The Art of Blowing the Biggest Bubble with Chewing Gum
While the Guinness World Record holder for the biggest bubble of gum is a 23-inch behemoth, the pursuit of blowing bubbles can be a thrilling and enjoyable hobby. From the comfort of your living room to the challenges of following rigorous Guinness World Record guidelines, the essence of bubble blowing remains a uniquely interesting pastime. Let’s dive into the techniques, tips, and tricks to help you blow the biggest bubble possible.Steps to Blowing Perfect Bubbles
Blowing bubbles with gum is a skill that requires dedication and practice. Follow these steps to enhance your bubble blowing prowess:1. Select Your Chewing Gum
First, choose a flavor and brand of gum that you enjoy. Start with fruity flavors if you are a beginner. The taste of the gum isn’t crucial for blowing bubbles, but enjoyment during the chewing phase is essential. Popular options for bubble blowing include Double Bubble or Bazooka, which are less sweet and harder to chew, providing superior strength for bubbles.2. Prepare the Gum
Chew the gum for several minutes until it becomes soft and extremely stretchy. Avoid chewing for too long, as the gum may harden and become less flexible. The right consistency is key to forming large bubbles.3. Form a Flat Surface
Place the stretched gum in the centre of your tongue. Ensure it remains flat and doesn’t collapse. Hold a level surface between the top of your mouth and your tongue. This may need some practice to achieve the right tension.4. Position and Blow
Lower the gum slightly out of the reach of your mouth and jaw. Using your jaw, secure the level gum in place. Stick out your tongue about half an inch. Blow gently, adjusting your tongue position as needed. The goal is to create a pocket of air in the gum, which will expand into a bubble.5. Practice and Perfect
Blowing bubbles takes time and practice. Use a small amount of gum to begin with. Blow away and then congratulate yourself and your loved ones. Share your bubble-blowing technique with others, but remember to make some great memories in the process.A Brief History of Bubble Gum Blowing
Blowing bubbles with chewing gum is a timeless pastime that dates back to ancient civilizations. The Greeks chewed mastic gum, while other societies used natural substances like tree resin and herbs. It wasn’t until the 19th century that William Semple patented the first bubble gum in 1869. However, it was Susan Montgomery Williams who set the record with a 23-inch bubble.Despite the fame of well-known brands like Gummi Bubble or Bubbicilious, less popular brands like Double Bubble and Bazooka are often the better options for bubble blowing. These brands contain less sugar and are harder to chew, offering unrivaled flexibility for creating bubbles.
Tips for Successful Bubble Blowing
Adhere to small amounts of gum. More gum does not necessarily equal a larger bubble. If you can blow a bubble, it means you need more practice, not more gum. Remember, you are only allowed three pieces of gum when attempting the world record. Give close attention to your breath and the temperature. The right conditions are essential for maximum bubble performance. Blow your bubbles indoors where you can control the breeze and temperature. Too cold, and your bubble will burst prematurely. Too warm, and it will droop and flatten.
Avoid the sugars and artificial flavors found in gum. Biting your gum until it is free of sugar and artificial flavors can strengthen your bubble. Ensure the gum reaches the correct consistency. As you blow, the gum cools and becomes less flexible. As you bite, it warms and returns to a more stretchable state. Find the right consistency where you can create a pocket with your tongue but without leaving any gum in the bubble.