I bought a Groupon and it was worth every penny! So much fun, but hands down, one of the scariest things I've ever done in my life, lol. Other reviews mention this, but don't be worried about the fact that it's in someone's backyard in a bit of a remote neighborhood in Escondido. The equipment is legit and very safe, and while the staff can come off as a bit brusque, they absolutely know what they're talking about and are just interested in making sure everyone has a fun and safe experience.
The sign-in process was pretty informal, but they had us each sign a release (expected). Dave is your main man (he was dapper in a top hat & blue-tipped long silver hair that day). He got us all suited up with a safety harness, and then ran through the basics. He does go through the instructions pretty quickly, so be sure to pay attention and ask questions if you have them. The class was a mix of regulars (they have different "membership" packages available) and first timers, so it was great to watch the experienced flyers in action. They were also great at giving advice about what to do.
Every flyer has to climb up the 20+ foot narrow metal ladder to get to a small platform. The ladder moves a bit, but is secure, and there's a safety hook that attaches to your harness as well. Chris was waiting at the top to unhook me from the ladder line, and reattach me to the actual trapeze safety lines. He was a bit gruff at first too, but not in a mean way at all. Once I admitted I was terrified, he was awesome at talking me through the entire process of what I should do & what to expect. By the 4th time I was up there, we were chatting about random stuff (Downtown Abbey, of all things).
Issac was initially working the trapeze wire/line from the ground - this is the line they use to make sure that even if under the very rare occasion when you might let go when you shouldn't, you'll fall into the net slowly and safely. He was super friendly and offered up lots of advice as well. Later on, Dave took over on the line, and Isaac climbed up to be our catcher.
My first time up was just to try a basic swing (arch back like a reverse banana, really). Second time up, I tried to get my feet up to hang upside down, but I didn't make it. Third time up, I hung upside down, and tried the back flip, but that didn't work at all, and Issac lowered me down into the net instead. My last/4th time up it was time to try the arm catch. Unfortunately I hesitated a second too long on the platform, and missed grabbing Issac's arms by a few inches. Dave was great though, and talked me through staying on the bar, and trying the back flip again (successfully this time!).
The main thing I'd recommend is listen to all of them - they yell, but just so they are sure you hear them when you're up high & in motion. If they say HEP (that means jump), jump. If they tell you to swing your legs one way or the other, do it. And when they say let go, do it. They are watching you in the air, and know exactly the right time to do all of it.
Hope to make it back sometime so I can finally do the arm catch! read more