Report from the 29th Třebíč Smoking: When Time Flows Slower
Smoking a pipe at the castle is always a festive experience, and in Třebíč, where the 29th annual slow smoking competition took place, this is even more true. Immerse yourself with us in the unique atmosphere of the Třebíč castle,
On Saturday, November 8th, in the morning, we set off to Třebíč, where we arrived after 11 o'clock. The castle, where the traditional competition took place, had a special autumn atmosphere, warm and inviting, which was enhanced by the gathering of smokers from all over the country. Upon entering the hall - the former horse stable - decorated with photos from previous years of the Třebíč competition, I was greeted by the fragrant smoke wafting from many lit pipes filled with various tobaccos. Final preparations were underway in the hall, greeting old and new acquaintances, and discussions about the offered tobaccos from Czech pipemakers (e.g., Petr Novák, from whom I couldn't resist ordering a beautiful pipe), the tobaccos, and the prepared prizes. In the adjacent café spaces, most competitors were also refreshing themselves, whether with an excellent meal - a roast with potato salad - or a pint of Bernard beer. Both were at favorable prices. It was also possible to nibble on something small or sweet from the offerings of the nearby café.
Pre-start calm, which is actually not calm at all
After a group photo in the courtyard, everyone moved into the hall. We settled at the tables, preparations continued with the distribution of "starter packages" - two matches, competition tobacco Briarwood Black Ember, a filter and clean paper. Meanwhile, discussions about tactics were happening at each table. Every time someone thought they would approach it differently, but when the competition started, most slipped back into their own tried-and-true methods. The truth is that filling a competition pipe so that it burns evenly and slowly enough is a bit of an alchemy – and even when a person practices it, they still don't know until the last moment what the competition tobacco will do in the pipe.
As time stretches
Last breaths of nervousness, last adjustments to the tobacco before the time limit. And then only silence, interrupted only by the scratching of matches and the first puffs of smoke.
This year's tobacco was really not easy; it burned at the start and due to the humidity, it was relatively difficult for many competitors. So it was not an easy smoke. Over time, individual competitors dropped out, and eventually, the chances for the best shifted past an hour and a half. Everyone maintained a fair, friendly atmosphere – exactly the one for which these competitions are attended.
The winner of this year's 29th Třebíč pipe smoking competition became Jura Janků (Valašský Fajfklub) with a time of 1:39:20, followed closely by Petr Vobořil (SPC Prachatice) with a time of 1:32:50 just ahead of Alois Pospíšil (Dýmka klub Nový Malín) with a time of 1:31:25. In fourth and fifth places were Jan Vodička and Michal Hubacz PC Dýmka.net (1:20:27)
The competitors demonstrated how to combine technique with patience, and mainly with that right pipe smoker's calm, which cannot be learned – it must come from within.
During the smoking, as the pipe smokers gradually "fell out," debates arose about the humidity of the tobacco, about who stuffed too much and who let themselves be lulled by the seemingly nice burning hot coal. The castle in Třebíč provided a historical backdrop – as if we were sitting in spaces where similar rituals had taken place hundreds of years before us.
The entire competition in slow smoking was characterized by a great atmosphere. The true pipe-smoking atmosphere is not about success, stress, or competing. It's about meeting friends and during the competition, one does not focus on the world around, but only on a small, smoldering piece of tobacco.
In conclusion, it is appropriate to thank for the repeatedly excellent organization and environment of the Třebíč competition. The facilities, atmosphere, and course of the competition were, as always, at a high level. And if someone felt that time was passing too quickly, in Třebíč it stopped for a moment.
And what pleases me the most is the awareness that no matter whether you finish in first or last place, you always leave Třebíč with a good feeling from a pleasant meeting in a beautiful environment and the desire to participate in the next edition of the Třebíč pipe smoking competition. And beware – next year it will already be the 30th anniversary of this excellent competition!
