Flying High on a Trapeze in Paradise

Okay, if you’re a trapeze artist…I give major props. It’s been over two weeks since I tried and my arms can still feel it.

While having some fun-in-the-sun down near Venice Beach, Florida, I got the opportunity to try the trapeze. Now it wasn’t just a trapeze, it was one that some of the best circus and trapeze performers have trained on from around the world. Tito Gaona actually runs the facility. He was the first person to ever throw a triple somersault on a trapeze and is one of the biggest names in performing.

No pressure, Shalee.

It’s also one of the few training courses that is open to the public. So anyone reading this is able to go give it a try! I’m heavily encouraging it.

I had to write about this experience because it was absolutely amazing. The people were amazing. The trapeze was amazing. The adventure was amazing.

First off, the people. As soon as the car pulled up I was treated with nothing but kindness, enthusiasm and the feeling that I had known everyone for years. Sometimes when you go places and do things that should be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the workers show no passion for their job and end up bringing your day down as well. Thankfully, this was far from the case.

Second, the trapeze. From the bottom, it looks extremely intimidating. It was only me and one other guy who were first-timers. The rest were people who were there for actual training…like let me do a double back-flip off and make it look super easy kind of training. Watching them I was in awe. At that point in time I was so nervous I would have been totally fine just watching them do cool flips all day.

And then they called my name.

In order to get up to the platform, you must climb an extremely tall and thin latter. If you’re afraid of heights, that is probably going to be the scariest part.

Once at the top there will be about 4 other people standing on the same metal edge with you that isn’t more than a foot wide and 12 feet long. Even though I was strapped in and would be caught if I fell off, this was the most terrifying part for me.

When it is your first time, you are strapped into a harness with someone holding you from the ground. This is a backup in case you fall from the swing. The net is bouncy and soft, but if you fall you won’t actually fall, you’ll still be attached to the harness and slowly let down.

Looking down and making myself step off was nerve wracking. It’s safe to say I pictured a mid-air freak out with flailing limbs in all directions.

Well I didn’t quite have a freak-out, but the first attempt was messy. I was so focused on not letting go that I accidentally forgot to listen to the trainer telling me what to do. Fail. I think I looked like a floppy fish out of water. But it was a blast so that’s all that matters.

So I get on the ground, look up, and what do I see? A toddler who couldn’t be more than 3 scaling the ladder like it’s not a problem. He’s not actually going to go is he? oh my…he’s actually going to go.

That’s right, guys. This girl was shown up by a toddler.

And not only did he show me up…he dismounted with a back-flip.

It’s safe to say I had more of an urge to push fear aside for my second attempt. So I got up there, focused on adrenaline and pushed from the platform. After a few big swings I hung from my knees and did the upside-down split. Boo ya! While up there they tried to talk me through a backflip dismount. I attempted…but maybe next time it will be a little prettier.

Before leaving I played on it once more and watched the professionals do their kick-ass flips and dismounts. We even got a friendly visitor from a bald eagle that swooped down in the arena. I had never witnessed one so close…and apparently eagles are a regular in the arena.

So now I sit writing this piece to you with snow falling outside…and all I want is to be back in the warmth playing on the trapeze set. Next time I am in the area, that will be the first place I’m going.