‍Purpose

The purpose of a water bong is to allow for a smoother smoking experience. Rather than pulling smoke directly into one’s lungs, a bong user has the luxury of having their smoke cooled by the water in the bong before it reaches their throat and lungs. 

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In addition to the cooling of the smoke, a water bong will filter out particulate matter and tar from the smoke, further enhancing the taste and enjoyability of the smoke. For many, a water bong, such as a bamboo bong, allows for a much cleaner, quicker, and more efficient smoking experience. Bamboo bongs have a rich history that dates back centuries. To learn more about the history of bamboo bongs, check out our article on the rich history of bamboo bongs.

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Preparing a Water Bong

Preparing and using a water bong may seem daunting to some, but it is a much easier process than one may think. First, ensure the bong is clean and clear of any loose debris or old water. This will allow for a greater amount of filtration to be done for the smoke. Next, fill the bong with water, careful not to over or underfill. Overfilling the bong causes diminished airflow, causing the user to have to pull will more effort to achieve the same rip. Underfilling the bong causes there to not be enough water for the smoke to bubble under, causing less filtration and a potential “dry bong” feeling (i.e. pulling the smoke through the bong as one would through a dry pipe, not a fun experience!). 

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To make sure the bong is filled to the correct level with water, test the bong’s water level by pulling air through the bong to make sure there is enough water so that bubbles are produced but not so much that it feels tight to pull air through or water splashes up and hits your mouth. After filling the bong, insert the downstem into the bong and attach your bowl. Be sure to check that there is a seal at each joint of connection. Now the water bong is ready to be packed and used to enjoy your dry herbs.

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Smoking with your Bamboo Water Bong

After preparing the water bong, the best part begins: smoking with your bamboo water bong. Place the chosen amount of dry herb in the bowl piece of your water bong. To start, it may be easier to smoke a smaller portion of dry herb, however, a water bong such as the Katana Bong by Terratokes will allow the user to take much larger hits that are smoother, another upside to using a bong. Pack the ground dry herb down into the bowl, but lightly so that air can still flow into and through the bowl during smoking. 

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After packing the bowl, press your mouth to the upper hole of the bong and ensure there is a good seal of the rim of the bong to your face just outside your lips. After ensuring there is a seal of the bong to your mouth and you are ready, light the bowl and begin inhaling. Some may find that if you’re indulging outside, you’ll have trouble lighting the dry herb if it’s windy. That’s why TerraTokes crafted the leaf inspired bowl to prevent spilling and to shield the wind.

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As the dry herb burns, progressively and lightly pack the ember and unburnt material down to allow for a continual pull on the burning material. After the ember goes out or you feel you are ready to inhale the smoke in the bong, pull out the bowl piece or uncover the hole on the side of your bong and take a deep inhale to pull all of the smoke out of the water bong. After you finish inhaling, take the bong away from your face, exhale the smoke, and repeat this process.