Taping a Lyra!

Written By Kelsey Jean

As a Lyra instructor, a common question I am asked after a student purchases their first hoop is how to tape it!

Over the years I have wrapped, rewrapped, and cared for countless Lyras (seriously, I couldn’t even begin to put a number to it). Along the way, I have found what works—and what doesn’t. Read on to see my go-to tips for teaching others to tape their Lyra!

BEFORE TAPING

It is recommended that you apply a layer of pre-wrap to protect the Lyra’s powder-coating when removing the tape. Steel hoops that are not powder-coated do not need a layer of pre-wrap, but it will make removing the tape much easier (your future self will thank you)!

FULL TAPE

  • Imagine the Lyra is an analog clock. Look at it straight on.

  • Flip the 12 o’clock section of the Lyra to the ground.

    • I like to identify 12 o’clock with a different colored piece of tape!

  • Begin taping the Lyra at 5 o’clock and work clockwise up to 12.

  • Begin the second layer of tape at 7 o’clock and work counter-clockwise to 12. The tape will overlap the first layer across 6 and 5 on the way up to 12. This area of the hoop benefits from an extra layer of tape as it experiences the most use.

  • Edited: 2/8/2024 this previously recommended to begin taping at 4 and 8. Over the past few tapings, I have found that beginning at 5 & 7 prevents premature rolling of the tape.

It is important that you begin at 5 and 7 to avoid the tape rolling down when in use!

PARTIAL

  • Handhold: Tape from 10 o’clock to 11.

  • Handhold: Tape from 2 o’clock to 1.

  • Another common area to tape is the 6 o’clock area: tape from 5 to 7 and back again from 7 to 5.

WHEN TO RETAPE

  • Tape is unraveling

  • Tape begins to look dirty

  • After a scrape involving blood

WHEN NOT TO RETAPE

  • The day before a performance! Make sure you are comfortable and familiar with the Lyra’s level of grip before performing.

  • When distracted: it is very easy to make a mistake when taping.

  • When you only have a few minutes: take your time and enjoy the journey!

WHICH TAPE TO BUY

There are many great tapes out there, try a few and see what you like! These are some of my favorites:

  • Athletic Tape: find one that does not contain Zinc to avoid that sticky feeling!

    • Aerial Essentials’ Premium Bar Tape

    • Prodigy Snake Tape

  • Newbaum’s Milled Cotton Cloth Tape

HELPFUL HINTS

  • Bought tape that is still feeling sticky? Try dusting the hoop with gymnastic chalk to reduce the sticky feeling.

  • Hold the tape at an angle to reduce the overlap and save on tape!

  • Keep the tape roll close to the hoop to avoid tangles.

  • Try to smooth out air bubbles as you go.

  • If your tape begins to get tangled you can definitely unstick it, but don't be afraid to cut off your roll and start taping again!

  • On a tabless Lyra mark the 12 o’clock spot with a different color.

VIDEO RESOURCES

Kelsey Jean
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