Trampoline

A trampoline is a specialized device used for recreation, training, and high-level competition.

It consists of a piece of strong, taut fabric stretched across a metal frame. This fabric is commonly called the bounce mat or the trampoline bed. While the mat itself is not elastic, the device creates a bounce through mechanical energy. This happens because many coiled springs connect the mat to the frame. When a person lands, these springs store potential energy. This energy is then released to propel the person back into the air.

Modern trampolines are engineered in several distinct ways to suit different needs. Competitive trampolines are built for extreme performance and durability. They typically feature a rectangular bed made of strong webbing material. These professional models use approximately 110 steel springs to maintain tension. The steel frames are sturdy and often designed to fold for easy transportation. In contrast, recreational trampolines are intended for home use. They are often circular, octagonal, or rectangular in shape. These models use weaker springs and mats made of waterproof canvas or woven polypropylene.

There are also specialized versions of the trampoline designed for unique environments. Bungee trampolines are common at fairs and summer camps. These use bungee cords to help inexperienced jumpers perform flips safely. Water trampolines are inflatable devices used near lakes for swimming recreation. They still follow the standard principle of using a spring-held mat to create a bounce. Some commercial facilities use wall running setups. In this sport, participants use platforms next to the trampoline bed. This allows them to transfer vertical speed into rotation by touching a solid wall at the peak of a bounce.

The concept of bouncing on soft surfaces has deep historical roots. The Inuit people practiced a form of blanket tossing during Nalukataq, a spring celebration of the whale harvest. During this event, they tossed dancers into the air using a walrus skin. In the late 1800s, firefighters used life nets to catch people jumping from burning buildings. By the 19th century, circus performers were already using trampoline-like devices. Some circus folklore credits an artist named du Trampolin with inventing the device. He supposedly adapted trapeze safety nets for propulsion, but no documentary evidence supports this story.

The first modern trampoline was officially invented in 1936. George Nissen and Larry Griswold built it while studying at the University of Iowa. Nissen was a gymnastics and diving competitor, while Griswold was a tumbler. They experimented by stretching canvas with metal grommets onto an angle iron frame using coiled springs. Nissen chose the name from the Spanish word "trampolín," which means a diving board. He had heard the term during a tour in Mexico in the late 1930s. In 1942, they formed the Griswold-Nissen Trampoline & Tumbling Company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Trampolines have played a significant role in scientific and athletic history. During World War II, the United States Navy used trampolines to train pilots in spatial orientation. Later, the device was used to train both American and Soviet astronauts. It helped them experience various body positions in flight. Nissen also co-created Spaceball, a game played by teams of two on a trampoline with end walls. This game was specifically used for training at NASA. In competitive sports, the trampoline became an Olympic event in the year 2000.

Professional athletes can reach incredible heights, performing multiple somersaults and twists in a single jump.

Today, the industry includes massive commercial trampoline parks. In 2014, there were at least 345 such parks operating in the United States alone. The International Association of Trampoline Parks reported rapid growth during the early 21st century. Large operators like CircusTrix manage hundreds of locations worldwide. These indoor parks often feature wall-to-wall trampolines and padded walls to improve safety. Because trampolining involves high speeds and falls, safety is a major focus. Organized clubs use foam pads and trained spotters to protect athletes. Despite these measures, the sport requires careful management to prevent injuries during high-intensity use.