Ryze is the second of Glasgow's trampoline parks, taking residence in an old factory in Kinning Park. I think I would have scored this higher if my first experience of a trampoline park wasn't at Air Space, but I can't help but compare. This one seems a lot more geared towards children than a diverse age range of jumpers and has a couple of safety quibbles, but again that didn't stop us! Seriously, how can you not enjoy trampolines?!?!
So, safety first! At this location, you can use one of the self service terminals to complete your disclaimer form. You are not required to wear jumping socks here but if you don't you go barefoot. If you want a set and don't have any with you, they can be purchased behind the counter. You will be given a coloured wristband corresponding with your 'flight time' so that the monitors (known as 'flight crew' here) know when to kick you out - ours somehow got screwed up and they tried to kick us out after a half hour. Instead of a safety video, one of the monitors gives a brief safety talk, but at the back of the group, given how loud the space is, if you're at the back you may not hear.
So what do Ryze have in the way of facilities? There is a café upstairs where you can order munchies while you wait for your turn, or alternatively watch the action below if you're not going to bounce yourself. In the small changing area (seriously, it's tiny for the number of people pottering about in it), there are lockers for your shoes. They're pretty small, so if you have a handbag you'll be able to get it in there no problem... but if you have a backpack, you may be required to shove a bit.
And now the important part! The flying! The whole warehouse is filled with trampolines with a thin walkway to the side. In the main part, there are almost vertical trampolines on the wall to the right should one fancy trying some fancy parkour bouncing. There are punch bags suspended from the ceiling just high enough to insult your honour and challenge you to a duel... I lost (I'll get you next time, punchbag). There is another area off to the left which contains a giant foam pit, into which you can practice somersaulting to your heart's content. I had some very undignified flopping about as I struggled to get out so the next person could jump in, but that was because I have all the grace of duck. If you are wearing socks, the pit will try to steal them! There are a few basket ball hoops so you can pretend you can jump like an NBA basketball player. Although there's a dodgeball area here, it's not at all organised or as well monitored as in Air Space - actually, it's not really monitored at all. I got hit in the face (thanks Harry) and nobody was watching. It's an organised game, so there's no teams and nobody leaves when they're out. It just turns into a war with balls. There's a water fountain by the hoops for your hydration needs, but it's not obvious. I accidentally discovered it when I trod on a wet patch.
The trampoline area is pretty great, but because it gets pretty crowded, you can't make your way around the bouncing areas too easily. I was unnerved at the sounds of trampolines that are squeaking already from metal stress (after all, I'm not exactly a dainty girl), and when I went towards the vertical trampolines I could see many bricks under the trampoline thanks to the light from the windows. Yeah, there's a trampoline between you and them, but if something happens to the trampoline you don't want to make it worse by landing on bricks!
All in, we had a great time. I just think that Air Space is better in facilities, organisation and safety and given the choice between the two, Air Space would win. The fact that Ryze is closer to the city centre gives it an edge, though. If they settled the problems I've mentioned, they could easily be 5 star. read more