Everyone's familiar with the backyard trampoline, and most people are aware of the extreme sport of bungee jumping. However, the bungee trampoline, an offshoot of both of these things, is less familiar. A bungee trampoline combines the excitement and fun of using a trampoline with the rush of a bungee jump, but is safe, since it's used under the supervision of professionals.
An adjustable harness, similar to the ones used in bungee jumping, is fastened around the user's waist. Attached to this harness are bungee ropes, which lead to a steel support structure. An electric motor shoots the user up into the air via the bungee cords. A trampoline, located below the user, provides a safe landing and extra bounce. A bungee trampoline can allow you to jump as much as ten yards into the air, giving you a bird's eye view of the world below.
Since bungee trampolines are almost always operated by entertainment companies, they tend to be situated in locations called jumping stations. These stations can feature more than one trampoline. Four to six people can jump simultaneously, using only a standard electrical outlet to run the motors. This makes bungee trampolines a popular attraction for large events.
When you use a bungee trampoline, the elastic cords take the kinetic energy pushing you downward and converting it into a force that propels you upward, increasing your jumping power and stabilizing the jump. This gives you the ability to stay in the air longer and go higher. Backwards and forward flips can be performed, something that is impossible on a normal trampoline without many years of practice.
Since their inception, bungee trampolines have gained in popularity tremendously. They're most often found in malls and amusement parks, but can also be rented for events. Some models have been customized to provide a specific experience for the user. For instance, bungee trampolines exist using natural trees instead of steel support poles, allowing people to feel as though they're flying in a forsted setting. Four person or six person bungee trampoline setups are also common.
Remember, if you decide to purchase a ticket for a bungee trampoline, that it carries some safety risks. Just like a normal trampoline or bungee jump, there's a possibility of scrapes, sprains, and broken bones if rules aren't properly followed. However, most of the time, bungee trampolines are safer than regular trampoline jumping, because use of them is supervised. This means that if a user disobeys basic safety guidelines, they'll be stopped before they can become severely injured. Used properly, bungee trampolines are a fun, adrenaline inducing experience that's safer than bungee jumping.
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