In your first class you will be treated to some truly unusual
experiences and feelings. You should arrive at least 15
minutes early so that you can sign in, change clothes and
be fully ready to begin when your instructor calls the class
together.
There will be a short introduction to staff and basic safety
rules of the school. We will encourage
you to relax, pay careful attention to what we ask you
to do and just keep it simple.
Your instructors may have you hang by first your hands
and then your knees on the low bar. This is done to give
you an idea of what to expect your body to feel. In truth
though, you will have so much adrenaline running through
your veins your first flight that all you might notice is
how amazed you are to be flying.
Before you leave the ground you will be shown the proper
way to adjust your belt, fasten the ladder safety lines,
climb the ladder, hold the fly bar and jump. When it is
your turn, take a deep breath and listen closely to what
the instructors ask of you.
It is quite common for people to have a wide range of strong
energies in their bodies while they navigate the newness
of being on the flying trapeze. There is no reason to be
shy. We have seen it all, and have ourselves gone through
just about anything a person can feel when challenging oneself
to something so exceptional and new.
Your First Swing
It's only the first time once. You're finally standing
on the platform 23 feet above the ground. You have the safety
lines securely fastened to your belt, the instructor is
holding you, and you are holding the bar. Leaning out over
the edge of the platform, you may be eager to go or be wondering
what the heck you're doing up there. In any case, our instructors
will treat you with patience and respect. We leave the decision
to jump completely up to you, though we give strong encouragement
at the crucial moments. You will never be forced to do anything
you are not agreeing to. So, again, take a deep breath and
follow instructions.
There may be one moment of fear just as you commit your
body to the task. Once you're off the platform it's all
bliss. You'll swing back and forth a few times, perhaps
swinging your legs a bit, but mostly enjoying the pleasure
of flight. It is a feeling like no other and one that you
will expand upon in future jumps.
Remember, the whole time you are flying you are in safety
lines so you are free to simply enjoy the ride.
Now it is time to come down in the net. You will lift your
legs as you have been previously taught and release the
bar. You will fall gently, albeit perhaps awkwardly into
the safety net. Still following instructions closely, you
will crawl to the dismount area of the net and be assisted
down by an instructor.
That's it. Your first of many flights. You are probably
a bit shaky, definitely amazed and sure to be enjoying the
encouragement of the staff and your classmates. But wait,
that's hardly all. You still have the opportunity to learn
a knee hang (knees over the bar then hands off for an upside
down adventure) and the flipping dismount.
Your Second Swing
Your second time at the bar you will have the option of
attempting the knee hang. If you are in a catching class,
you may have limited chances to practice so it is a good
idea to give it a try even if you're not completely ready.
You'll be instructed to swing out, put your knees through
your hands and wrap them around the bar just like you did
on the playground. Then you will be asked to let go with
your hands and swing upside down. This puts you into the
best position for your first catch. Again, if you can breathe
and relax you will progress and enjoy more.
You may be offered to attempt the flipping dismount. This
is a ton of stuff to learn in one day. Trust us. We teach
this all the time. If we offer you the chance to try it,
you're probably more ready than you think.
Your First Catch
If you are relaxed and open with your knee hang, and you
are in a class with catching, the last 45 minutes of the
class with be your chance to take your new trick to the
hands of the catcher. You will be instructed to perform
your knee hang as before. This time though, when you reach
the front of your 2nd swing, you may meet the catcher. If
your position is great, he will wrap his strong hands around
your wrists. You will quite naturally do the same to his.
At the same moment your legs will release the bar and you
will fly with the catcher. Nothing could be more exhilarating
or satisfying.
If you don't make the catch your first day, no big deal.
There really is no goal other than to experience something
completely new. You will feel amazing about your time with
us no matter what it looks like. Your first day ends and
you are a bit sore and very satisfied with your adventure.
Always take a moment to thank your instructors and classmates.
