The UPCA would like to update you about the World Cup of Pipe Smoking being held this year in Poznan, Poland from October 25-27. We are proud to once again send a TEAM to the competition. So far, Team USA consists of the winner of the National Pipe Smoking Contest, Lester Young, lestrout UPCA Vice President Nathan Davis, and UPCA Treasurer Mary Rice. We know they will make us all proud.
That being said, Team USA may have up to 5 members. While UPCA is not able to fully sponsor another team member, we may be able to provide smaller travel subsidies if anyone is interested in representing Team USA at the World Cup. Please contact either president@unitedpipeclubs.org or upcasecretary@gmail.com to be considered. If your application is chosen, we will be in contact before the end of July with details. Travel to Poznan is relatively inexpensive, so a little help may go a long way.
And while we’re discussing financial support, we would like to remind you that we have contest pipes for sale from both the 2023 (on the left below) and 2024 (on the right below) competition for $100 each! Proceeds from all pipe sales go directly to ensuring we can hold a National Pipe Smoking Contest and we can sponsor a team to compete in the international competition every year. Please contact upcasecretary@gmail.com to purchase a pipe.
Let’s wish Team USA the best of luck and hope they enjoy their time with their fellow pipe smokers in Poznan!
Kyle Bowen
President
United Pipe Clubs of America
"Governments may think and say as they like, but force cannot be eliminated, and it is the only real and unanswerable power. We are told that the pen is mightier than the sword, but I know which of these weapons I would choose."~Sir Adrian
Post by lizardonarock on Jul 21, 2024 0:53:44 GMT -5
Les has the worlds largest tobacco cellar and is a avid trout sportsman. All around great guy packed with pipe and tobacco knowledge. Stil refuses to share the spread sheet for the collection.
I was completely unaware that such things existed.
Wow dude… that is like saying you do not know who the Hulk Hogan of pipe smoking is.
"Governments may think and say as they like, but force cannot be eliminated, and it is the only real and unanswerable power. We are told that the pen is mightier than the sword, but I know which of these weapons I would choose."~Sir Adrian
I was completely unaware that such things existed.
Wow dude… that is like saying you do not know who the Hulk Hogan of pipe smoking is.
You do realize he just picked up the pipe, right? I've been smoking the pipe off and on for 40 years and although I have heard the name, I barely know who he is and I couldn't care less. He drops in to the forum to promote something and dissappears for another year.
Just now catching up to this hilarious thread. It turns out the (only) silver lining to the Ukraine war is that the usual Ukranian and Russian ringers have not come to Chicago since before COVID, so I haven't had to learn the Euro Chasing-the-Ember technique. Those guys would routinely capture the top 5 or so slots in the Slow Smoke Contest. Three years ago I placed a close second, and the last two years the fellow who won three years ago (actually Ray has won a bunch) was not able to make it. So I had a clear shot the last two years. This will change, I'm sure. Being the US Team Captain in Poland sounds grander than it really is. I'll be lucky to be in the top 10 or even 20% at the Internationals.
If anyone has a valid passport and wants to join the team, UPCA is wanting to add in 2 more contestants. Eastern Europe is unbelievably cheap and this international crowd knows how to throw a classy weekend long party.
Re "I would venture to guess that the current rules are somewhat different than in years gone by." - the biggest change from the video is that we only get 2 matches to light up, and if you use only one, you have to return the other to the proctor. Also the measured amount is 3 grams, not 2.8. Several years ago, they banned pipe cleaners - they were afraid you could use it during the smoke to pump air through the stem.
"Governments may think and say as they like, but force cannot be eliminated, and it is the only real and unanswerable power. We are told that the pen is mightier than the sword, but I know which of these weapons I would choose."~Sir Adrian