Poi

Two weighted objects on cords, swung in circular patterns around the body. The most popular entry point into flow arts.

Poi originated with the Maori people of New Zealand, where it was used to develop flexibility and strength. Today it's practiced worldwide as dance, meditation, and performance art.

Getting started

Start with sock poi (a pair of socks with tennis balls) or practice poi. Learn the basic 3-beat weave, butterfly, and windmill before moving to fire.

Fire poi require kevlar wicks and proper fuel (paraffin/lamp oil). Never spin fire alone and always have a safety spotter and wet towel nearby.

DIY — Make your own poi

Practice poi (5 min, free)

Materials: 2 long socks, 2 tennis balls

1. Drop a tennis ball into the toe of each sock
2. Grip the open end of the sock as your handle
3. Ideal length: fingertips to halfway up your upper arm

Tip: old stretched-out socks work better. Bird seed is softer than rice, rice is softer than beans.

Weighted practice poi (15 min, ~5 EUR)

Materials: 2x carabiner, paracord (60-70cm per side), 2x soft weight (rice-filled balloon, ~120g), swivels (optional)

1. Fill two balloons with ~120g rice, tie closed
2. Attach each weight to one end of the cord using a carabiner
3. Add a finger loop or handle at the other end
4. Optional: add a swivel between cord and weight to prevent tangles

Fire poi (30 min, ~20 EUR)

Materials: 2x kevlar wick (5cm wide, 30cm long), 2x bolt + washers, chain (30cm per side), quicklinks, leash cord

1. Roll the kevlar wick tightly around the bolt, secure with washers and a nut
2. Attach the wick head to a quicklink
3. Connect chain from quicklink to your leash cord
4. Add a handle or finger loop at the end

Never spin fire without a safety spotter, wet towel, and fire blanket. Use only paraffin/lamp oil — never petrol or alcohol.

Tutorials: Instructables — Simple Fire Poi · Fire and Flow NZ — DIY Poi · Home of Poi — Fire Poi Heads

Where to buy

Fire Poi

• Firetoys — UK/EU, multiple brands
• Play Juggling — Italy, contact poi (made in Italy)
• Oddballs — UK, fire poi
• Flow Art Manufacture — Germany, handmade fire poi
• NetJuggler — France
• Feuershow.de — Germany
• Flames N Games — UK manufacturer

LED Poi

• Pyroterra Lighttoys — Visual Pixel Poi — Czech Republic, programmable pixel poi
• Firetoys — LED/Glow Poi — UK/EU
• Oddballs — LED Poi — UK
• Flames N Games — LED Poi — UK

Practice Poi

• Firetoys — Practice Poi — UK/EU
• Pyroterra — Practice Poi — Czech Republic

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