The Trampoline Guide - Trampolines
A Trampoline just like many other products comes in various types and sizes; the round trampoline, the rectangular trampoline and the square trampoline are all suited to different uses.
Extra equipment is available for most trampolines, we all know retailers love add-ons for their products.
Types of Trampoline
Round Trampoline - designed to keep the jumper in the middle of the canvas, ideal for kids, these trampolines are for garden or backyard use.
Rectangular Trampoline - designed for gymnastics, as the jumper has more freedom of movement on the trampoline landing surface, the springs are more flexible and have greater lift.
Square Trampoline - designed for exercise as this trampoline has less lift than the rectangular shape.
Trampoline Accessories and Add-Ons
- Ladder - leans against or is attatched to the side of the trampoline for easy access, very handy but not a good idea in the hands of small unsupervised kids!!
- Shoe Bag - bit of a gimmick, a bag suspended from the side of the trampoline, to store your shoes while jumping, handy if you like things neat and tidy I guess.
- Cover - very useful, saves a lot of time in cleaning debris, old leaves and so on from the surface, also keeps off any rain water when not in use.
- Enclosure - for me this is a no brainer, it does go some way towards preventing kids from bouncing off, which makes me feel more comfortable
Major Trampoline Brands
There are several noteable trampoline manufactures whose range of trampolines are especially worth checking out, any list is going to be subjective but
- Zero Gravity Trampoline Company
- Big Air Trampolines
- JumpKing Trampolines
- Bazoongi Trampolines
- Top Garden Trampolines
- Playland Trampoline Series
- Jaques Garden Trampoline
- Supertramp Trampoline
Trampolining as a Sport
Trampolining is now a recognised sport, there are Rules for Olympic Trampoline and Trampoline has been recognised by the ICC since 1999
Trampolinists jump around 6 meters high and perform various routines demonstrating their skill, a competition routine is freeform but must include:- one landing! a somersault with a 1.5 times twist; a forward or backward double somersault; and a forward or backward double somersault with a twist. Not to be tried at home without supervision!!!
About Trampoline Safety
Others, much better informed than my good self, eg. Health and Safety or Medical professionals, have put together some pretty comprehensive trampoline safety guides, rather than repeat their words of wisdom, I have listed useful reading/resources here.
Trampoline safety is mostly common sense but I imagine most parents would want to have a quick read over of what the experts have got to say about it!
- Trampoline Safety Alert Summary of a report with some simple guidelines by the The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
- Trampolining and Trampoline Safety some thoughts on trampoline safety outlined by C.S.Mott Children's Hospital
- Guidelines to Using Trampolines well thought out guide to using trampolines from the Canadian Health Authority
Safety Standards
Like all products, trampolines should conform to the relevant safety standards
- ASTM - American Society for Testing and Materials Standards
- TUV - EU Notified Body providing CE marking and certification
Just to be Sure - What is a Trampoline?
I'll put my technical hat on far a moment - and define a trampoline as a strong sheet, of canvas or synthetic material, that is held taut and attatched with springs to a solid frame.
Trampoline Summary
Trampolines are tremendous fun, kids are also well famous for their pester power ... and I'm pretty sure that quite a few parents are just about to buy a trampoline!
I really hope that in some little way, I have been helfpful to you!
happy trampolining ... Jeremy