Why is it that whenever someone has a little mishap in the garden someone else is bound to be on hand filming it just in case they capture enough decent footage to send to one of those programmes that showcases camcorder catastrophes. Usually it is plastic garden chairs collapsing or even breaking, sun loungers eating small children, hammocks tipping out their occupants and garden swimming pools collapsing. Another one that has so far not been mentioned is the favourite of many – the garden trampoline.
There was a time when our enjoyment of trampolines was limited to fifteen minutes every summer at the seaside, when you bounced around for all you were worth because that’s all you were going to get until next year! Some schools and gyms had them and if you didn’t participate yourself you could always watch sports programmes on the television.
That’s all changed now, trampolines have become much more affordable and many are designed specifically for use in the garden. Naturally you will need a fairly large garden to accommodate a trampoline as they range in size from about six to sixteen feet and can be round, rectangular or even hexagonal. They are usually mounted on legs (which is where the mishaps seem to occur, as people jump too high, or too near the edge, and fall off) but if you are energetic enough to dig a pit, then you can sink it so that the jump mat ends up at ground level, just like the ones at the seaside used to be. It is advisable to pad the area around the pit to cushion any falls.
The mat itself is made from weatherproof material and it is not this that is bouncy; the bounce is supplied by the mat being fastened to the frame with strong springs. Differing levels of bounce are achieved by varying strengths of springs and also the spacing of the springs, garden trampolines will not give the same height of jumps that gymnasts can get, you would have to join a gym for that.
For safety reasons the springs are usually covered with a padded, fitted cushion so that limbs are not injured by falling through the gaps between the springs. A tall net can also prevent falls; these come in two types, those that are fitted inside the line of springs (internal) or those that fasten to the frame (external).
The trampoline itself can be anchored to the ground to prevent it from overbalancing when in use or during windy conditions. A lot of trampolines for sale are supplied with the necessary safety equipment such as ladders, anchor kits, safety nets, spring covers and weatherproof covers.
It has to be said that trampolines can be dangerous, so safety should be paramount at all times, especially when in use by children. Misuse of the trampoline can still result in injury even when the above safety precautions have been taken. It is not safe for more than one person to be on the trampoline at a time as the resulting unpredictability of the bounce could cause them to crash into one another. It is very dangerous to attempt somersaults without having the proper training, falling awkwardly on the head or neck could have very serious consequences indeed.
So be safe not sorry, purchase the right gear, always supervise young children and above all else have fun!
Bouncing about on a trampoline just one of the hundreds of interesting things to do at the weekend that can be purchased as a gift or for yourself from My Outdoor Store. Follow the link to discover our vast selection of days out ideas.
Bruno Blackstone is a freelance writer interested in all things to do with the outdoors and helping others get the most from the outdoors. Starting with a psychology degree his early career was as a social worker and family therapist working with families to help them achieve more positive and stable relationships. In his more recent career he has coached many senior executives in both small and large organisations in areas such as strategy, human resources, organisational design and performance improvement. He now continues his work in the business world but he is also co-owner of My Outdoor Store a price comparison site for outdoor enthusiasts.