If you're new to hooping, here are a few leads to help you find the material you need. The cool thing about hooping is that you don't need to get a lot of gear. At the least, one adult size quality hoop, and your good to go.

I'm hoping members can add info to this discussion as we go along.

1) Where to find a high quality hoop
We are lucky in Ottawa to have amazing teachers who have accumulated the most up to date information on hooping making. They can supply you with a top notch hoop from prices averaging between $40-$50.

Trish and Brigitte sell hoops. You can meet them at Dovercourt (check course and hoop jam schedules) or contact them through their website at www.sirenhoops.com.

Jenny A. sells hoops. You can communicate with her through this site or via her website at http://www.rainedanceyoga.blogspot.com/

Sophie sells hoops too. Here's her site: http://www.minicirque.ca/

I (Anne B.) make hoops as well and quite enjoy it. My site is: http://cerceaumanie.com.

If I've forgotten anyone, please let us know.

Also of note, collapsible hoops can be made if you need portability. These tend to be a bit more expensive due to labour. I bring mine when I travel.

2) Poi
Sophie sells Poi.

3) Hoop huggers
These are hoop covers to protect your hoop and/or help you carry more than one hoop at a time. Jenny makes these. I love mine! You do get puzzled looks from non-hoopers, but it's funny to see their faces.

4) What to wear
Your pretty much free to wear what you want, but I find that cotton blend tank tops work best (as per Trish's suggestion).

I like yoga pants for bottoms and stretchy shorts for thigh hooping.

I'm currently looking into getting dansneakers because I need good arch support... but some people prefer to hoop barefoot. Dance shoes aren't necessary. For the dansneakers, you can go to an area dance supply store like Brio and Malabar or if you know your size you can always order from places like Zappos Canada.

That's all I can think of for now. Hope this is useful.

Anne B.