Moving to fire poi already? help?!

LifeJunkie · Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 129 Location: Kent

Okay, well i've been doing poi for a few months now, can do the basics, progressing onto the harder moves, getting into it more regularly etc..
And i was just wondering if it would be wise to go out soon and buy some fire's. They were the main reason i got into poi in the first place, and lets say im not the most patient guy in the world.. grumble

Even if i dont light them at first, just do some 'dry' (??) spins with them and just get used to the weight of them really.

Any good fire poi that you recoomend? i will most likely be buying from oddballs or firetoys and i have no idea what ones are good and what ones are bad, advice needed!! Smile

and also, kerosene, i heard thats what i need to use? can i just buy it from a place like homebase? or something like that?
i have aload of other questions, so expect me to come back and ask some more in here Razz

Cheers if you can help guys, and if you honestly think thats its too soon for me to get into it then just tell me!! nutty

Simon

RidRequiem · Posted: Tue 19th Feb, 2008 7:11 pm Post subject:

Well so long as your not silly about it!!!!!!!

You can move to fire when you feel your ready to because it's all a matter of confidence at the end of the day.

Start very slowly!! Get used to just spinning them around by your sides.

Remember to be very careful when first lit swing them side to side so that you don't burn your hands.

Then after a while of getting used to the noise!! When the poi have burnt for a bit, so the flames have died down slightly, do a move that you feel you can do well.

(I think I did a 2bt weave then 3bt weave)

Ok so thats the basics!!

now the fire!!

paraffin

In terms of where to get your fuel; petrol stations, they sometimes have Paraffin in their forecourt, B&Q or look for names like garden lamp oil. This is Paraffin based. You can get it from Homebase; look in garden chemicals section, check in garden chemicals. Make sure to check any local hardware stores as well as you can sometimes get it cheaper than main brand stores, plus they do cheaper refills!

Ok now what? got paraffin and fire poi~

Now you need to find a suitable container to soak your poi in I've got a thick plastic tub but its not ideal maybe other peeps have suggestions maybe tin bucket!

So pour Paraffin into container (just enough to cover poi) put poi in go make a brew get mp3 ready.

So after 5 min put, id say jeans on and a jumper that is as flame proof as possible!!

If you have long hair tie it back!!!

Also make sure that if you're wearing glasses that you take them off and put them somewhere safe! There have been instances where people have hit themselves in the face and broken their glasses!

Put hat on!!
Again not a wool one!!
Furthermore try not to wear man made synthetic materials as they catch VERY easily and stick to your skin when set fire! Which can lead to severe burns!

Make sure all mp3 wires and any loose ends are well tucked away!!

It's best if you have a friend there just in case!
(but not one thats going to put you off! or one that you want to show off to!!)

Have a bucket of water and a soaked towel ready in case of a fire or a burn!

When you first take your poi out let the excess paraffin dip back into container.

Then you need to do an extra hard spin to get rid of even more excess (best done near a bush!)
(video done!!)

So all excess paraffin spun off your all set put some nice slow music on get your lighter out and enjoy the wonder and thrill that is fire poi once you start you just cant stop

but remember it is fire it does burn if your daft with it so take it easy it might feel like you can do anything once you get the hang of it but take it slow if you can!!!!

what poi to burn~ well i started with small monkey fists but i have got some Flamin' Chains Fire Poi (set) from poipoi that would be good to start with. best advice start small and you want the chain about the same length as your forearm.

Now in terms of putting poi out.
Ideally you want to put your poi out before the flame goes out by its' self. This prevents your wicks getting damaged and shortens its life span so to speak.

To put it out properly, have your friend who's there with you to dunk your towel into a bucket of water and lay it out flat, drop your poi into the middle of the towel and fold the towel in onto the poi fairly quickly.
Then give it a good pat. When you unwrap the towel it will be fairly smoky but don't worry bout that!

If your poi does go out by its self then dunk the poi into your bucket of paraffin. Again, this helps prolong the life of your poi.

Then if you do have some paraffin left over, buy a funnel then pour it back into your tub and you're done!

hahahahahahahaahahahah any questions feel free to ask
hugs and brews xx

LifeJunkie · Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 129 Location: Kent

RidRequiem · Posted: Tue 19th Feb, 2008 7:47 pm Post subject:

hahaha you have started me and daerda off on a mission to do a vid for you of the starting of poi
he is off back down south tomorrow so we shall try do it tonight!!

hes quicker at ans your questions so im handing you over to him

huggles xx

Daedra · Posted: Tue 19th Feb, 2008 8:03 pm Post subject:

LifeJunkie · Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 129 Location: Kent

ahh coolies.
thanks guys, you've been super helpfull Very Happy

Il try and persuade mum to get on here and order some tommorow, hopefully get spinning by next week Very Happy

ahh the excitment is crazy shocked

I know that the garden would be most suited, but the problem is we have both have pretty small urban gardens, not really big enough to spin 'freely' as to say.. was spinning some socks down the local park today and it was amazing to finally have some room to do it properly.

The park shuts well before it gets dark and its not really a kids play area kind of park, the local pikeys are usually there drinking themselves stupid. But yeah, maybe a nearby empty field or the beach..

Once again, thanks Smile

Il let you guys know what I order tommorow.
Simon

Daedra · Posted: Tue 19th Feb, 2008 9:44 pm Post subject:

if you do go out and about with fire poi do go somewhere quite if possible.

but don't forget a phone! and a torch!

and if you do start to spin in front of people be aware that some people find it funny to steal them off you so be warned!!!!

this is not funny and not safe so choose your spinning friends wisely

and when you get good enough to spin in front of lots of people liability insurance is always a good idea

HUGS

hahahah i was signed in as daedra!

LifeJunkie · Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 129 Location: Kent

Hey Daedra, I also noticed your from canterbury, and that there is a 'dealer' in canterbury at this address:
Siesta
1 Palace Street
Canterbury
CT1 2DY

never knew there was anywhere in the highstreet that sold poi's, do they do fires up there? is it good? i might have to gop up and check it out if you reccomend it, its the closest place to me and it would be easier than ordering online.
let me know please,

hugs,
Simon

Daedra · Posted: Wed 20th Feb, 2008 1:24 am Post subject:

Dude that's where I got my first fire poi from!!
I'd say give them a crack, they're a good beginners set of fire poi with a reasonable burn time, good reliability and if it's close to you in terms of travel then that's a bonus!

Also if you're ever in Canterbury (where I live). There's a juggling society every Wednesday up the University. PM me if you want more details regarding that!

RIght now in an effort to help you on your poi adventures. Me and Ridrequiem made a little video to get you on your way!

Fire Poi Prep 101

That's the link! Enjoy!

-Dae-

LifeJunkie · Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 129 Location: Kent

all ordered.
i just got normal 24" chain ones.
I said to my mum after she ordered them that all i need now is some parafin and she was like Confused

and i explained and showed her what they were and she was like 'theres no way im letting you do that!!' 'especially not in my garden'
damnit daumen runter

she thought fire was just normal poi with fire colours...

Persuade her that its 'safe' guys. Il make her read this topic. Smile

Simon

Daedra · Posted: Wed 20th Feb, 2008 1:54 pm Post subject:

Hahaha! God dam the mums! That's what my old dear was like when I started! But as long as you have had a good deal of practice and stick to the basics then you should be ok!

RidRequiem · Posted: Wed 20th Feb, 2008 7:01 pm Post subject:

honestly LifeJunkie's mum it is safe!!

so long as its done sensibly and you respect the fire then burn away its amazing

who votes that LifeJunkie's mum starts poi!!!!
my mum gave it a go!! (well not the fire!! Very Happy

)

hugs and brews and a cookie for LifeJunkie's mum

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