Puffing Air

[gpat001]

I am new to smoking a pipe and I need some help I got a corn cob pipe and some tobacco and when I filled it and started smoking it.

#1 It kept going out

#2 It sounded like I was puffing air.

So do you think I didn't pack the pipe correct.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I haven't been smoking a pipe as long as some of the others here, but I have to assume you probably didn't pack it right. I believe the veterans here would tell you to put a little bit in your pipe and lightly pack it down. Add a bit more and pack it down a bit more firmly. Add one more pinch and pack it down a little firmer still. Check your draw. You want it to be an easy draw, but not too terribly easy, and you don't want it to feel like your sucking on a thick ice cream shake. Light it. It will go out. This is the char light. Tamp it down with a tamper (a nail would or screw would work if you don't have one) and light it again. There's a good chance you're going to have to relight occasionally, especially first starting out. Take short sips, wait a few seconds, and take another.
Welcome to the forums. If my advice doesn't help, there are a ton of people here who can help you out even more than I. Enjoy your pipe.

 

[captainsousie]

Unless it's a particularly good pack with properly dried tobacco I still relight a minimum of 3 times per bowl for most pipes I smoke. More if I get distracted or mess up the pack/drying. Relight as much as you need and don't worry about it yet.

 

[cavendish36]

When I first started smoking a pipe, I would huff-n-puff too much in an effort to keep the smolder from going out. After trying different packing and lighting methods, I finally found a system that works for me. As rothnh stated, the beginners pipe smoking forum is a great place to learn; however, the best method is to keep trying different ways until you find what works best for you. Good luck, and welcome to the website!