For many people, the trampoline is not only a piece of sports equipment, but also an entertainment way full of childhood memories.
From backyard relaxation to professional competition, from the circus performance to the Olympic Games, the trampoline experienced a long development process. Many people often ask “when were the trampolines invented” and “trampoline name”.
If you want to know these questions, we need to start from the early days of trampolining to the birth and evolution of the modern trampoline.
Early origins of trampolines
Though the modern trampoline was born in the 20th century, but the similar concept to a “spring mechanism” has been around for a long time.
Historians think that some ancient civilizations may have used a device similar to a trampoline to engage in entertainment or performances. In some murals and records from ancient Egypt, Persia, and China, you can see people jumping or throwing into the air on an elastic surface.
The Inuit “Blanket Toss”
One of the earliest activities closest to the modern concept of trampoline from the Inuit people in the Arctic region. They have a kind of traditional activity called “Blanket Toss”.
This kind of activity uses a large blanket made of walrus skin, and pulled tight in a circle by dozens of people. When a person stands in the middle of the blanket, other people around the blanket tighten and pull up the blanket at the same time, and throw it into the air.
Initially, this kind of way is not for entertainment, but rather for hunting and scouting. The person who was thrown up can observe the prey in the distance and potential risks in the air. Afterwards, this activity gradually evolves into an entertainment project at the festival.
Firefighter rescue net
Another early device similar to a trampoline is fire rescue net in 19th century. In 1887, a large canvas life net gains patent, so firemen can expand this device under the building to catch the person who jumped from a high place.
The core principle of this design is similar to a trampoline: Tighten the sail, let it have some elasticity to buffer impact force. Though this kind of device was replaced by more advanced rescue methods later, but it has an important inspiration in the development of trampoline techniques.
When were trampolines invented?
The trampoline was invented in 1934.
American gymnast George Nissen noticed that the performers will pop up after landing on the safety net while watching the circus trapeze performance. He thought about it if he can use this elasticity to perform continuous jumps and somersaults, then can create a kind of new sports equipment.
So in 1934, he created the first prototype device in the parents’ garage.
1. A steel rectangular frame
2. A taut piece of canvas
3. Use the rubber inner tube connecting frame and spring cloth
This device is called “bouncing rig”, and it is the prototype of the modern trampoline.
Afterwards, with the help of the gymnastics coach Larry Griswold, the device has been improved, the rubber connection gradually replaced by a metal spring, and it made the bounce effect more stable and safer.
Trampoline name
Many people are curious about how the trampoline name came to be.
When promoting his invention, Nissen once performed around the world with his equipment. When he was on a tour in Mexico, he listened to the locals use the Spanish “trampolín” to describe a springboard or a springing device.
He was inspired, made minor changes based on this word, added a letter “e”, and created a new word “Trampoline”.
This word registered as a trademark later, and gradually became the generic name of this sports equipment.
The commercial development of trampoline
After the equipment was improved, Nissen and Griswold opened a company, and began to commercially product of trampolines.
1940s–1950s, trampolining is rapidly gaining popularity in the US:
1. School PE classes begin to use the trampoline
2. Gymnastics training adds trampoline training
3. Circus performances add trampoline acts
Even appearing “Trampoline Center” at that time, like today's entertainment facilities. When parents park at a gas station, children can play on the trampoline next to.
The two of them also designed a trampoline sport—Spaceball. This kind of ball match on a large trampoline, similar to a combination of volleyball and tennis. But this sport has not become popular.
Trampoline in military and space training
The trampoline is not only an entertainment equipment, and also an important role in military and space training.
During World War II, the U.S. military uses the trampoline to train pilot’s body coordination and spatial perception. The generated brief feeling of weightlessness when jumps, it can help pilots adapt to flight conditions.
Later, the trampoline is also used in astronaut training to help astronauts adapt to the weightlessness environment and improve body control ability.
These applications improve trampoline material and structure. For example:
1. Canvas jumping cloth gradually replaced by nylon weaving
2. The spring system is reinforced
3. The frame structure is more stable
Trampoline becomes a competitive sport
With the advancement of technology, the trampoline gradually evolved from an entertainment activity into an official sports event.
Starting in the 1960s, international competition gradually appeared. Subsequently, holds the first world trampoline championship, and attracts many countries.
In 1999, the trampoline was included Olympic Games System.
In the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the trampoline became an official event of the Olympic Games for the first time, and set up two events for men and women. This marks the trampoline gets into the global stage of competitive sports.
Development of Trampoline
After entering the 21st century, the trampoline has the great changes, three main aspects:
1.Material upgrade
Modern trampolines typically use:
Polypropylene scrap fabric
Galvanized steel frame
High elasticity spring
These materials are more durable and more secure than early canvas.
2. Safety design
Due to some safety incidents happened in the past, the modern trampoline adds more security structures:
Fence protection system
Spring protection pad
Anti-slip ladder
Reinforced frame structure
These designs reduce the risk of injury.
3. Diversified types
Competitive trampoline:
Higher bounce height
More professional structure
For competition or professional training
Leisure trampoline:
Commonly found in family backyards
The size is typically 8–16 feet
The design focuses on safety and entertainment
Besides, the commercial entertainment center also appeared a large-scale trampoline park, combined with the ninja challenge, climbing, and obstacle course to become an important item in a family entertainment center.
Review the history of trampoline, you can find development of trampolines has experienced a long process from primitive bouncing activities to modern competitive sports.
Nowadays, the trampoline is not only a family entertainment equipment, but also an official Olympic event, and applies to fitness, training, and commercial entertainment facilities. With the material technology and safety design gets ahead, the trampoline sports are still in the process of development, and keep a strong appeal globally.
