10 Beginner Vape and Smoke Tricks

If you've ever seen someone pull off a vape or smoke trick, you'd be forgiven for thinking it takes hours of practise. Maybe you’ve seen videos of people shaping vapor into waterfalls or spinning it into tiny tornadoes and thought, “How do they do that?” If you’re new to vaping, or just picking up smoking tricks for fun, you’re in the right place.

This guide is designed to teach beginners how to perform easy vape and smoke tricks, step by step. No need for advanced gear or months of practise. You’ll get simple, clear instructions, with tips to help you improve quickly and safely. We’ll also point out common mistakes and give gear advice so you can start confidently. Whether you're looking to show off a ghost inhale or pull off the jellyfish trick, there’s something here for you.

What You Need to Start Doing Vape and Smoke Tricks

Before you start learning tricks, it's worth making sure your gear is up to the task. Not every vape or smoke setup is ideal for tricks. You’ll need thick, visible clouds, smooth airflow, and a safe, well-ventilated space. Let’s go through the basics.

Choosing the Right Vape or Smoking Device

So, what vape is best for learning tricks? The type of device you use plays a big part in how well your tricks will turn out. Beginners often use pod systems, but for trick performance, box mods are usually better.

• Pod systems are compact and easy to use. However, they produce less vapor, which limits the tricks you can do.
• Box mods allow more control. You can adjust wattage, use lower-resistance coils, and combine with larger tanks or rebuildable atomisers to produce thicker clouds, perfect for trick learning.

Look for a device that allows:

• Adjustable airflow (more open airflow makes tricks easier to perform)
• Sub-ohm coil compatibility (for more vapor)
• Wattage control (to fine-tune vapor output)

E-Liquid Considerations

The kind of e-liquid you use matters just as much as the device. Cloud production relies on the balance between vegetable glycerine (VG) and propylene glycol (PG).

• High VG liquids (70% VG/30% PG or higher) create denser, thicker clouds. These are best for tricks.
• PG-heavy liquids produce less vapor but carry flavor better. They’re less suitable for performance tricks.

Also consider nicotine content. Beginners should stick to lower nicotine (3 mg or 6 mg max), especially when using high-powered devices. Too much nicotine can cause coughing or dizziness, especially during repeated practice.

Basic Safety Tips

Practising tricks should be fun, but not at the cost of your health or comfort. Always keep these safety points in mind:

• Avoid chain vaping: Repeating tricks over and over can lead to dry hits or throat irritation.
• Stay hydrated: Vapor can dry your mouth and throat. Sip water often.
• Ventilate your space: A small room filled with vapor gets uncomfortable quickly. Crack a window or use a fan.
• Take breaks: Tricks require focus and good breath control. Don’t overdo it.

10 Beginner Vape and Smoke Tricks

These tricks range from easy to slightly advanced. Follow the steps, practice with patience, and you’ll notice improvement each time. Each trick includes a how-to, a breakdown of the effect, and tips to help you master it faster.

1. The Ghost Inhale

Also known as the “mushroom cloud”, the ghost inhale involves letting out a small puff of vapor and quickly pulling it back in before it drifts away. It’s one of the easiest tricks to pick up and a great place to start if you’re new to playing around with smoke or vapor.

Step-by-step:

1. Take a slow pull from your vape.
2. Let the vapor settle in your mouth (do not inhale).
3. Gently push the vapor out like you’re fogging a mirror.
4. Quickly breathe it back in through your mouth.

Pro tips:

• Use thick vapor and practice indoors with no breeze.
• Keep your lips relaxed during the exhale.
• Watch yourself in a mirror to improve your timing.

2. Blowing Os (Smoke Rings)

Blowing rings is a classic smoke or vape move. With the right mouth shape and a bit of timing, you can form neat circles of vapor that float outward in a line. It might take a few tries to get your first clean ‘O’, but once you do, it’s one of the most satisfying tricks to repeat and refine.

Step-by-step:

1. Inhale and hold the vapor in your mouth.
2. Form your lips into an "O".
3. Use short bursts from your throat (like a gentle cough) to push the vapor out in rings.
4. Alternatively, flick your cheek with a finger to push rings out.

Pro tips:

• Practise the mouth shape first without vapor.
• Use a mirror to track the ring shape.
• A still room helps rings form and float.

3. The Dragon

The dragon exhale is a bold trick that sends vapor streaming from your nostrils and the corners of your mouth at the same time. It looks impressive, especially in a dim room or against light, but it’s surprisingly easy to learn once you’ve got the technique down.

Step-by-step:

1. Inhale deeply.
2. Close your lips in the middle and open slightly at the corners.
3. Exhale forcefully through both nose and mouth.

Pro tips:

• Use a high-VG liquid for better effect.
• Make sure nostrils are clear before trying.
• Don’t let vapor escape from the middle of your lips.

4. The French Inhale

Smooth and subtle, the French inhale creates a slow lift of vapor from your mouth into your nose. Also called the Irish Waterfall, this trick is all about gentle breath control and works best in a still environment where the vapor can hang long enough to catch the rise.

Step-by-step:

1. Inhale into your mouth and hold.
2. Slowly open your mouth and let the vapor float up naturally.
3. Inhale through your nose at the same time.

Pro tips:

• Tilt your head slightly forward.
• Use your tongue to gently push vapor upward.
• Practise breath control for a smooth flow.

5. The Waterfall

For this one, you’ll use a chilled bottle or glass to create a flowing stream of vapor that spills out and over a surface. It’s more of a setup trick than a mouth technique, but the effect is visually strong and easy to recreate once you’ve got the container and timing right.

Step-by-step:

1. Use a bottle with ice water at the bottom.
2. Blow vapor into the bottle, filling it up.
3. Gently tip the bottle and pour out the vapor over a flat surface.

Pro tips:

• Use glass or a transparent container for best visuals.
• The colder the container, the better the effect.
• Avoid shaking or disturbing the vapor.

6. The Tornado

The tornado uses a flat surface and a swipe of your hand to send vapor spinning upward like a twister. It’s a crowd-pleaser and doesn’t need much technical skill, just steady hands, still air, and a bit of practise to get the motion right.

Step-by-step:

1. Take a long drag and exhale onto a flat surface (table or counter).
2. Let the vapor settle for 2–3 seconds.
3. Use your hand to swipe upwards and twist at the wrist.

Pro tips:

• Use a smooth table in a still room.
• Move slowly. Speed ruins the effect.
• Watch video tutorials to match hand motion.

7. The Bane Inhale

This trick creates the look of vapor spilling out through the mouthpiece of a mask, like the character Bane from Batman. It uses a slow exhale through your teeth and works well in front of a mirror where you can control the shape and direction of the flow.

Step-by-step:

1. Inhale and let vapor sit in your mouth.
2. Press your teeth together and slowly exhale through them.
3. Let the vapor fall around your face.

Pro tips:

• Keep your lips slightly apart.
• Control exhale speed carefully.
• Try in front of a mirror for adjustment.

8. The Jellyfish (Beginner-Intermediate)

A little more advanced, the jellyfish involves blowing a ring and then pushing a second burst of vapor through it to create a drifting shape. When done cleanly, it looks like a jellyfish gliding through the air. You’ll want to have your rings pretty consistent before giving this one a serious try.

Step-by-step:

1. Blow a large, slow-moving ring.
2. Inhale again, then slowly push another vapor puff through the ring’s center.
3. The second cloud should catch the ring and drag it.

Pro tips:

• Requires strong ring control first.
• Use a gentle hand wave to push the second cloud.
• Best in a still room with no airflow.

9. The Bull Ring

This one combines ring control with a bit of timing. You’ll blow a ring and quickly inhale it through your nose, giving the appearance of a vapor “nose ring”. It’s a short trick but looks sharp when executed well, especially if you can keep your face level with the ring’s path.

Step-by-step:

1. Blow a medium-sized ring.
2. Lean forward quickly and inhale through your nostrils.
3. The ring should get sucked in just in front of your nose.

Pro tips:

• Requires timing and speed.
• Practise blowing consistent rings first.
• Keep your face level with the ring’s path.

10. The Snap Inhale

A quick and sharp trick, the snap inhale makes it look like vapor disappears right off your lips. You let it hover briefly in front of your face, then suck it back in fast enough that it seems to vanish in mid-air. Great for short clips or quick one-off displays.

Step-by-step:

1. Inhale and hold vapor in your mouth.
2. Open your lips slightly and let vapor hover.
3. Snap inhale quickly through the mouth.

Pro tips:

• Use lips and tongue to control vapor release.
• Practise indoors with no drafts.
• Works best with thick, slow-moving vapor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Getting into vape and smoke tricks can be frustrating at first. Many beginners struggle because of avoidable errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Rushing the Learning Process

Impatience is the most common problem. Tricks take time. Without regular practice and rest between attempts, you’ll likely feel discouraged. Remember:

• Focus on one trick at a time.
• Don’t expect perfection on day one.
• Watch your progress in a mirror or on video.

Wrong E-Liquid or Device Settings

Thin vapor or weak clouds make tricks almost impossible. Many beginners use the wrong coil, too little wattage, or the wrong VG/PG balance. Remember:

• Use sub-ohm coils and increase wattage slowly.
• Stick to high VG liquids for better vapor control.
• Adjust airflow for smoother exhale.

Ignoring Safety Practices

Practising tricks without considering your health can cause problems. Dry hits, headaches, and sore throats often come from overuse. Remember:

• Drink water regularly.
• Rest between attempts.
• Keep rooms ventilated and gear clean.

Impress Your Friends with These Vape Tricks

Learning vape tricks is easier than it looks when you know what to do. With practise, patience, and the right setup, even beginners can master impressive moves like the ghost inhale, waterfall, or jellyfish.

The key is to start slow, focus on control, and bear safety in mind. Maybe you'll decide tricks aren't for you; then again, maybe you've just found your favorite hobby.

Tried one of these tricks? Tag us on social or drop a comment. We'd love to see it!