How to Make a Performance Taped Hula Hoop

Video transcript

Let's talk about how to make a solid-tape performance hoop — a technique used by the Hoopologie master hoopsmith. For this tutorial, the connection will be perfected after taping the hoop. Start by measuring out the length of tubing you need for your desired diameter, then add 1.5 inches to the measurement. Why measure over the necessary length? Because after the tape job we'll cut the tube down to the exact size — this ensures a nice clean cut and prevents the ends of the tape from peeling up at the connection. Use the hoop tape calculator on the Hoopologie website to determine how much tape you'll need.

Connect the hoop together without installing the hardware. Start your tape job on the very left side of the connection so you can find the connection again after you're finished taping. Be sure to watch our deco tape video for an in-depth tutorial on applying various types of decorative tape. Our taping technique for performance hoops is to use a single continuous strip of tape over the entire hoop. This can be difficult for new hoopmakers, so it's completely acceptable to use multiple strips in five- to fifteen-foot sections — but we recommend that every solid-tape performance hoop has a crystal-clear protection tape layered over the top, especially if you're not using one continuous piece.

Once you've cut the entire piece of decorative tape off the master roll, it's a good idea to feed the tape onto the floor so it isn't tangled and is easily layered. This lets you work with the tape easily as you apply it, and minimizes its natural tendency to coil and tangle into knots. Tape the hoop continuously all the way around and overlap at the connection by at least half an inch — tape all the way back to the starting point so the hoop looks solidly taped.

Once you've taped the entire hoop to your satisfaction, create the connection: locate your box-cutter knife, find the connection on the hoop, and lightly apply pressure at the seam, cutting all the way around. This is the point at which you'd apply a layer of crystal-clear protection tape if you choose to — see our dedicated video for that process in detail. We hope this helps you create beautiful performance hoops of your own. Happy taping!