Program Idea: Hula Hoops

(via flowers & machinery)

The origin of the hula hoop is unclear (they may have been around in ancient Greece), but it became a popular pastime in 1958 when Wham-o introduced the plastic hoop to the U.S. Since then, the hula hoop has become a mainstay of youth culture with popularity that waxes and wanes over time. Within the last ten years, though, hooping has developed into a thriving subculture, particularly within the jam-band and raving communities. And more recently, hooping has caught on in the fitness world, with hula hoop classes offered at health clubs and at-home exercise videos.

While you can pick up a classic plastic hoop at stores like Toys R Us or Target, these are very lightweight and usually designed for children. Modern hoops used by hooping fanatics are bigger, heavier and flashier. You can even pick up an LED/fire combo hoop for a couple hundred dollars at a site like Superhooper. But one of the appealing aspects of hooping involves making your own hoop and decorating it to your heart’s desire. It can be done quickly and fairly cheaply with materials found at most large hardware stores.

For a fun and not too expensive program for tweens or teens, invite a local hooper to demonstrate hooping techniques and different hoops. Then let the kids get hands-on and make their own hoops. You’ll need a large indoor or outdoor area with access to an electrical outlet for the construction of the hoops.

Browse the Hoop Group Directory to find a local hooping group or see if there is a Hoopnotica or HoopGirl instructor in your area.

Make a Hoop

Supplies needed:
3/4″ 100 or 160 psi Polyethylene tubing (like this from Lowe’s): between 8-10 feet per person, so a 100-foot roll will give you 10 hoops ~$3/hoop
3/4″ plastic tube connectors: <$1/hoop
PVC pipe cutter (like this): ~$20
Hairdryer: bring one from home
Several rolls of colorful tape: Identi-Tape has a large variety of tapes and caters to hoopers. You’ll probably need to budget about 75′ of tape for one hoop, so this is the most expensive part. Vinyl tape is the cheapest per foot, but gaffer’s tape is more popular because of its texture. If you can, also get some metallic, holographic or glow-in-the-dark tape for added fun.

Instructions:
1. Cut tubing to desired size using PVC cutter. The hoop should be about as tall as your waist.
2. Use hair dryer to soften ends of tubing.
3. Connect the two ends of tubing using the connector.
4. Cover the whole tube using your colorful tape!

Visit JasonUnbound for a more detailed tutorial with pictures.

Hooping.org Magazine is the go-to online resource for all things hooping including how-to videos, hoop-making articles, and information on the hooping subculture.

May 11th, 2009  ♥  Program Idea  ♥  1 Comment »