Weightless Joy

Tommy Padilla gets air at Get Air.
photo: Jade Nunes

The trampoline. It beckons all ages to experience its promise of adrenaline and excitement. It’s a time machine, bringing back memories of childhood: sweaty summer afternoons, birthday parties and laughter. And, as if constructed from magnets, it pulls people to its bouncy surface – even if for a single jump.

Walking through the doors of Get Air Tucson is like teleporting to a different planet, one where gravity doesn’t exist and the ground is rectangles comprised of springy, black substrates. The sounds of wild laughter is intoxicating and inviting and the air is energized with movement and excitement.

Waiting in line to pay the entrance fee and signing the mandatory waiver feels like an eternity. But then, with shoes and socks off, heart pounding and a colored wristband signifying how long you can jump, it’s your turn.

It’s a weird feeling, being able to jump as high – higher! – as you are tall. Then there’s that split-second where you feel utterly weightless and your inner-child screams: “I can fly!” You’re hooked. You can’t stop. Higher. Higher. Bounce. Jump. Flip. You don’t even realize how much you’re sweating.

But Get Air doesn’t stop at trampolines. There are dodge ball courts, foam pits, a basketball hoop, and if you dare, a slack line to challenge your balance skills on.

“I heard about it from few friends,” said Hunter Tek, a University of Arizona student who admitted that he’s been to Get Air on more than four occasions since its unofficial opening in late August. “The dodge ball courts are my favorite. And the basketball hoop.”

With the fun comes some risk, however, as Greg Burleson had the misfortune of experiencing firsthand.

Balancing on the slack line.
photo: Jade Nunes

“I learned how to do my first back flip here,” Burleson said triumphantly. “But then I racked my nuts on the slack line.”

Patti Goodell’s son’s company, Trampoline Park LLC, installed the trampolines at Get Air. Goodell says the trampolines are “over sprung” and very reinforced.

“They’re just about as safe as they can be,” she said. “But it’s still an extreme sport. Someone could possibly get hurt.”

Jumping on a trampoline is a sport?

“You can burn up to 1300 calories an hour,” she said. “That’s a draw for people who are trying to stay fit.”

Goodell explained that exercise classes and air aerobics will be among some of the offerings still to come.

Monday through Thursday, Get Air offers family, student and community specials to encourage people to come jump. For example, on Thursdays, you can bring a can of food and jump for two hours for the price of one. Get Air also offers family nights and student discount nights.

“The kids just go crazy for it,” Goodell said.

There are 11 Get Air locations across the country, two of which are owned by Goodell – who said that five more are on the way.

For younger children, Get Air has designated “Lil’ Air,” a smaller trampoline area for the wee ones.

“It’s just kind of fun for all!” Goodell exclaimed.

Time seems to move faster on a trampoline. When an hour has passed, a Get Air employee announces that everyone wearing a specific color wristband must discontinue jumping, or buy an additional hour. Stepping off its springy surface onto solid ground is almost like returning to reality. Legs a little sore and covered in sweat, it’s time to go home.

“I’m definitely coming back,” said Marc Florian. “This place is awesome.”

Get Air Tucson is located at 330 S. Toole Ave. For more information about rates, hours and events, visit GetAirTucson.com or call 624-5867.

Category: Business, Community, DOWNTOWN / UNIVERSITY / 4TH AVE, Living