Getting high on trampolines

The trampoline has fascinated people of all ages by its ability to propel people to new heights, literally. The bounce created by the springs is an ingenious creation, one that has attracted many jumpers.
The perfect trampoline is above-ground and circular, but it can also be rectangular in shape and built into the ground.
Granite Bay High School sophomore Katie Gezi received a trampoline when she was eight years old, and she uses it everyday. Simularly, GBHS alumnus Brittany Burman received her first one as a surprise Christmas gift two years ago. She jumps before and after school, to feel the fresh air and relax.
For them, having a trampoline is especially handy during the summer.
“After (going) in the pool, (you) can just jump on it, and it feels really good,” Gezi said, “or you can lay on it and get really tan.”
Burman uses hers for these purposes and more.
“I sleep on it, use it to bathe my dog and talk with friends on (it),” Burman said. “I also use it as a table for eating, a tanning bed and a place to talk on the phone.”
Tricks are a favorite to perform on the trampoline. Gezi does acrobatics such as front flips, front hand springs and aerials.
The two have differing opinions on recreational centers such as Sky Zone and Sky High Sports.
Gezi said that there are so many trampolines that nets aren’t necessary.
Burman, however, doesn’t have as positive an outlook on these locations.
“I’m not a huge fan of either of these places because they are overpopulated, and (they) don’t let me do the things I’d like to,” Burman said. “You can’t do a front handspring (when) little kids are two feet away.”
Located in Rocklin, Sky Zone is one popular location to jump. It is open Tuesday through Sunday. During summer break hours, the facility will be open Monday through Sunday. Also, there will be a summer special on Tuesday’s and Thursday’s, two hours for $12, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. This special and the summer hours start Tuesday, June 1.
Walk-ins are welcome, but they may not be available. If you know how many people are going to be jumping in your party, the best thing to do is make a reservation. The fee is $1.50 per person for a reservation. A completed waiver is required for any recreation at Sky Zone, and a parent must sign if his or her child is under 18.
At Sky Zone, people of all ages can participate in activities such as open jump, dodgeball and aerobics.
“We will shortly be getting be getting our basketball hoops up,” Sky Zone assistant manager Joshua Longest said.
Open jump is offered at all open hours, and people can jump for 30 minutes, 60 min, 90 min or 120 min sessions.
“We offer that for any age, as soon as you can walk all the way up to 84,” Longest said
Though birthdays at Sky Zone are mainly for younger kids, some high schoolers do have their parties here. However, most teenagers go to Sky Zone for dodgeball.
“Sometimes we’ll do dodgeball tournaments with cash prizes or free jump time as a prize for the winning team,” Longest said.
SkyRobics is another fun opportunity. For an hour, participants can do drills and exercises and use items such as medicine balls and exercise bands to get in shape. Each class is $8, (half-off for a first time visit) and is headed by an instructor.
“It’s fun to go with your friends and get a good workout at the same time,” GBHS senior Corie Cartano said. “It’s a really fun way to exercise while on the trampolines.”
Even though the fees “can really add up,” Cartano said “it’s worth the money.”
High schoolers can also enjoy special events at Sky Zone just for teenagers. Every Saturday night is Sky Jam, which takes place from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. Teens can jump for an hour-and-a-half, enjoy pizza, soda, music and friends. The price is $15 and you must be 16 years or older to participate.
For those who are a little younger, between 11- and 15-years-old, SkyMania is open every Friday night from 9 to 11 p.m. You can receive the same deals for the same price of $15. Also, a prize raffle is held, and kids can win free jump passes, Sky Club memberships, free team entry to a Sky Zone 3-D Dodgeball tournament or Sky Zone gear.
These events are popular, and sometimes people come quite early, as much as 45 minutes.
“We usually end up getting sold out,” Longest said, “so it’s recommended you show up as early as you can.”
Normal pricing is $7 per hour for Tuesday through Thursday, and $9 per hour for Friday through Sunday. During summer hours, every day is $9 per hour. Also, a $2 shoe rental is required no matter the season.
Another great place with trampolines is Sky High Sports.
Located in Rancho Cordova, it is open seven days a week. Hours change on May 31 for summer break. Private groups can jump at Sky High from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.
Sky High has a dodgeball court, foam pit, large jump area, arcade and an upstairs lounge. Besides regular jumping, people can have birthdays, play dodgeball and participate in airobics.
“I recommend dodgeball,” supervisor at Sky High Sports Chris Kettmann said. “It’s really fun; a lot of people get into it.”
Dodgeball tournaments are held once a month and teams of six can sign up for $60. Prizes are awarded to first and second place winners if there are enough teams in the tournament, and prizes include a game and free jumping until the end of the tournament.
Sky High Sports makes most of its money through birthday parties, mainly for littler kids.
“We do get the occasional older kid in here for a birthday party, and they have a lot of fun,” Kettmann said.
A waiver is required to participate in any activity. Waivers must be signed by parents for those under 18-years-old.