Make a hoop in six steps
- Buy tubing. Use flexible polyethylene or PVC tubing from a hardware store. A 100 foot coil makes about 8 to 10 hoops.
- Measure and cut. A pipe cutter gives the cleanest edge.
- Soften the ends. Warm one end at a time, by dipping it in hot water or by blowing a hair dryer into it for 30 to 60 seconds. Keep the dryer back so the pipe does not melt. Take care with hot water and hot pipe, and have an adult do this step.
- Add the connector. It must match the tubing size. Push it into one end, warm the other end, and join them.
- Cover the join with a short wrap of black electrical tape.
- Tape the hoop in any colors you like. Put cloth tape on last.
Which tubing makes which hoop
Pipe sizes and numbering vary by country. Ask your hardware store which tubing matches these.
- 3/4 inch, 160 psi: large adult hoops, the heaviest of the three.
- 3/4 inch, 100 psi: lighter hoops.
- 1/2 inch, 125 psi: lighter again.
Grip matters
Shiny tape looks great but slides on your body. Cloth tape grips your skin and clothes.
A mix works well, with the cloth tape last so it stretches over any small gaps. Some people lightly sand the tube instead of taping.
Folding hoops
A collapsible figure 8 hoop needs a larger connector, a sanded center, and an O-ring to fill the gap. Leave the connectors untaped so they can turn when you fold it.