CAPACITY: THREE PEOPLE /300 POUNDS(STATIONARY) ONE PERSON (BOUNCING)
AGE RANGE: FIVE YEARS PLUS
WARRANTY: ONE YEAR LIMITED
USE FOR: WATER DEEPER THAN 8 FEET. NOT FOR SWIMMING POOLS OR LAND
MATERIALS: PVC
EXTRAS: CARRY BAG AND REPAIR KIT
OUR RATING: 4.5 OUT OF FIVE STARS
Now here is something a bit different – the Island Hopper Turtle Hop Water Bouncer, manufactured by Aqua Sports Technology.
This is not actually a floating island at all, but a waterborne trampoline, intended to be used only in waters deeper than eight feet.
Please read the manufacturer’s instructions, it is not for use on land, near land or in swimming pools.
It is also not designed to be a floatation station, and you should make sure that the trampoline is secured at all times, by either anchors or ropes.
Made from 28 oz 1000 denier PVC, this is pretty sturdy, but in case of any punctures, it also, thankfully, comes with its own repair kit.
This inflates easily and is good and sturdy.
It will require an electronic pump/power inflator for inflating. Just so you can keep the air topped up, there is a foot pump provided.
Also, there is a molded plastic ladder for ease of entry.
This should probably go without saying, but it is not meant for towing while it is in use, and some serious thought should be given to exactly where you decide to set it up!
In other words, don’t let it get in the way of any passing boats, water skiers, kayakers, fishers, snorkelers, divers, swimmers or… anything.
Feature Pick
Island Hopper Turtle Hop Water Bouncer – 13 Ft
Also, do not allow people to swim underneath the trampoline as this could be dangerous.
It might be worth checking out the manufacturer’s website as well, as they make larger water trampolines, although reading between the lines, Beach Baby reckons that this model is a far more simple option to erect.
Also, if you are going to have people springing up and down all over the place, in open waters, they should be wearing some kind of flotation aide, particularly when they are kids.
The good news is, that this does come with a warranty, albeit a limited one, but this is made of tough stuff, and boasts that it will provide ‘summers of use’. Beach Baby thinks that this is probably correct.
SPRINGING SUCCESS OR LEAP INTO THE UNKNOWN?
This giant turtle-shaped trampoline is pretty easy to assemble. On the down side, it is hard to achieve a truly outstanding ‘bounce’ – i.e. it is not super springy.
However, it does also make a very comfortable adult lounge station, holding up to three inert bodies at a time.
It is not advised that someone attempt to bounce on it, at the same time as another person is having a siesta. In fact, it is recommended that only one person bounces at a time, to be safe.
Trying to be the lifeguard, when you’ve got this thing around can feel a little absurd, but it is a serious job, and at least someone should be watching the festivities, not partaking in them.
Careful attention needs to be paid to ensuring the water is deep enough and far enough away from the edge/ shore as well.
Of course, this means all users should be confident swimmers, so this is not recommended for anyone who can’t swim well, or is under five years old. Children should be always supervised!
Overall, Beach Baby thinks this is a great water trampoline, and it is quite practical to put together (with some assistance and an electric pump).
It would probably be best utilized in a lake, and should provide many years of trouble free bouncing or lounging, if that’s what you prefer.
This should be all that you need to get your kids’ water party started – or even an adults’ water party!
Please ensure all users can swim, think sensibly about where you are mooring it, and most importantly wear life jackets!
About the author:
Emilia is the fashion guru of Beach Baby, with a deep appreciation for anything that can be worn or adorned. She makes her own apparel as well, including everything from swimwear, to dresses, and even shoes. She also owns over 100 pairs of sunglasses! Emilia also loves to surf, boogie board, and partake in a number of water sports.
