I kinda rest my lighter tip on the VP to be sturdy, so my lighter is laying on the VP edge/wood bowl pointing the flame up and over the opening and as I pull it draws it dwon in. As long as it dips in it doesn't matter then its just up to the size of flame your lighter makes, but inhaling fast brings in more cold air to cool everything down. Obviously you got to watch the bong with a fresh bowl you'll see the vapors start go just a tad more then kill the flame. Small hits mean more pure vapors. Don't over load the bowl, misting you herbs can help but you'll see THAT vapor boil off on the first hit or so, the next hits will be herb vapor.