A fatter tire is by no means a universal solution to hopping (That’d be magical lobsters, and 42). Keep in mind that you have to be proficient at riding SIF before actually hopping SIF. A foot is actually quite good, it took me about 10 months (From getting my beginner uni to now) to get 75cm. 25cm of which has been gained in the last month (Thank you Ryan Atkins).
Damn, now that I know that I have to stop hopping SIF…
There are exceptions, but generally the best way to learn how to hop SIF is to learn how to ride SIF (Which imho, is seriously tireing and a great leg workout). It gives you an insight how to distribute the weight on your pedals, and how to manipulate your seat. Kris Holm even goes so far as to suggest learning a seat drag/push, but I think that’s slightly overkill.