How to make sure you host the best trampoline meet up
Trampoline meetups or also known as - tramp meetups; are made by having kids that not only know similar tricks but are all at different levels of skill with a “willing to have a go” attitude. Meetups set the perfect mood to give everyone the confidence to try new tricks and combos. Having people that know how to double bounce properly makes attempting harder tricks easier. Tramp meets ups are like a party; they are chill, fun, and everyone is super excited about the day/days and all they really require is a trampoline
After asking the question of our Instagram friends “how can some extra atmosphere and fun be created at a tramp meetup? " this is the list suggested.
Who is there
The number of people really depends on the size of the yard and trampolines on offer. Here are some of the answers we received: best flippers, good flippers, friends, nice people, new people, possible chance to meet idles or online friends. It was very clear from the feedback that so much of an event is about the people who attend. It is the "who" that then creates the atmosphere by their humor, skills, and other quality personality traits. A known common interest will bring people closer quicker than a lot of “randoms” who meet say in a public place, as it takes a long time to find a common interest. The right mix of people and skills with a known common interest will naturally create great memories to take home.
Tricks & Combos
Answers included: cool tricks, cool combos, best double bouncers. These will be the focus at a tramp meetup, with kids constantly working on “world-first” combos with double bounce or with no double bounce (DB or NDB)
Trampolines
More than one trampoline, different shapes and sizes, long rectangle trampoline, bouncy trampolines, and safe trampolines were all among common responses from our Instagram friends. If you need to buy a trampoline before hosting an event have a look at the article I wrote a couple of weeks ago about what -flippers look for in a trampoline
Foam pit and/or mattress set up
A foam pit will take a lot of effort and is often where an in-ground trampoline or swimming pool may have been and the hole then filled with lots of foam cubes. Mattresses are often used on the trampoline to push under bouncers to break their bounce and finish their routine.
Duration
More than one day was a common response. This can be super fun and great for kids who have a long distance to travel to the event. Accommodation and food need to be arranged so be sure that your parents are supportive and aware before you start inviting kids over for a weekend.
Humour
Instagrammers said: Funny inside group jokes and other jokes. This just goes without saying really, who knows what viral memes may come out of your meet up.
New Learnings
Learning, teaching, and helping seem to be valued within the Instagram community. If this is given some thought then it will keep the sharing, generous culture that the tramp flipping community has. Invite kids of various levels to give the chance for everyone to add value to the meetup. Some that are there to learn will gain confidence and new skills and the person who taught them will feel good for taking the time to break their moves down for someone else to learn. At the same time, the teacher will likely learn something too.
Music
Hype music is very important. Everyone can share their music (just be aware of neighbors with the volume).
Safety
Safety really cannot be stressed enough. Don’t try to do any tricks or combos you know you are not yet ready for; neck braces or wheelchairs aren’t fun. Before hosting the event be sure that you check your trampoline thoroughly for any adverse wear and tear and have any parts replaced before having friends over. As a participant going to someone’s event it is an important question to ask before attending the event “have you given your trampoline a full and complete safety check”? Use our downloadable checklist attached in this link on how to check your trampoline. When everyone has arrived go over the safety and house rules to avoid any misunderstandings about host expectations.
Food/drink
It really goes without saying that teenage boys and food can’t be seen without each other. So a meetup with food is paramount. Either hosting supplies it all, or has a small charge for a supplied lunch BBQ or rolls, or if you live close to shops a walk to the local shops for pizza, would be pretty well accepted. Drinks for hydration, water, juice and in our question feedback quite a few mentioned Gatorade specifically; which I was surprised by.
Tower into airbag or trampoline!
Definitely not prepared to say this is a great idea for anyone to take on due to all the risks I can see, however, there will come a time when this is where some skilled kids are at. Best to take safety into serious consideration and if you are hosting an event have parents sign a permission form or waiver on this. The duty of care to others is the responsibility of the host and if you’re not seen to have taken enough care you may find yourself liable for some serious breaches of the duty of care.
Guests
If you are fortunate enough to be invited to a meetup, be a considerate guest and put anything you use away, and any rubbish you create put in the bin or recycling. Follow the house rules and safety requests of your hosts and you will find you are more likely to be invited again.
Banner
For the photos and images, it seems anything from an old white sheet to a tarp from Bunnings with painted details of the meet up tied to the trampoline will be a great backdrop for a group photo and consistency in all the meetup videos and photos.
Tops
If the budget can afford to, have everyone come in matching tops or put in to pay for a t-shirt or tank top with the meet up printed on it. Not a necessity but it was mentioned.
We hosted our first ever meet up following many of these tips. You will find the article on our first ever tramp meet up on our blog (soon to be released). If you have any questions about hosting a tramp meet up or anything else always feel free to call us on 03 52921100 or message.
Intro by @reef_cook_gtramp
Photo Our Own from July 2017
Meet up banner & Tank top design @colby_veal
