My title summarizes the whole point of my story. My son seems to think that doing a flip is the ultimate thing to do. The most amazing, dare devilish, superhero thing to do. Here's the problem. FLIPS ARE DANGEROUS!
I've taken Benjamin to trampoline parks that allow flips. To my horror, he almost landed on his face when he first tried it. I told him that under no circumstances was he to do that again. Needless to say, I was quite angry at the trampoline park "supervisors", or whatever they call them, allowing Ben to do that in the first place. They told me it was MY responsibility to tell him what he is allowed to do. As if I had any experience on a trampoline. On top of that, I was 100ft away from him in a viewing area!
So, I did some research. I found Airborne Trampoline and they happened to be taking registrations for their March Break Trampoline Camp. I had heard of Airborne Trampoline before. They were a smaller trampoline facility with an excellent safety record. My girlfriend had taken her kids their for a few birthday parties and now had her kids in their trampoline classes. She told me, "If you want Benjamin to learn how to do things safely, take him to Airborne". That was good enough for me. I called them and explained my terror of Ben flipping without knowing how. They explained to me that in order to safely flip, Ben had to learn the basics first. Then progress into flips. It really filled me with confidence that they seemed so knowledgeable on the phone. I signed Ben up for 3 days of March Break Trampoline Camp and the rest is history. He now loves more than just flipping. He's learned how to land on his bum, his stomach, his back, and spin around in the air. Oh, and did I mention he now knows how to safely flip? No more faceplants! He wants to try out for Airborne's competitive trampoline team because now he wants to go to the Olympics and "do flips there for medals". Go for it Ben!
Thanks Airborne. You guys are awesome!