Commentary

Trampoline dodgeball is a retro hit!

Originally Published: July 15, 2011
By Cary Chow | Special to Page 2

COSTA MESA, Calif. -- H.G. Wells. Doc Brown. Jerry Raymond? When it comes to time travel, one could argue the latter is putting theory to practice. The 44-year-old's company, Sky High Sports, is vaulting customers back to their childhood through trampolines, more specifically -- trampoline dodgeball.

"It feels like I'm back on the playground in second grade," said dodgeballer Matt Liechty, 34.

Like many trampoline centers sprouting across the country, Sky High Sports hosts monthly trampoline dodgeball tournaments that bring out players anywhere from ages 5 through 55. Picture Ben Stiller in all his Globo Gym glory, mixed with some SlamBall. Six-person teams travel from all over to dodge, dip, duck, dive and dodge for cash prizes worth less than a tank of gas. As players get pelted by youthful memories and big foam balls, Raymond says they're getting quite a workout. An hour of jumping on the trampolines will burn more than 1,000 calories.

While his trampolines have brought out celebs from the Beckhams to the Biebers, Raymond says it's watching his kids play that he truly enjoys.

"The exercise they're getting out of it -- not even knowing it's exercise -- that's my favorite part," Raymond admits. "And of course, pegging my brother."

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