A friend of mine and myself would love to learn how to do poi. This would be my 3rd year to the burn and her first. If there is anyone out there who would be willing to teach us both? Thank you!
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Fire Dancers
If you are willing to start without fire and practice until your wrists, fingers and arms collapse there's always Home of Poi's free lessons. 
They are good and its better to see if your town has some twirlers though, poi is a hard thing to learn on your own and twirlers are generaly great people to be around with 
They are good and its better to see if your town has some twirlers though, poi is a hard thing to learn on your own and twirlers are generaly great people to be around with Burning with inspiration! [size=134])'([/size]
Last year was my first burn and i to was fascinated by the fire poi preformances. i bought my first set of firepois and glow poi's shortly after the burn from www.homeofpoi.com and www.firetoys.co.uk. i have been reading the advise in the HoP forum and following the videos... it has been a very helpful guide. poi is frusturating to learn at times... you know with it battering you around the head, in the crotch (really painful), and countless other places. even though it will be frusturating to learn you will have tons of fun learning.
-Leon
-Leon
Stop right there, let's re-phase that. You'd better be willing to start without fire or you are going to hurt yourself. Actually you are going to hurt yourself with practice poi too but not anywhere as bad.If you are willing to start without fire
Home of Poi throws in a fire safety DVD, I won't say that I follow all of their ideas but a beginner should. (Not following advice, I use a combo of lamp oil and white gas, and sometimes just white gas and I soak my wicks).
Had a party Saturday and a whole lot of us flamed up but the fuel dump was way over there (with lights) and we always had at least on safety going, more when there were more that several people going at once. No real injuries but some of we staff people do have a few burn marks. Oh, and I kinda set my hair on fire playing with a dart -- too much fun.
I like playing with fire.
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Ugly Dougly
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[quote="Silver 2"][quote]
Stop right there, let's re-phase that. You'd better be willing to start without fire or you are going to hurt yourself. Actually you are going to hurt yourself with practice poi too but not anywhere as bad.
Home of Poi throws in a fire safety DVD, I won't say that I follow all of their ideas but a beginner should.[/quote]
I couldnt agree more. I have been spinning poi for a little over 6 months and i have not lit them up once. get some glow poi if you want to do it in the dark and get an idea of how they will look at night... they are also great at raves. keep in mind "YOU ARE HANDELING LIVE FIRE" and as smoky the bear says... fire is dangerous for you and me... have fun for now with out fire then light up.
Stop right there, let's re-phase that. You'd better be willing to start without fire or you are going to hurt yourself. Actually you are going to hurt yourself with practice poi too but not anywhere as bad.
Home of Poi throws in a fire safety DVD, I won't say that I follow all of their ideas but a beginner should.[/quote]
I couldnt agree more. I have been spinning poi for a little over 6 months and i have not lit them up once. get some glow poi if you want to do it in the dark and get an idea of how they will look at night... they are also great at raves. keep in mind "YOU ARE HANDELING LIVE FIRE" and as smoky the bear says... fire is dangerous for you and me... have fun for now with out fire then light up.
You will get burned
Once you come to terms with the following:
You will get burned. Every fire performer has. You must also be prepared to accept the risk, pain, and in some cases significant hospital bills.
Not everyone ends up in the local burn ward, but everyone does learn about the magic of Aloe and Silverdine creme.
Step Two: How much entropy can you handle?
Fire spinners often have an affinity to the type of tool they use.
When starting, it is recommended that you try both poi and staff and figure out through your own experiences which is more fun. You may be one of the lucky folks that are excellent at both.
Step Three:
Get non-fire versions of the tools. Zuni poi or similar are a good start. Leave the long streamers on the poi and do not shorten them. They do a decent job of simulating the fire trail you will leave when fire spinning.
Get a basic fire staff, preferably one of wood construction. Put streamers on the ends. The reason Wood is recommended; it distributes the weight of the staff closer to the center and effectively destabilizes rotation. Once you learn in this manner, you will have an easier time later on.
Step Four:
Have an experienced fire performer show you the basics of safety. For poi this includes how to correctly attach the tool to your fingers so that they do not fly off like projectiles, and for staff the basics of how to grip the tool and ensure bystanders do not get clobbered.
Where do you find one? Start here:
http://www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/ ... clave.html
Find a group from the list that is willing to teach you or let you observe their practice sessions. Add to that the info you can find on the already listed web sites and you should be good to go on learning the basics. Most fire conclave Shins (group leaders) should be able to provide you with the basic safety information required.
Step Five:
Practice, practice, practice. Like any skill, fire performing requires a lot of muscle-memory which can only be learned through practice. Don't get discouraged. You will find yourself failing something for days until all of a sudden it hits you and you have achieved enlightenment. This is where fire spinning is similar to martial arts. Repeat until it hurts.
Step Six:
Once you think you have your technique down and are ready for some real fire; get your fire tool of choice and soak the wick with water. Start spinning and experience new levels of pain. What you did: Once the wicks are soaked the fire tool balance is completely different. Practice some more using this method. Also notice how all that water if spraying off the wicks. So will the fuel when you light up. Learn to spin both fast and slow, so that you can control every aspect of you performance. Learn to "Spin-Out" your tool so there is no water spray when you perform.
Step Seven:
With the help of an experienced, safety conscious fire performer: Light up. Make sure you have one fire safety that has a ready wet towel or Duvetyn and a second with a ready ABC class fire extinguisher. Be sure that the fire safeties and you have a system worked out. Usually the safety will yell out which body part you have successfully transferred fuel onto and lit on fire. You must stop spinning before a fire safety can help you. If you fail to do so (poi could be wrapped around your arm and burning you as you flail around), expect to get a face full of ABC fire extinguisher powder.
Finally: Remember that allot of fire performers that are doing amazing stuff with their tools have 5, 10, or even more years of experience. Set reasonable expectations and goals and celebrate your small victories safely.
You will get burned. Every fire performer has. You must also be prepared to accept the risk, pain, and in some cases significant hospital bills.
Not everyone ends up in the local burn ward, but everyone does learn about the magic of Aloe and Silverdine creme.
Step Two: How much entropy can you handle?
Fire spinners often have an affinity to the type of tool they use.
When starting, it is recommended that you try both poi and staff and figure out through your own experiences which is more fun. You may be one of the lucky folks that are excellent at both.
Step Three:
Get non-fire versions of the tools. Zuni poi or similar are a good start. Leave the long streamers on the poi and do not shorten them. They do a decent job of simulating the fire trail you will leave when fire spinning.
Get a basic fire staff, preferably one of wood construction. Put streamers on the ends. The reason Wood is recommended; it distributes the weight of the staff closer to the center and effectively destabilizes rotation. Once you learn in this manner, you will have an easier time later on.
Step Four:
Have an experienced fire performer show you the basics of safety. For poi this includes how to correctly attach the tool to your fingers so that they do not fly off like projectiles, and for staff the basics of how to grip the tool and ensure bystanders do not get clobbered.
Where do you find one? Start here:
http://www.burningman.com/on_the_playa/ ... clave.html
Find a group from the list that is willing to teach you or let you observe their practice sessions. Add to that the info you can find on the already listed web sites and you should be good to go on learning the basics. Most fire conclave Shins (group leaders) should be able to provide you with the basic safety information required.
Step Five:
Practice, practice, practice. Like any skill, fire performing requires a lot of muscle-memory which can only be learned through practice. Don't get discouraged. You will find yourself failing something for days until all of a sudden it hits you and you have achieved enlightenment. This is where fire spinning is similar to martial arts. Repeat until it hurts.
Step Six:
Once you think you have your technique down and are ready for some real fire; get your fire tool of choice and soak the wick with water. Start spinning and experience new levels of pain. What you did: Once the wicks are soaked the fire tool balance is completely different. Practice some more using this method. Also notice how all that water if spraying off the wicks. So will the fuel when you light up. Learn to spin both fast and slow, so that you can control every aspect of you performance. Learn to "Spin-Out" your tool so there is no water spray when you perform.
Step Seven:
With the help of an experienced, safety conscious fire performer: Light up. Make sure you have one fire safety that has a ready wet towel or Duvetyn and a second with a ready ABC class fire extinguisher. Be sure that the fire safeties and you have a system worked out. Usually the safety will yell out which body part you have successfully transferred fuel onto and lit on fire. You must stop spinning before a fire safety can help you. If you fail to do so (poi could be wrapped around your arm and burning you as you flail around), expect to get a face full of ABC fire extinguisher powder.
Finally: Remember that allot of fire performers that are doing amazing stuff with their tools have 5, 10, or even more years of experience. Set reasonable expectations and goals and celebrate your small victories safely.
I've been twirling for over 3 years now, never burned myself once. I've been firebreathing for 6 years and never burned myself either. Before I start a burn I make sure I know the wind directions and whether it can change on a whim (it usually doesn't in the Netherlands). Never had one problem with handling fire and the safety I keep is still always by my side.
Another note people often forget, if you want to peform somewhere, people will somehow dig up fire-extinquishers (sp?). Make sure its powder. If its foam or CO2 you can get some nasty results, foam is just darned annoying and CO2 will give you worst burns than your fire toys will (cold burns).
Another note people often forget, if you want to peform somewhere, people will somehow dig up fire-extinquishers (sp?). Make sure its powder. If its foam or CO2 you can get some nasty results, foam is just darned annoying and CO2 will give you worst burns than your fire toys will (cold burns).
Burning with inspiration! [size=134])'([/size]
Atar
You have been very fortunate. Give thanks to whomever is watching over you.
As for the CO2 extinguishers, there is a myth about the freezing effect. A few years back a bunch of us went to a reputable fire protection company for training in fire extinguisher use. We specifically asked about the cooling effect of CO2 extinguishers and were promptly given a demonstration. It did not burn anyone bold enough to volunteer when the device was used properly, i.e. with several feet of distance. The biggest side effect of CO2 systems is the possibility of removing oxygen from the area and suffocation. A second negative is the short duration of the extinguishing effect due to rapid dissipation of the CO2 in outdoor settings. It is entirely possible for the extinguished subject to re-ignite if there are smoldering ignition sources in the vicinity.
We also asked for data on the safety of the powder used in ABC type extinguishers. The company representative demonstrated this by eating a mouthful of powder. There is some discomfort if you get it in your eyes or inhale it, just like any other powder, but it is rather harmless. On the Playa, the cleanup and moop factor is significant, so if you can afford it, the CO2 is recommended for BM use if you primarily deal with class BC fires (liquid fuels). If you need to put out fires in solids, like wood, an ABC is required. I always have both on hand.
And if ever in doubt; if you see me lit on fire running down the Playa yelling and screaming, don't hesitate with the fire extinguisher and do not stop to think about using a CO2, just use it.
The burningman website has a great little write-up on the matter.
http://www.burningman.com/installations ... s_art.html
Either way, I would recommend anyone who wants to play with fire to contact their local fire extinguisher shop and see if they can arrange for training. Usually it is free, or at most cost of consumables used in the training. Very well worth the effort.
As for the CO2 extinguishers, there is a myth about the freezing effect. A few years back a bunch of us went to a reputable fire protection company for training in fire extinguisher use. We specifically asked about the cooling effect of CO2 extinguishers and were promptly given a demonstration. It did not burn anyone bold enough to volunteer when the device was used properly, i.e. with several feet of distance. The biggest side effect of CO2 systems is the possibility of removing oxygen from the area and suffocation. A second negative is the short duration of the extinguishing effect due to rapid dissipation of the CO2 in outdoor settings. It is entirely possible for the extinguished subject to re-ignite if there are smoldering ignition sources in the vicinity.
We also asked for data on the safety of the powder used in ABC type extinguishers. The company representative demonstrated this by eating a mouthful of powder. There is some discomfort if you get it in your eyes or inhale it, just like any other powder, but it is rather harmless. On the Playa, the cleanup and moop factor is significant, so if you can afford it, the CO2 is recommended for BM use if you primarily deal with class BC fires (liquid fuels). If you need to put out fires in solids, like wood, an ABC is required. I always have both on hand.
And if ever in doubt; if you see me lit on fire running down the Playa yelling and screaming, don't hesitate with the fire extinguisher and do not stop to think about using a CO2, just use it.
The burningman website has a great little write-up on the matter.
http://www.burningman.com/installations ... s_art.html
Either way, I would recommend anyone who wants to play with fire to contact their local fire extinguisher shop and see if they can arrange for training. Usually it is free, or at most cost of consumables used in the training. Very well worth the effort.
Hmmm, I didn't know that. And I attended about a year at the local Junior firebrigade 'club' (basicly a trainingground for the normal firebrigade). It does make sense since I remember the minimum distance and whatnot, we got the same training you did I presume, but with less informed people.
Then again, I don't expect all people that have an extinquisher to be able to use it properly. Ofcourse there are highly informed and educated folk but that is not all of them
These visions keep haunting me of people running up to my pants with a small flame on it and emptying a complete canister of CO2 straight onto my leg. I'd rather have a vigilant safety with a soaked towl (water, that is ) than an exinquisher any day.
Maybe I haven't burned myself because I twirl with Kero, what do you work with? Coleman?
Then again, I don't expect all people that have an extinquisher to be able to use it properly. Ofcourse there are highly informed and educated folk but that is not all of them
These visions keep haunting me of people running up to my pants with a small flame on it and emptying a complete canister of CO2 straight onto my leg. I'd rather have a vigilant safety with a soaked towl (water, that is ) than an exinquisher any day.Maybe I haven't burned myself because I twirl with Kero, what do you work with? Coleman?
Burning with inspiration! [size=134])'([/size]
Fuels
For spinning I use mostly Coleman (White Gas or Benzene). Kero makes my lungs wheeze after I'm done so I tend not to use it for spinning, only fo long burning static displays.
Contact Fire: Alcohol for some, Ronsonol for others including fire eating (Zippo Lighter Fluid). Both of these burn at a much lower temperature but taste nasty. Ronsonol is also toxic so I rarely do this anymore.
Breathing: Parafin (Lamp Oil), the purest I can find.
Contact Fire: Alcohol for some, Ronsonol for others including fire eating (Zippo Lighter Fluid). Both of these burn at a much lower temperature but taste nasty. Ronsonol is also toxic so I rarely do this anymore.
Breathing: Parafin (Lamp Oil), the purest I can find.