water bouncer

There is no finer way to relax on a warm summer day than to just jump in a lake! An inflatable water bouncer or bounce platform is the perfect water toy for kids and adults alike. This is similar to a water trampoline, but doesn't have any springs. Some models, such as the Bongo 10 from Rave Sports, can also be used on land although you have to be careful not to have it near any rocks or sticks.

There are three steps to set up your water bouncer:

1. inflate the bouncer
2. put it into the water
3. anchor it (if desired)
   

Inflating your water bouncer shouldn't take too long. A hand pump of some sort should be included. Higher capacity inflator-deflators are also available if you want to be able to get it set up faster. Some models like the Rave Bongo platforms have a valve located above the surface of the water. This is a handy feature because you may need to add more air later and this way, you can do that without taking the whole platform out of the water. If you choose to use an air compressor of some sort, be sure to not overinflate or you could damage your new bouncer. You only need a couple psi of pressure!  Most air compressors easily exceed this, which is why they are usually not recommended for water bouncers or trampolines.

Getting a water bouncer to the water is not difficult if you have a few people together - you just need to avoid dragging it in sand. Next is location, location, location. These platforms usually are recommended to be placed in at least 8 feet of water. We suggest a bit more than that for an extra margin of safety in case the lake water level fluctuates. Also, be aware that some bigger models or water trampolines may need to be in deeper water.

Getting your water bouncer anchored, if you choose to do it, takes more time. Anchoring is best if you plan to leave your platform set out all the time for the warm weather seasons, for obvious reasons. If you are going to leave it out long term, be sure to anchor it with a system that reaches the lake bottom to be certain it will stay put. The manufacturer can recommend how much weight to use to secure it. You also can take it in and out of the water each day if you prefer. Most people just take one in and out of the water at first when they are trying it out and then go ahead and anchor it so they don't have to bother getting it in and out each weekend.

You can easily expand your water bouncer with attachments and turn it into a miniature waterpark! Rave Sports has slides, logs, and launches that can be added to their Bongo bounce platforms. A slide is always relaxing and, after all, who's ever heard of a water park without a slide? The logs are fun to walk on. The slides and logs from Rave Sports come in two sizes; the smaller Bongo platforms will only take the smaller attachments.

The Rave Aqua Launch offers its own special thrill, especially if you have a big guy around. Watch the video above to see what I mean!

There are three main safety rules around a water bouncer. First, everyone needs to be proficient at swimming and treading water before using the platform. It is a mistake to think you might not really have to swim all that well since you'll be near the trampoline and can always "just grab hold". They usually only come with one ladder and there aren't too many handholds on some models. Without the ladder, it is difficult to climb onto it so you always have to be able to get yourself around the bouncer to where the ladder is. Second, as with any water sport use the buddy system - don't use the bouncer alone. Third, don't go underneath the platform. Someone bouncing on top of the platform could whack your head if you are below.

1. Know how to swim and tread water
2. Use the buddy system
3. Don't swim underneath the platform