I have recently gotten a request for children's hoops... and am not sure how what tubing to use and how big it should be. I currently have 100 psi 3/4 inch irrigation tubing and I am not sure if it will work. would greatly appreciate any input. Thank you... ~PeAcE ~
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New York
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Re: Any thoughts on children's hoops???
Thu, April 24, 2008 - 1:31 PMI have to make about 14 children's hoops for an upcoming event. I was curious about any advice for the best size also. Last year I made them using 100 psi 1". I'd like to make them a bit smaller. -
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Re: Any thoughts on children's hoops???
Thu, April 24, 2008 - 2:11 PMIn my experience, every kid is different when it comes to hoop size. Some little ones do best with really small hoops and some like to rock the really big hoops which allow them to move more slowly. As a result, I typically make a variety of sizes for kid friendly events and classes and just throw them out on the lawn and let the kids try them out. I generally use 125/160 psi 3/4 tubing and make many sizes; I do think that 1" tubing is a bit too heavy for kids. In other words, I don't think there is a "best" size. However, if you are working with very small/young children you may want to purchase a few of the cheap hoops at the dollar store, which are generally made for children, and use them as templates. The best of those are weighted with water which seems to help the kids keep them up.
Also, kids really love to run through big hoops. Get an adult to roll the hoops across the lawn and the kids will be happy for hours! -
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Re: Any thoughts on children's hoops???
Sun, April 27, 2008 - 6:40 PMGenerally, for ages 3-6, I use 1/2" 125 psi tubing.
For 7 + teens, I mostly use 3/4" 100 psi tubing.
There are definitely some kids 8-9 + who like the 160 psi. But my middle school class complains of heaviness when using them. Despite the slightly amoeba shape of larger 100 psi hoops, they seem to prefer a large diameter with less dense tubing. They are able to be a bit more playful with them b/c they move slower, but they don't produce the same bruises. I also feel less cringy when they spin them on their necks.
I agree its good to have a variety of sizes on hand, especially if you have a wide range of ages.... -
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Re: Any thoughts on children's hoops???
Mon, April 28, 2008 - 6:45 AMDoes the 125 psi 1/2" have an amoeba shape to it? -
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3/4 100 and 1/2 100
Wed, April 30, 2008 - 9:56 AMI use both for the baby hoops, and make them from 20" to 30" across. (I had a big-box-store hoop as a model for the smallest one.) They hold up well enough, and certainly longer than any store bought hoops. I don't bother with sparkle tape because they do get used differently than the adult hoops.
1. You'll get 14-17 hoops out of 100' of tubing, so buy extra connectors.
2. Cut the outside ridges off the connectors--elsewise, they'll put a noticeable straight section in the hoop when the hoops are that small. (Cutting connectors can put a ding in your tubing cutters, BTW.) -
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Re: 3/4 100 and 1/2 100
Wed, April 30, 2008 - 10:57 AMhow do you cut the ridges off of the connectors???
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Re: Any thoughts on children's hoops???
Wed, April 30, 2008 - 10:43 AMI also like the 1/2" 125 psi tubing, it's pretty good for working on those knee/leg hooping tricks too.
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Re: Any thoughts on children's hoops???
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 10:33 AMFirst off-I want to thank you guys for suggesting using 125 psi 1/2 inch tubing for kids. I've been using it this week to make the 14 hoops I have to have finished before tomorrow. They are coming out great and I feel so much better about giving the kids the lighter hoops for safety reasons. This is my second year volunteering for the event (I'm so surprised and excited that they invited me back). It's basically a round-up of county head start children. Many of them come from low income or disadvantaged homes. We gather at one of our local parks and offer food, small carnival rides, and many prizes. I had an absolute blast last year dancing and teaching tricks to the kids. Then, to top it off we have a hooping contest and give the top hoopers free hoops to take home. Anyway, I have a question. Just as you all suggested I cut a bit off of the ends of the connectors to ensure there wouldn't be a straight part in the shape of the hoop. I noticed that the hoop seems to be connected a little looser than usual. What would be the best way to reinforce them? I'm thinking I should wrap black tape around it but I wasn't sure if it would be enough. What do you all think? -
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Re: Any thoughts on children's hoops???
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 12:35 PMIf the connection is loose, and you only tape over it, you may end up with the hoop splitting open the tape andcoming apart - I had this happen with a couple of the first hops I made as the connections wasn't ight enough.
You could maybe try gluing it, but I personally have found that this only lubricates a loose joint as the glue can never fully dry once it's sealed up inside the hoop.
Did you have to warm the ends of the hoop to get the connector to fit? If so, you maybe try warming it again and then running under a cold tape to really shrink the plastic back onto the connector?
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Re: Any thoughts on children's hoops???
Wed, May 7, 2008 - 12:48 PMWhat I do with all my hoops is seal that connection point with 3 inch ducktape first. One wrap very smoothly placed over the connection area. Then I tape my hoops as normal. I have had many kids play and abuse my hoops and have never had that connection point split. Duck tape is really strong and will hold the connections together.
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