Bouncing on a trampoline is pretty fun, but when the trampoline is bouncier than normal, the exhilaration is sometimes overwhelming. If you have ever bounced on a trampoline after it rained, you may have noticed that you’re bouncing higher than before.
Some say you bounce at least 1 foot higher when the mat is wet. Why are trampolines bouncier
when wet? And are they actually bouncier, or it’s only a perception?
Well, there are two camps with one suggesting that it’s all about perception. For the second camp, there is actually science backing it. In simple terms, the cold moisture delivers a better rebound regardless of their weight. We’ll be going into detail about how a wet trampoline bounces better and explore all other techniques to make the trampoline bouncier.
The Relation Between Elastic Fiber and Moisture
You’ll understand why a wet trampoline makes you bounce higher than normal if you understand how the trampoline works in normal situations.
When you jump and land on the trampoline mat, the trampoline absorbs the impact, and the elastic potential energy propels you upwards. So, this elasticity of the mat is the key to making you bounce.
When the mat gets wet intentionally or non-intentionally, the moisture sets in on the mat fabric.
We know how low temperature causes objects to become tougher and decreases their elasticity. It’s especially true when it comes to fabric. If you freeze a cloth, it loses all its elasticity, and it gets immense resistance to force. But if you wet it moderately, you will get a lower resistance and more flex.
Why Do You Bounce Higher on a Wet Trampoline?
Apply the same thing to your trampoline mat. It’s made of a strong and taut fiber that’s fitted to the frame. So, it will behave the same way after absorbing moisture as every other fiber.
Elastic fiber with moisture will be cold and more resistant to change. However, it’ll still flex when put under pressure. Not only that but it will also react more violently (vigorously is a better word), causing it to propel you upwards further than normal.
The bounces become higher because as the mat moves through space, the moisture inside the fiber evaporates, causing it to cool down. It also takes away the warmth from it.
And when the mat is colder, it’s less flexible. The slight reduction in flexibility means the mat wants to go back to its original shape. So, when it stretches due to a person’s weight, it rebounds back quicker to retain its original position and thus propelling the person higher.
Now, has it been scientifically tested? No, but as far as my science knowledge goes, it sounds extremely plausible.
Is It All About Perception?
There is another hypothesis that assumes the “extra bounce” we get is actually based on perception rather than actual experience.
Due to the water or moisture on the trampoline mat, you don’t exactly bounce the same way as before. Since we don’t jump straight on a wet trampoline, the new angle may be influencing how we view the trampoline surface from the top.
It might also be the water on the trampoline that produces a second bounce from the water’s weight. According to the hypothesis, this causes the trampoline mat to appear further away than it actually is.
Is It Safe to Bounce on a Wet Trampoline?
The question is very real. It may seem fun, but it’s far from being harmless. There isn’t a shortage of mishaps that can occur from a wet trampoline mat. Slipping on the surface and sliding away from the mat and landing on the ground is only a few of those.
Since the mat surface becomes wet and slippery, it becomes nearly impossible to stay flat. You can’t guarantee any safety in such situations. Accidents can happen at any moment.
Even if you have safety nets around you, you can sprain your ankle by twisting it during a bad landing.
Not only it’s unsafe, but letting the water and moisture sit on it for a long time will also damage any metal attached to it.
Final Words
So, why are trampolines bouncier when wet? Now you know. I’m a strong proponent of it being an actual experience rather than a thing of perception. But I’d strongly suggest avoiding bouncing on a wet and slippery trampoline. You’ll be going to ER of a hospital at any time even if you’re careful.
Last Updated on March 6, 2023
