Trapeze adventures: Part 2

I headed back to Trapeze today to learn a new trick. It was the first chance I had to go back.

Things I learned from my second time flying

1. How to roll off the net.
My first visit we used a ladder to get down. The pros grab these hand holds—reverse grip and roll off the net. You have to control the fall with your arms. You hold yourself and then land on a red mat. So fun.

2. Not all tricks are as easy as the first
I didn't get the whip today. I was a little disappointed in myself, but I tried and I think three more passes and I've got it. Next time!

3. Don't miss your hep.
I missed my call for the first time today. It was my third shot at whip and I just wasn't ready for it. I thought he'd been calling it slower. I missed it. Rats. I've seen a lot of other people miss their hep. It happens.

4. Kids can do trapeze too.
A group of 8-year-olds was in my class doing knee hangs and gazelle. One girl rocked a beautiful one knee hang.

5. You can begin to climb the ladder as soon as the person in front of you takes off.
My second class went much faster than my first. I got five passes in with a group of 8 in 2 hours.

6. I can get sunburned on a cloudy day.
Well I knew this one. I think I waited too late to put sunblock on. I turned pink a few hours later.

7. Wash your hands after applying sunblock
Sun block and flying trapeze don't mix. It can make the bar slippery. So just wash your hands afterward.

8. Don't walk under the net.
Okay, I learned this the first week. But still, don't walk under the net. I tried to during a break. No one was flying, but oops.

9. There are pros.
I met some super spunky women (late 30s, 40s) who did some amazing tricks: somersaults and spins. They were fun to watch.

10. The pros wear hand guards—like gymnasts—to protect their hands.

And yes, it's okay to go to trapeze class by yourself. Maybe I would have gotten my whip if some of my friends there. Maybe not? But I was fine. The women were nice. The staff were nice. I didn't feel too awkward.  But I'm still going to try to get my friends to come with me next time. Selfishly, I need someone to take pictures of me.