cloud chasing can take months to master. A device used to win a cloud competition could be given to another contestant and not win. Not only does the device and all its variables determine cloud strength, but also the vaper’s breathing techniques.” Rich’s tips for optimal cloud production include using an e-juice with a high VG, zero PG solution base, a copper mechanical mod or a high wattage device, an RDA with a good air flow, powerful battery and good coil set-up. This is in addition to perfecting your breathing technique. You should firstly start by completely emptying your lungs. Exhale and dispel any excess air into your RDA so that puffs come out through the holes. Then, on the inhale which is long and hard, straighten your back up to open your lungs to allow the entrance of more vapour. Exhale at a constant regular pace and ensure your jaw is slightly pushed out as you do. Having a protruding jaw allows you to open up your throat so that the vapour can escape easily. Tighten your lips at that last moment, which will propel a shot of air for a massive cloud. Vapers passionate about their mods are not only enjoying vaping, but getting down with the intricacies of using their lungs and RDAs to master the act of cloud chasing which is an art in itself. Are you a cloud chaser or do you know someone who can conjure up the best vape tricks ever? Tweet us the picture to @vapouround, we’d love to see it. *Thank you to Connor Leach, Richard Brixey, www.blog.vaporfi.com and www.electroniccigarettebali.com for use of images.