Yes, you really can make your own hula hoop, and a hula hoop that works oh so much better than those you might buy in the store. And you can make giant ones for adults, which are so much fun! As it turns out, most inexpensive hoola hoops that one can buy are much too light which makes it very difficult to actually keep the hoop up and spinning! Phew so relieved to hear that as now I konw why the hoops I had actually bought for crafting just didn't work.
On our trip to the US this past summer, we were staying in Oakland, CA for much of the time, and happened to visit the Jack London Square farmer's market on a sunny Sunday, where we met a wonderful woman, Betty Lucas who when in town spends a few hours on Sundays teaching people how to hula hoop. The photo above is of the hula hoops that she made and teaches with, all for the sake of bringing joy to others! My kids had a great time, and really learned to use a hula hoop. The next day my eight year old told me his tummy hurt, and it took me a while to realize that he had sore stomach muscles, so it's great exercise too!
To DIY a hula hoop, all you need is a specific weight of plastic piping and some joiners, and decorative tape and you're all set. You can find complete instructions here. And if you live in the Bay Area and would like to learn hooping from Betty, she is also available for classes and events, and truly a joy. If you'd like to meet her at Jack London Square, it's advisable to call her to make sure she'll be there. Her number can be found on her site lucashooping. Enjoy!
