When I was a kid I always loved jumping on trampolines.
Now that I'm a father with two girls, I want them to experience the same fun.
We live in the city, but we have access to a cottage on a lake.
I bought a water trampoline to put in the water and it's been nothing but incredible fun.
If you are considering buying such a product, I hope you find these tips helpful.
1) Look for a trampoline that uses real springs.
If you buy a trampoline that simply relies on the inner tube and jumping surface for bounce, you'll be disappointed.
The springs are what give you the bounce.
Don't waste your money on something cheap.
Springs are fairly expensive, and you get what you pay for when you buy toys.
2) Get something fairly big.
I've seen small blow-up tramps that are 10-12 feet in diameter.
They are generally junky.
The smaller they are, the less "planted" they feel in the water.
They'll move around a lot and you won't be happy.
If you are just buying one as a replacement for a floating dock, you'll be fine.
But if you expect to jump, go with something big.
I suggest a 20 foot diameter product for best bounce.
3) Look for a brand that has a great reputation.
Personally, I bought a Rave Aqua Jump and I know Rave Sports has a good reputation.
There are likely others, but I selected the market leader it's usually the safest bet.
4) Understand in advance that there is some work involved.
If you buy a good product, it will require a couple of hours at the start of the season to setup and launch.
It will also require a couple of hours at the end of the season to pack away.
It's not like setting up a tent which takes 10 or 15 minutes.
5) Consider the accessories you might want.
Get them right away rather than penny pinching and realizing, later, that you need them.
Life jackets for the children, dock chain for the anchor, even a blower to inflate the trampoline - these are things you might need from day one.