The Ultimate Guide
In this Guide, I am going to show you how to tape an amazing hula hoop design.
I’ll share some design secrets, go over F.I.G. compliance, and share some safety tips.
As a bonus, I’ll teach you how to keep your clubs in tip-top shape.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly how the pros do it!
Invest in quality materials. Going cheap will definitely result in a waste of time and frustration. Plan your colors and design ahead of time.
If you don’t know what size clubs you need to buy, then I recommend you check out this rhythmic gymnastics apparatus guide. You can find some good charts and images that might help you.
TIP: Is this your first design? Keep it simple! Don’t stress yourself out with a complicated design and too many colors. Remember nobody gets it right their first time. Stay calm and most important, have fun! 🙂
Chapter 1:
Now that we have all our materials on hand, we can start laying the foundation of our design.
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes because that is the best way to learn.
1)Start by adding tape, in strips for the top portion of the rhythmic gymnastics club. Tape one at at time and cut off the ends. Laying them in rows makes it easy to keep your design consistent and neat. Tape rows down all the way around the club.
TIP: Avoid air bubbles by keeping the tape tight between your hand and the club. Apply the tape from one end and then applying pressure as you lay the rest of it down. If you spot air bubbles its best to use your fingers try to push them out or re-apply.
NOTE: As of November of 2018 F.I.G. related events must use F.I.G. certified products. Make sure to leave a certified mark or label visible.
2)For the part directly below we will cut the tape in half and repeat the same step from above (we cut in half because thinner strips help us to avoid air bubbles on the curved portion). Cut strips and repeat the first step on the part directly below.
3)After you’ve finished taping horizontally we start wrapping the club sideways to hide the end pieces we’ve just created. Going from left to right, carefully wrap the tape around for a couple of inches.
5)Quick pro Step- To add a spiral effect. Cut a very thin triangle. Add it to where the silver and green meet.
TIP: Are you having issues with some of the tape staying down on uneven surfaces? Use a thin amount of scotch tape to hold it down.
Well done!! You’ve taped your first clubs. Check out the bonus steps to help protect your design. If you want to make this design even prettier…. then let’s check out the next chapter.
Chapter 2:
In this chapter, I show you how to add a spiral effect to your design.
Try to use colors that coordinate well with your dress or leotard.
Don’t be afraid to mismatch effects or spirals, that makes them even more unique.
7)Let’s add a green spiral, that transitions into the black section. I start by cutting a really long triangle (about 1 ft) Then using wider side of the tape apply it on the green and roll it around the club slowly with more and more space in between the green tape.
Chapter 3:
Be sure to check your design for air bubbles.
See if anything needs to be re-taped.
Our last step it add any finishing touches.
8)Here is the same image (for desktop or tablet) a little bigger of me applying a thin silver piece’s on the top of the club to make it look almost completely covered.
Chapter 4:
Let me tell you from personal experience… it is terrible when you put so much work into your design only to have a small accident ruin it.
Spend the extra time and follow this step to help your clubs last a little longer.
Plus it makes it look shiny 🙂
9)Staring with the bottom of the club, work your way up with the scotch tape, until it meets the uneven surface.
Great work!! You’ve designed your first clubs. 🙂
That’s it.
You are on your way to becoming an expert.
If you are willing to go the extra mile, to protect all the time you spent on your design, then we recommend investing into a cover for your clubs. It’s a great way to keep your rhythmic gymnastics equipment safer during competition travels.
Now it’s your to turn share. What kind of design did you create? Or post some questions to something that was unclear.
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