Tumbl Trak™
www.tumbltrak.co.uk
44 (0)2971 167 949
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3.
Tumbling with Porta Trak
A.
Remember that the Porta Trak has more “spring” than most tumbling surfaces. Your beginner to
advanced athletes may need to start slowly when tumbling on the Porta Trak; there is the
potential to over-power skills. Tumbl Trak™ suggests gymnasts start the skill standing and
progress before going “all out.” Make careful preparations to measure the approach to the take-
off end of the Porta Trak. Gymnasts often dismount too close to the end of the bed. The red
vinyl with the Tumbl Trak™ logo provides a visual cue to help gymnasts take-off.
4.
Safety Suggestions for Use of the Porta Trak
B.
Tumblers should be able to tumble in a straight line before using the Porta Trak.
C.
The Porta Trak should be used UNDER PROPER SUPERVISION ONLY.
D.
Explain to all new participants that the Porta Trak has more "spring" than most other tumbling
surfaces, and that it should be approached with care. For example, it is very easy to over-rotate
skills on the Porta Trak. Tumblers may barely be able to perform these skills on another surface.
Over-rotating tumbling skills on or off of the Porta Trak can be risky and dangerous. A shorter
and easier approach to a tumbling pass (rather than a hard run) will usually be more than
sufficient on the Porta Trak.
E.
Tumbling with 1.25" or 2" mats (such as panel mats or carpet-bonded foam) is an excellent way
to slow down the tumblers and allow them to feel as if they are tumbling on a more traditional
surface.
F.
We suggest that the Porta Trak be set up with a mat that is 12 inches thick, a loose foam pit or a
"resi"-pit at the "take-off" end. Tumbl Trak™ can supply a 6'x12'x12" thick mat with a
connecting device so that the mat is attached to the frame. The mat will fit under the colored
Tumbl Trak™ Logo on the bed and up against the frame; so that tumblers who take off too near
the end of the bed will have a mat to protect them. Although the Porta Trak can certainly be used
as a landing surface for more difficult skills, it is more appropriate to take a progressive approach
to the training of aerial skills. If athletes are dismounting into a pit, please check industry
standards for specifications. Tumbl Trak™ recommends that the bottom and ALL sides of the
pits have padding.
G.
Be familiar with the Porta Trak information that has been provided to you.
H.
Perform Porta Trak maintenance checks as suggested in this Porta Trak owner’s manual.
Skipping steps in the progressions suggested above may be dangerous, because the participant
may not be mentally or physically prepared to perform the skill safely. Neither the Porta Trak,
spotters, nor mats are any substitute for proper training. Coaches should never assume that any of
these can take the place of proper training. For proper technique please refer to the enclosed
DVD or visit our Training Tips at www.tumbltrak.com.
