Hula Hoop

Hula hooping is spinning a large hoop around your body and keeping it moving with a steady rhythm. Most people start with the waist, then move on to hands, arms, legs and even the neck. Hoops are one of the oldest toys around, and today hooping is a playground game, a circus skill and a joyful kind of dance.

When it's done to music with tricks and flowing moves, it's often called hoop dance, and it sits in the same family as juggling and poi.

Beginner hoops are larger and a little heavier. They turn more slowly, which gives you more time to find the rhythm, so they're the best place to start for grown-ups and children alike.

Smaller, lighter hoops spin faster and are made for tricks, off-body moves and hoop dance.

Children's toy hoops are small and very light, which is great for play but can make waist hooping trickier.

Some hoops are wrapped in grip tape so they don't slip, and LED hoops light up for glowing tricks after dark.

Stand with one foot slightly in front of the other. Hold the hoop against your back, give it a good push to one side and start rocking your body forwards and backwards. It's a rock, not a circle, which surprises nearly everyone. Keep your core gently moving in time with the hoop, and if it starts to drop, speed up the rocking a little. Your Activity Leader will help you find your rhythm, then show you a few first tricks, like spinning the hoop on your hand, passing it around your body or lifting it over your head in a halo.

Yes, and it's a brilliant one to try together as a family. Children usually pick it up quickly, and there's no shame in dropping the hoop, because everyone does, again and again. It's great for balance, coordination and rhythm, and progress is easy to see as each spin lasts a little longer. Just be ready for your children to overtake you.

Fitted, comfortable clothes work best, as baggy tops can catch the hoop and slow it down. Trainers or other flat shoes are ideal. Leave dangly jewellery and anything in your pockets to one side.

You might also like Slackline, Aerial Hoop & Trapeze and Street Dance.

See all Camp Kindling activities