Britney Spears son, Jayden, with static shock on his trampoline

When bouncing on a trampoline the bouncer can build up static.  This is usually when the atmospheric conditions are very dry.  Bouncing in these conditions can cause a build up of electrical charge.  If the trampolinist is wearing cotton socks or, even worse, rubber soled shoes.  The static is unable to discharge as they are in effect insulated  The charge will only disipate once they touch something which is not so effectively insulated such as the poles of the trampoline.

This photo shows Britney Spears son, Jayden, who is obviously suffering from some static build up. You can see this by the way his hair is standing up.  The individual hairs each have a static charge that repell each other.

If static build up is a problem when on a trampoline you could try installing a misting system which will reduce the dryness of the air.  Alternatively, change the bounce mat to one made of a different material.

Beware, as if you build up a static charge whilst on a trampoline and then touch someone else then the electrical charge may pass to them and give you both a shock.

If you have any experience of how to reduce the static build up when on a trampoline then let us know by leaving a comment to this blog post.

Here is another photo, even more impressive, of a child with static on a trampoline.

Child on a trampoline with static

Author: Bob Bounce