Ryze has Hong Kong bouncing with excitement.It was a bounce fest last Friday at the opening of Hong Kong's first 8,000-square-foot jumping arena, Ryze Ultimate Trampoline Park.
Young Post found giggling guests leaping grid by grid across 40 interconnected trampolines - some level, some angled - while others busied themselves slam-dunking basketballs into a sky-high hoop and pushing the limits of their jumping comfort by touching hovering sand bags.
The indoor facility was set up by American businessmen Case Lawrence and Erik Haugen. The pair owns 14 trampoline parks in their home country; the Quarry Bay park is their first venture outside the US.
The space, which took half a year to build, can accommodate up to 100 jumpers at once and is designed to the stringent safety standards of the US. There's no need for kneepads or helmets - there's nowhere to fall except for springy ground surrounded by either cushioned floors or soft-foam pits. So just jump in barefoot or, if you fancy better grip, buy a pair of specialist flight socks from the reception.
There's something for everyone at Ryze, including a specialised foam bounce board to practise tricks. Every Friday and Saturday evening, the lights will be turned off for Club Ryze where partygoers age 15 and above can bounce along to lasers.
And if you are new to this sport, Ryze's team of gymnastically talented staff is there to help.
Kevin Lim, a 16-year-old student at Australian International School and the youngest staff member at the park, surprised us with his high-flying tricks. He has two years of parkour experience and six years of gymnastics training behind him "My favourite is the front-flip," says Kevin. "I drill the trick again and again to get it perfect and clean."
His colleague Samman Gurung, 18, who just graduated from Delia Memorial School (Hip Wo), was named one of the top 10 trampolinists at a local contest last year. He thinks one of the best features at the park is the foam pit.
"You can practise back flips, twists and all the tricks- you name it- without the fear of spraining an ankle or breaking a bone."
Co-founder Lawrence said that Hongkongers could expect more exciting news from Ryze in the next few months. He claims that their upcoming one-hour RyzeFit lessons- led by their staff and guest teachers from a local parkour club - could burn 1,000 calories per hour.
"The exercises can really train your core. They are very tough and tiring," says Lawrence.
Multi-tasking athletes should watch out for Ryze's soon-to-be-announced dodgeball tournament, too.
The park is open from 9am to 9pm on weekdays, and 9am to midnight on weekends. It costs HK$125 per one-hour session and HK$200 for two hours. If you "check in" on Facebook when you go, you'll get a HK$10 discount.
Visit the Ryza website for more details.