HELLO!

My name is Jessica and this past fall I just discovered the joy of hooping. I am a recent graduate of Humboldt State University with a degree in International Business. I am completely obsessed with hooping, but I also take breaks here and there. I love hooping... I was gifted my first hoop in Colorado this summer at the Red Rocks Amphitheatre. I have taken a beginning hoop class in Humboldt County. But I recently moved back to the SF Bay Area, where I am beginning my 2 month long series with Brecken Rivera. I can't wait to see where this hooping journey will take me.

HOOP SURVEY!

How old are you?
23

When did you first start hooping?
Late October 2010

Would you call yourself a beginner, intermediate or advanced hooper?
beginner

How often do you hoop?
Everyday but I do like to take days off. Roughly 6 days a week for 20-30 minutes or so, maybe twice a day. I dunno it varies. 

Do you have an indoor hoop space?
Sort of. I have a puesdo exercise room at my house but there is only enough room to practice isolations. 

Is there a hoop group where you live?
No... I think I'm the only person in my town! 

Did you start it?
n/a

Would you say that you are obsessed with or addicted to hooping?
Yes, I watch youtube tutorials everyday and try new things. I research hoop retreats and mediation. It's definitely an a healthy obsession I've acquired. 

Have you posted hooping videos? How many?
0

Do you have friends nearby to hoop with?
No, the closest is Oakland with Brecken on Monday's. But I'm thankful for the opportunity to grow my talents with such amazing classmates and an instructor. 

Do you teach hooping? If so, how many people have you taught?
I was asked to teach a class but I don't feel I have enough tricks and transitions down to really start teaching. Maybe this summer. 

What kind of songs do you listen to while hooping?
I really don't listen to music when I'm hooping. I don't have the biggest amount of space... I hoop in my front yard mostly and it's bad enough having random people hoot and holler at me :) But in class, I love girltalk, yonder mountain, anything really. I love all music. 

What is your favorite song right now?
Probably anything by Magnetic Man. 

Do you buy hoops or make your own?

I have bought all my hoops. I LOVE the way my Humboldt hoop instructor taped my hoops. But recently, I've been watching a lot of hoop videos on taping hoops and DIY construction. Hopefully, sometime soon. 

Have you lost weight since starting to hoop?
At first I did. But I'm already quite skinny. I think I have more endurance. 

What size is your favorite hoop?
38" but I'm downsizing to a 34" or 35" something more intermediate. 

Are you comfortable hooping by yourself in a public place?
Hm... Sure. I would rather hoop on the beach by myself because it's more of a mediation tool for me. I get kind of tongue tied when people stop me and tell me how good I am, etc, etc... I don't mind kids, especially little babies that are SO AMAZED! I don't really mind people because I was inspired at a festival by watching an amazing hooper. It's just my shyness I should overcome. 

How did you learn the majority of the tricks you know today?
my teachers. 

Who is your favorite hoop teacher?
Nicole Garrett, Brecken Rivera, Baxter, Khan and Safire

What advice would you give to to beginner hoopers?
Don't give up. Take breaks! Don't get frustrated because it's just muscle memory. YOU WILL LEARN THE TRICK. Be Patient. 

Do you fire hoop? If not, do you want to?
No, I haven't yet. But I LOVE TO!! Hopefully this summer.

Do own an LED hoop? Where did you get it?
No, but that's next on the list. Rainborion Hoop from Cosmic Hoopers! I wanted to buy my series from Brecken and then buy my hoop. I didn't want a crazy awesome hoop without the proper skills.

How much time do you spend on Hoop City?
I go on and off through out the day. I like to read the forum. It helps. 

What was the first trick you learned (besides waist hooping)?
Vortex & Knee hooping was the first real trick.  

What is the last trick you mastered?
one shoulder. I can do it, maybe not everytime but I can do it about 75-80% of the time. IT TOOK FOREVER! 

What trick/s so far was the hardest for you to learn?
AH! one shoulder. That took a good week or 2 to learn but if I have a tank on now it's easy as pie.

Which one are you finding is almost impossible to get? 
Impossible... Everything's possible. I guess I'm having difficulty with chest reversals, paddling and break/reverses. I'm actually taking a few days off because I'm getting frustrated/discouraged... :/ I'll get it though. 

How many hoopers would you say live in your town/city?
Just me, myself and I. 

Have you performed hooping in front of an audience?
I've hooped for my family. That's all. 

Has anyone told you you were too old to be playing with a hula hoop?
Yes. Everyday, all day. I don't really have a strong support system with hooping. Most people think it's a retarded hobby and there is other stuff I "should" d be doing. But, it's my life and I have a great time hooping so EFF THAT! 

What’s the worst injury you’ve acquired from the hoop?
Bruising. 

Have you ever hooped naked?
no no no... maybe one day :)

Have you been to a hoop camp/retreat? Which one?
I haven't yet because I just started about 3-4 months ago. But I'm planning on Movement and Play Festival, Hoopcamp 2011, and HP5 and Fire Groove... Lots and lots of $$$$$ :/