what would be the best instructional video to get started

Hello
I live in the Uk. Where should i start, with a training video? If so as in the comments box, which would be a good one to start with?
Thanks
Laura

Hey Laura,
I found the HoopGirl instructional DVD for beginners amazing. It is on their website @ hoopgirl.com. I started this past year and it provides a wide range of skill level. Some easy basic moves and as you get better you can go back and learn more. Just today I learned four that I never thought I would be able to do. Good luck.
Laura
(from San Diego)

To make a hula hoop, it says you'll need a connector. I can't find a connector, is there a more specific name or something that can replace it?

you stated on your web page you would tell people
how to make a hoola hoop but i could not find anything about how to make one? or where the classes might be held
iss there one in manchester?

Click the green link for Jason.

OMG!! I just found tubing online! 100 psi 3/4" tubing, a 100' roll is $25.00 plus shipping. The website is www.berryhilldrip.com it is an irrigation company in Buffalo Junction, VA. Yay! I thought I would share my good fortune with everyone since I know how hard it can be to find tubing! Enjoy! =)

Hello.
I am a burlesque performer and I do hula hooping in my acts. I've been thinking about hula hoops on fire. I would like to make my own but not sure how to go about it. Thank you
~Rosie deLight~

A blowdryer would work, and hot water seems messy.
I use my oven. It has a vent in the back to exhaust the hot air and I just hold the ends near this for a while and it gets plenty soft to put the connector in. A bbq qrill works well too. Hold the cut end over the bbq grill, keep it moving, and not for too long.

I want to make a hula hoop big enough for 2 people to use at the same time, how much larger should I make it? twice the size of a normal hoop? or just a bit larger?

Hi! This is a reply to rosie deLight re: fire hoops. I am also a fire performer-there is a supplier I highly recommend-
www.firewhip.com
The hoops are well-made and very fairly priced. I thought about making my own fire hoop-but the thought of making a mistake in the construction which could cause a flaming part to go flying scared me too much. Riz makes GREAT products.

I just got tubing in store at Tractor Supply. 100' of tubing and 3 connectors cost me $30 and i got 2 rolls of coloured duct tape at Walmart for under 8 bucks!
Flew home, made my first hoop and was outside practicing for an hour!
Coolness!

Here's the link

I was wondering what the perfect kind of hoop to make for tricks is? I have larger, heavier ones but I am finding it difficult to lift up. As soon as I start to get it above my head, the weight drops to one side and falls down. So what size hoop and what kind of weight is perfect for a trick hoop?

Does anyone have any recommendations on the size of hoop for a 5 year old?

My 4 1/2 year old can hula with a 28 or 35 inch hoop from Target...

Hi, want to make my own hoop went in my local diy shop but could not find black tubing or conectors, no one knew what i meant,.. Can anyone in the UK tell me where they got there's and what to ask for please,
thanks x x

Also please, what is the best tape to use?
thanks x x

I just bought some tubing from B&Q (25mm x 25m for about £20)It's bright blue rather than black. I'm still trying to get hold of some suitable connectors as the ones I got are too fat even though they are 25mm! Then use orindary electrical tape for base coats and just keep your eye out for any exciting colours/textures for stripes etc.

has anyone bought the instuctional videos?
if so which ones did you get? and were they helpful?

Hooping DVDS: Which One Is Right For You?

I have Hulaerobics which is what really got me into hooping. I'd never even heard of hoop dance before. The hulaerobics is great to get you started with basic hooping as an exercise tool. I've even developed cute little muscles on my arms (from a month of hooping) so really feel I'm benefiting straight away.

I watched the hoopdance routines performed by christabel in the Extras section and then thought WOW! Wanna do that! So I bought her Hoopdance for beginners DVD but do find it a little complicated. I've supplemented it with Hoopnotica's Level 1 and that explained a bit better but is quite short and I quickly realised I want to see level 2 for more moves...so you see - I've pretty much been buying them all!

I guess if you are naturally talented then you will find Hoopgirls Hoopdance for beginners ok but if you are a bit bumbly like me then maybe the slower 2 part by Hoopnotica.

I'd like to know of any beginners classes near me in torquay, south devon.

hello my name is sammy. i wanted to know how to controll a hoola hoop to go up or down while you are hoola hooping.

sammy

I am trying to find tubing and having some trouble...just for clarification- is the 3/4" diameter the INSIDE or the OUTSIDE diameter! THANKS!

Hiiiiii. I have the same question as Sarah... Somebody answer pleeaasee.

The simple answer: It doesn't matter.

The complicated answer: The pipe that I use is just sold as 3/4" tubing. I use polyethylene farming irrigation tubing, stuff like this. Now when you start talking to people who are experts with plumbing and such and they're trying to sell you tubing and you're telling them 3/4" and they ask you if that's the internal or external measurement, it's really because they're not making hoops with it. They're trying to come up with the exact measurements for let's say a sprinkler system connection. Whether it's the internal or external measurement of whatever pipe you find doesn't matter. The only difference will be the slightest difference in the thickness of your hoop.

Wherever you get the tubing, thhey will have connectors to match. I use 3/4 inch tubing, but honestly... have no idea if that is the inside or outside diameter. I just know the corresponding connectors fit! :)

At both Lowe's AND Home Depot, I've found 3/4"x50'Flexible PVC Pipe @ $32each. Is this what everyone is referring to?

Thanks in advance for any/all response(s)!!!

Hi looking for a good instructional video for hula hoops and where to buy one and trying to find a class here in Chico, CA. Thanks, Denise

Hi. I followed Jason`s instructions on how to make my own hoop but the hoop is FLAT on the side where the connector is and I have no idea why. One thing I can say is that the connector has a bit that sticks out so the two sides of the hoop don`t connect together perfectly...could that be the problem? Or could it be that the density of the plastic isn`t right? I am in a country where nothing is in English and the shop assistants in the suburbs where the only big hardware shop is certainly don`t understand what I want! There doesn`t seem to be a hoop-making-trouble-shooting spot anywhere in sight?? !!
Thanks for advice...

ok...im doing a science project on hula hooping. My sources are here,wikipedia and about.com

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone has used battery operated led christmas lights to make an led hoop. I am looking for a strand that has a small enough battery pack to fit inside 1 inch tubing. Thanks!

Hey hoopers and wannabe hoopers. I think a cheaper way to connect the ends is the way the kid's hoops are done. Find a dowel the same diameter as the tubing then staple it with a heavy duty staple on both sides. Cheaper and works well. For those looking for tubing in the USA, go to any Home Depot or home supply and get the irrigation tubing.

Does anyone add the insulation that Jason suggest (copper pipe insulation or rubatex pipe insulation).
I never read about anyone adding it.

Woe is me!
I went to Lowes to buy supplies to make my wife a hoop - all they carry now is 100PSI.

I then went across the street to HD and they had nothing.

Then on to True Value, they only had 100PSI.

I live in W. Palm Beach - anybody find 160 PSI POLYETHYLENE FLEXIBLE COIL PIPE 3/4" X 100' here?

Michelle I haven't made a hoop yet, but I have researched making them.

You need to remove those bumps in the middle so the hoop ends touch. I would do it with my dremal tool. But you can rub it off with anything coarse, a file, even a cement curb. Cut it off with a hacksaw. A super hot knife. Just some suggestions.

I also read a hint to cut the double male connector as short as possible with your tube cutters which will result in a smaller flat spot.

Another hint don't use the first foot of tubing on the roll ends as it is usually flat.

Another hint, use the boiling water method to prepare your ends for the insertion of the double male and as soon as you get the hoop ends to touch step on the connector and pull upwards on the other side of the hoop making it rounder.

Another hint, you can also use a hair dryer to shape the hoop.

Hoop this helps!

I'm doing hula hooping for a show. Any good suggestions on songs that should be used?
Thanks!

Re: Hoop roundess/warped advise:

Hi, I just made 3 hoops ......the biggest problem i am having is roundness...they are a little warped and not quite round...this is really effecting the hoop-ability...does anyone have an easy solution?
thanks
lori

When I make my hoops I use a small piece of PVC for my insert or connector. I have been playing around with a lot of different tubings. There is one that is heavy and blue, bruises pretty nicely too. The polyethelen is my favorite, but only the 1 inch tubing. 3/4 inch is just too light and flimsy. Too make sure they are not warped I make sure the tubing is not twisted before I start taping, this usually helps.

Hey everyone! Atlantis Hydroponics sells the polyethylene irrigation tubing by the foot in various sizes on Amazon. Good if you only want to make one hoop to try it out. Link: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Poly-Tubing-per-foot/dp/B001H3IJ16/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden&qid=1238355635&sr=1-2
Also if you just want to make one hoop, you can use PEX pipe. It is sold at Lowe's and Ace Hardware in 10 and 20 ft lengths. You have to use a different connector than the poly tubing. The connector that fits the 3/4" PEX tubing is a white plastic, 5/8" barbed splicer for nylon tubing. No tube heating required for PEX, but you have to duct tape to keep the connection secure. Happy Hooping!

I tried making my hula hoop yesterday and I probalby should've done more research. I think I got polyethylene pipe instead of tubing (does this make a difference) Also it was only 1/2 an inch instead of the 3/4 or a 1 inch. The hoop was too flimsy and I couldn't keep it up. Could this be because of the piping instead or tubing and the thickness? Thank you very much for any help.

does anyone know what kind of tubing to use for a FOLDABLE COLLAPSIBLE hoop?

Is the insulation needed for padding? Has anyone built a hoop without the insulation? How was it?

For wrapped insulation, do you overlap the wraps or butt them edge-to-edge?

Thanks!

For anyone wanting to make a hoop in the UK, you can buy the pipe from B&Q or wickes, and you can order the connectors from this site http://www.fancy-tapes.co.uk/ they come in 1/2" and 3/4". You can also get all sorts of tape from this site.

Hi. My doctor tells me I need to exercise more for my slightly high blood sugar. I decided to take up hula hooping again after about 50 years! Anyway, I made my first hoop yesterday and gave it a try. I haven't had so much fun since I was about 5.

I bought 100 psi tubing at Lowe's that says "3/4"x100' NSF PE 100PSI COIL". Don't know what it is used for, but it seems to work, except I kind of wish I'd gone with the 160 psi for more weight without having to add anything. Anyhow, I added weight by inserting a length of thick-wall vinyl tubing 5/8" OD, 3/8" ID. It's a little too heavy, so I'm going to take the hoop apart and replace the inner vinyl tubing with 1/2" OD tubing.

Lowes also had a really cool bright-red colored tubing, but it costs about 4 times as much as the black stuff I bought. I think it said PEX. It comes in 1/2" and 3/4" and would probably make really cool hoops if anyone wants to pay that much.

For everyone that is having problems with keeping or getting their hoops round. When my hoops get misshapen after a car ride in the back seat, or hanging on a hook too long, I just lay them flat on the blacktop or cement in the sun. It rounds them out again. I think its the heat of the sun on the ground. But it never fails they always get their round shape! Hope that helps!

I have been all over the site. It's wonderful. I have instructions on how to make a hoop and everything. The only thing I can't find is what is a good size for arm hoops? I want some smaller hoops for individual arm and leg workouts. Can you please give me an idea of what a good size is. Thanks!

There was a post from someone in West Palm Beach, are you still there? I am in Jupiter and would love to meet other hoopers. And curious if you were able to make your own hoop, I know your posting was from a few months ago.

Hi I love hula hooping and I was wondering if there was any competions in central florida soon?

FYI, Lowe's in California will no longer carry either the 160 or 100 psi tubing. I'm looking for another source if anyone knows. Thanks.

Hi
The instructions seem really easy and I can't wait to make my own. I even found the tubing easily available in Menards....the only thing is that it comes in 100 ft rolls. I live in Schaumburg, IL and was just wondering if anyone else living around here would like to share the costs with me. I almost ordered it online before checking this out...it seems exhorbitantly priced when bought readymade.

Hi,
I found the 3/4 in, 160 psi tubing at my local True Value hardware store. If you call them and they don't have it in stock ask them if they can order it. (After all, it is in their catalog.) You will have to buy 100 feet though. They also have the connectors. I don't know if I like that particular weight though. It's pretty heavy and hurts! I keep hitting myself in the head and face, and the diameter seems a bit big for my hand to get around. I have average size hands. But I am a beginner so maybe I just need some more practice. Also, I am having a problem with the flat spot on the hoop. I just read a post about cutting down the connector. I'll have to try that. I'll take any additional suggestions on that flat spot problem! Have fun hooping everyone!

I just made my first hoop and it came out great! And I discovered a very easy way to soften the pipe before connecting: just leave it out in the sun for awhile! No need to use water or fire or blowdryer. Cheers, Chezz

can anyone in the uk please help? i visited wickes and b&q for tubing but ended up confused. there is blue, grey or white pipe there - didn't see any black - and no connectors. any suggestions?

Watare the dimensions radius mostly is wat w am after

I took a toy store large hula hoop for $2.99 took the staples out, to open it up put water inside to weight it. closed, took electric tape to keep join water tight, now I have a weighted hula hoop, that works really great.

The problem every seems to make when buying the tubing is looking in the wrong place. You need to go to an irrigation company or a plumbing company that sell it by 100 feet. They all have it. 3/4" x 100' psi 160. This is the best tube for a hula hoop. The connectors, I actually bought at Home Depot. The 3/4" wa too big to fit properly into the tube o I bought 1/2". It is a little small, but after wraping one layer of electrical tape around it, it fit quite snuggly.

My biggest problem is finding tape. Where in Canada can someone buy decorative tapes without ordering online?

I just bought some 3/4" 100psi 180 (not sure what the 180 means), white PVC tubing today at Rona. Comes in 10', 20', 50' or 100' lengths. Also bought various colours of electrical tape ... black, yellow, white, red, blue, green, orange and yellow.
Now I'm trying to find out online the proper length to make the hula hoop. 10'?
Edmonton, Alberta

I finally made my first hoops. The connectors weren't at any of the Loew's I looked at in Livermore or the east bay, but I found a local ACE Hardware store that sells '3/4 in elbow connectors'. One elbow sawed in half makes two connectors that fit perfectly. The diagonal slice of the cut makes them go into the hoop ends easier, too.

All hoops made this way have been holding up to kid-usage/abuse for a couple weeks. So far so good.

Looks like someone asked this question before but I don't think anyone answered it! I'll try again: What kind of store does one go to to shop for gaffer tape in various colors? I know you can order it online, but I'd rather go to a store in town, if I knew where to look! Thanks, chezztone

hey! I'm looking to make an led hoop in the UK and have the leds but not the tubing... could anyone suggst where to find it? I've tried in b&q and other places.... i need HDPE so I'm told, needs to be clear and 3/4"... hard times! Cheers lovelies!

Hey, I just made my first hoop! Lowe's had 1" poly tubing...tried using the hairdryer, but ended up just standing over a simmering pan of water with the tubing dipped inside for two minutes - it worked!

Local supply for gaffers tape? Go to an electronics store or music store (like for bands/musicians). They use gaffers tape to secure cords on stage and also make removable stage markings. But be prepared!!! In San Antonio there is only one store that I could find (Altex) and they charge $22.00 per roll and it only comes in black or white. Trust me. Buy online.

I found the tubing and connectors at IdealTrueValue.com.

Here's the URL for 3/4" 160psi 100 ft coil:

http://www.idealtruevalue.com/servlet/the-2678/3-fdsh-4%22-x-100%27%2C-160/Detail

Search for Coil Polyethylene Pipe at idealtruevalue.com if the url above doesn't work for you. I paid about $27 for the tubing and the coupling @$0.38.

I went to Home Depot, but the polyethelene tubing that they had was very soft and flexible. I didn't have any sort of stiffness. Was I looking at the right stuff?

Hi there.
is ice hockey tape the same as gaffer tape?

I made my hoop out of 3/4" 100 psi tubing. it was too light for me so I added water. Now my hoop is droopy. I haven't taped it yet. What can I do to get the weight, but not a flimsy hoop with the tubing I have? I'm not prepared to go get the 3/4" 160 psi tubing just yet.

Could blue painter's tape be used for decorating a hoop if it was put down first so that the electrical tape would cover the edges of it? I love that color blue of the painter's tape.

i have a project on hula hoops how can i make the hula hoop more cool and lighted up. :)

After being so confused on what tubing we actually needed, my husband ended buying a 10 foot pipe of PEX 160 PSI with the 5/8 x 5/8 barb splicers. It worked for us. The 10 foot pipe makes a hoop 38 inches in diameter. So if you wanted it bigger you'd have to buy 2. The 10 foot pipes were only 5 dollars a piece. You can buy the PEX in larger coils, but it's rather pricey that way. I'm excited to get started hooping.

Hi, I am in Venezuela, where we don't have the connectors -- or "empates" as they say in Spanish. I ended up using 3/4" polyethylene irrigation tubing for the hoop and 6 cm of 1/2" PVC plumbing tubing for the connector. I sanded the PVC tubing lightly to give it more friction and it is holding wonderfully, so far on 15 hoops. Now, the trick is finding nice tape...

Is that PVC, PEP, PEX, polyethylene tubing safe to handle?

What is the tool called to cut rolls of duct tape and vinyl tape narrower?

For Canadians wanting to make their own hoops, I`ve been very happy with the white SuperPex 100psi tubing at Home Depot. Fairly heavy, and VERY rigid. They also sell the connectors. And electrical tape in various colors. Hoops cost about $6 this way.

Lindsay,
I work for an irrigation supplier and we get calls frequently from people looking for the tubing to make the hoops. The tubing is 100% safe to handle. The primary use for the tubing is low volume drip irrigation. Although, most sites will tell you to use 160 psi tubing, that isn't the easiest to find since the tubing isn't designed for higher pressure. So as far as any concerns with the safety of the tubing, there shouldn't be...hope this eases any worries. Happy Hooping!!

for those in central florida or us .. try john deer.. they supply irrigation materials .. hope it helps