By Nadine Robitaille
Thanks to Canada’s recent success at the Olympics, interest in trampoline is at an all time high. Reporter Nadine Robitaille
went to a class to see what all the fuss was about.
I didn’t mean to jump.
My intention was to get a first-hand look at trampolining at the grassroots level by attending McNabb Gymnastics Club’s first class for the fall 2000 session.
Soon though, I was an active participant in instructor Penny Walker’s “girls only” gymnastics-trampoline class, tumbling, jumping and falling along with six other girls and thanking my lucky stars that I had worn stretchy jeans.
“Not bad,” says Walker, after seeing my attempt at somersaulting off of the mini-trampoline onto a safety mat. “Next time, point your toes.”
My effort was a far cry from Canada’s Karen Cockburn and Mathieu Turgeon, who each earned a bronze medal at last month’s Summer Olympic Games in Sydney, where trampolining made its debut as an official event.
The success of these two athletes has helped promote trampolining, not only in Ottawa, but in Canada as well.
“Since the competition at the Olympics was broadcast, I’ve seen a definite increase in interest in trampolining,” says Traci House, the trampoline and tumbling coordinator at Gymnastics Canada.
Walker has been teaching gymnastics for 22 years and has spent the past five years at McNabb, located at 180 Percy St.
“I’ve always tried to include trampoline in my teaching,” says Walker. “But this is the first year that I’ve offered it (at McNabb).”
The classes are divided into two-week sessions.
One week traditional gymnastics is taught and the next week the trampoline is the focus.
Walker teaches both the regular trampoline and the smaller mini-trampoline which is used for tumbling exercises.
“A lot of clubs just offer the trampoline,” says Walker. “But I think that it’s fun to teach both.”
“It’s cool,” one of the girls said as we waited in line. “I’ve taken classes at other clubs before…but this is a lot closer to my house.”
The girls’ enjoyment on the trampoline was apparent as they willingly, and quickly, set up the safety mats and crowded around to wait for their turn.
When my turn came I quickly learned how challenging and exhilarating the sport is.
I did the basic jumps – the pike, the tuck, the straddle, the seat-drop – well enough, but failed to master the harder, “swivel-hips,” which required twisting in mid-air.
That attempt ended when I came dangerously close to the edge.
Three of the 10-14 year-olds held their arms out, ready to catch me in case things went totally awry.
Luckily for Centretown residents, Walker offers gymnastic-trampoline classes for two different age groups.
The classes are offered at various times during the week to cater to the growing popularity of the sport.
Children can enroll for a full 10 to 12-week session or pay a drop-in fee for individual weeks.
“Will you be coming back?” asks Marina Boyko, one of my classmates, on her way out.
Unfortunately I won’t — unless Walker adds an adult class to her program.