Cloud-chasing

Cloud-chasing is the activity of blowing large clouds of vapor using an electronic cigarette.[9]  Using the devices for "cloud-chasing" began in the West Coast of the US.[9]  The exact origins of the activity are unclear,[10]  but most competitive e-cigarette users say that it started around 2012.[11]  Competitive vaping is increasing in popularity internationally, spreading from the US and Canada to Indonesia.[10]  Cloud-chasing is a recreational activity[12]  and a hobby.[13]

Some cloud-chasers known as "professional vapers" take part in cloud-blowing contests in what is a called a "cloud competition",[9] competing against one another to exhale the largest and most interesting clouds of vapor,[14]  sometimes in shapes.[15]  Competitive vaping is attracting spectators, known as "cloud-gazers".[16]  There are rules and judges.[17]  Cloud-chasing integrates technique, air flow, and using the appropriate technology.[18]  A handful of later-generation e-cigarettes are designed to create large plumes of vapor.[19] Most cloud-chasers do not use nicotine.[20]  Many choose mixtures that are made without propylene glycol and nicotine, but use higher amounts of glycerin to produce larger plumes of vapor.[13]  The majority of vapers go for sub ohm tanks or rebuildable atomizers for producing more vapor.<sup id="cite_ref-Fox2016_22-0">[21]

As vaping comes under increased scrutiny, some members of the vaping community have voiced their concerns about cloud-chasing, claiming the practice gives vapers a bad reputation when doing it in public.<sup id="cite_ref-Bekiempis2015_20-1">[19]  Some vapers are concerned that the vaping competitions bring a stigma to vaping by making the activity appear more comparable to gaming activities.<sup id="cite_ref-Mickle2015_11-2">[10]  Social media sites like YouTube can be used for demonstrating vape tricks.<sup id="cite_ref-TheMash2015_23-0">[22]  There are vaping tricks competitions.<sup id="cite_ref-ES2016_24-0">[23]  The participants are known as "vaping tricksters".