Getting Started
Fill your base with just enough water that it is about 1 inch above the bottom of the metal shaft. Make sure the water is no more than 1.5 inches above the bottom of the shaft; too much water can ruin the hookah experience, by reducing the space for smoke storage in the base.
Fit the metal shaft
Fit the metal shaft portion into the glass base. Make sure to have a proper sized rubber or plastic grommet in order to have an airtight seal.
Placing the metal tray
Place your metal tray over the top of the metal shaft, allowing it to rest on the circular plate around the neck.
Connect the Hose
After checking that your hose is functioning and has no minor punctures, connect the wooden part to hose grommet, once again checking for an airtight seal.
Fit Clay Bowl
Fit your clay bowl on top of the metal section, checking to make sure that the grommet creates an airtight seal.
Test for Suction
At this point, you should test that your entire hookah setup is airtight. Place your hand on top of the clay bowl and suck in through the hose. If your setup is airtight, then you will feel a pull on your hand and see bubbles in the water. If you do not feel a pull or do not see bubbles, it means that there is an air leak somewhere in your hookah. Thoroughly examine all of your connections and your hose to locate the source.
Pack the Bowl
At this point you are ready to pack your bowl. Take your tobacco and sprinkle it in the bowl. Be careful not to pack it tightly, as that can restrict the passage of air and ruin your smoking experience.
Cover Bowl with Foil
Cover the tobacco in the bowl using a small piece of aluminum foil; try keeping the foil as flat and airtight as possible.
Poke Holes
Using a pin, toothpick or similarly small and sharp object, poke small holes in the tinfoil (for more information on hole patterns go to tips section). Using the tongs provided, take your coal (preferably outside) and light it until it sparks. Warning: a large amount of smoke will emanate from the coal so beware of lighting it indoors.
Place Coal on Foil
When it is fully lit (the sparks have spread and the coal has stopped smoking for the most part), place your coal on top of the foil. Placing the coal on the outer-edge of the bowl, working it around the edges, and finishing it in the center will give you a longer smoke.
Start the Hookah
Gently press down on the coal and take several large, strong puffs to start your Captain Hookah smoking pipe. Smoke should build up inside the glass base and you should start tasting the tobacco, if everything has been done properly up to this point.
At this point you should have a functioning hookah. Go to the Advanced Tips section to learn some cool tricks and find ways of enhancing your smoking experience. If you have any problems, tips, or suggestion feel free to shoot us an e-mail.
