Hooping question - hoop fillings?

poledanceromance started this discussion · 4/25/2013

So I bought a cute sparkly pink hoop. It has like...water in it. Should I poke a hole and drain it? Should I put something else in there? Does it hurt to leave it in there? It is a kiddy hoop but it's big enough! I notice I can't seem to get it going fast very easily, wondering if this is why. I noticed some others have what sounds like ball bearings or sand in them. Is this just because the materials used to make kids hoops are lighter and it adds weight?

5 replies

Dwiizie · 4/25/2013
Well, I don't like water or beads in my hoops because it throws the weight balance off. If it doesn't bother you, then don't worry about it. Usually the beads are just there to make sound. I actually recently made a hoop for a woman who requested I make it rattle to remind her of childhood hooping as she was letting it whirl. Her kids love it too. Harder pushes will make a hoop go faster, but with the balance thrown off by the water, it may get wonky. I often play with this type thing when I see hoops in the store. You hoop and it swishes 3 times then all the pebbles get locked in place with force for a spin or two then they start going around again. If you do a fast enough weave, the pebbles will just stay where the outward (centrifugal force) is. If you enjoy it and it feels good, stick with it. If its difficult or unbalanced feeling, you can try draining the water, but it will still be a very light hoop for you if you are a beginner. My definition of "big enough" for beginners (if thats what you are) is usually 38-40 inches. I haven't found a kiddy hoop that big. They make 36s now fairly regularly in kids hoops, but I still don't like how light and flimsy they are. Good luck!
chemgoddess1 · 4/25/2013
It is just for added weight. You may have issues without it filled. Funny...I just made a few hoops the other day!
Veena · 4/25/2013
Yeah added weight isn't great for hooping tricks. If you can drain it do it.
poledanceromance · 4/25/2013
Thanks ladies! I'll try poking a small nail hole to drain the water since even though it's pretty it was inexpensive so I'll let you know how it goes!
chemgoddess1 · 4/25/2013
Be careful when draining it as it most likely has some sort of microbial inhibitor in it which can be toxic to your kitties.