Quote Originally Posted by BabySnookums
i'm going to assume you covered the top of the bowl in aluminum (how it's really done it helps ease sharp hits) if so try taking it off but make sure your coal is glowing red before you set it on the bowl, you know burning good, that outside starter crap tastes really bad and is really harsh, if none of that works try ice water and not using shisha at all.
You should always have a layer of tin foil between the shisha and coal. I have a hookah and smoked a hookah on many occasions and I've never seen the coal placed directly on the shisha. I'd imagine a lot of coal smoke, which can cause headaches, is getting inhaled that way and its likely scorching the hell out of the shisha. It might take a while to get started but don't give up, you'll be rewarded with great tasting smoke and a real chill session if you get some buddies.
BTW if you only have ice water, a coal and no shisha, wouldn't you just be smoking water-cooled coal smoke? Not good.

EDIT: Avoid banana, only flavor that made me puke.
EDIT 2: For those concerned about tar, you're entitled, but I saw a video saying that weed contains more tar and carcinogens than a cigarette. So if you want really healthy lungs the only alternative might be to not smoke at all.