Review of the RAVE Sports Water Bouncer

If you’re looking for a lightweight water bouncer for your kids, the RAVE Sports Bongo Bouncer is a fun option. Because it’s so easy to transport, you can pack it in your car for a day trip to the lake or camper, or even keep it inflated at your lake house.

Product Specifications

One of the biggest misconceptions is that people expect water bouncers to perform like water trampolines. So, they’re often disappointed when the bouncer doesn’t bounce as much as a trampoline.

The beauty of water bouncers is that their bounce surface connects directly to an inflatable tube without springs. Despite the fact that they don’t bounce as much, no springs means no rust. Additionally, they are lightweight and more compact and portable, and also versatile enough for land or water.

The RAVE Sports Bongo has UV-treated construction and comes with heat-welded seams to provide more durability.

These bouncers come in four different sizes:

• 10 ft — 10′ x 26″ inflated, 34 sq. ft. jumping space
• 13 ft — 13′ x 26” inflated, 66 sq. ft. bounce surface
• 15 ft — 15′ x 36” inflated, 81 sq. ft. bounce surface
• 20 ft — 19′ x 36″ inflated, 169 sq. ft. bounce surface

Weight Limitations

Each size of the RAVE Sports Bongo Water Bouncer has a specific weight limit with recommendations for the number of bouncers:

• 10 ft: 500 lbs — 1 adult or 2 children
• 13 ft: 700 lbs — 2 adults or 4 children
• 15 ft: 1050 lbs — 3 adults or 6 children
• 20 ft: 1500 lbs — 5 adults or 10 children

Manufacturer

RAVE Sports specializes in water sports and makes the RAVE Sports Bongo Bouncer. The company was founded in 1996 and is the originator of the water trampoline.

Safety Specifications

Because water safety is extremely important, RAVE Sports has very precise safety specifications to keep consumers safe while using their products.

• Children under age 6 should not use their products.
• Only use the 10 or 13 ft RAVE Sports Bongo Bouncer in a minimum of 8 feet deep water; or a minimum of 10 feet deep for the 15 or 20-foot model.
• Use a “U.S. Coast Guard” approved Type III (PFD) vest at all times while using the bouncer in the water.
• No diving head first into water from the platform.
• Don’t swim or play under the water bouncer.
• No flips or somersaults on the jumping surface.
• The RAVE Sports Bongo Bouncer can be used on land, preferably on sand or another shock-absorbing material.

What Owners Say About Safety

One owner was adamant that you should enforce a lifejacket rule. Kids and adults can get rowdy while having fun on the bouncer and people can get knocked off.

Another said the bouncer can be a visual blind spot when lifeguarding kids and people in the water and didn’t think the bouncer was safe.

A third mentioned that their kids like to play under the bouncer. However, RAVE Sports is clear that no one should play under it. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for bouncing to ensure a safe and fun experience while using it.

Durability

The RAVE Sports Bongo Bouncer carries a lifetime warranty against defects in material or workmanship. It’s important to note that they don’t cover wear and tear or negligent use. As long as you take great care of your bouncer and follow the care instructions, the bouncer should last a long time.

What Owners Say About Durability

One consumer said their kids bounced all summer long and the bouncer was easy to store. Another person said it was solid construction and their kids had fun on it through the summer.

However, a handful of people said the bouncer deflated in colder water. This is something to consider if you plan to use it in a cold body of water.

Assembly

According to RAVE Sports, your bouncer should inflate within 5-20 minutes, depending on your pump. There are a few additional steps when you include the ladder installation. You’ll need to anchor the bouncer if you’re using it in water. If you only plan to use it for a day, it only requires 40-50 lbs anchor. If you plan to keep it inflated seasonally, you’ll need to use an anchor of 80-100 lbs to ensure it doesn’t blow away.

What Owners Say About Assembly

Most customers said this product is easy to blow up and put in the water. Many suggested using cement cinder blocks as an anchor, which worked well for them.

Where to Purchase

You can purchase the RAVE Sports Water Bouncer directly from RAVE Sports or from other retailers like Amazon, or DICK’S Sporting Goods.

What’s Included in the Shipment

The RAVE Sports Bongo Bouncer comes with the water bouncer, a ladder, and either a day-use anchor bag (Bongo 10 and 13) that can be filled with sand or rocks, or a fixed anchor harness (Bongo 15) on the underside of the tube.

Average Cost

There’s a huge difference in cost, depending on the bouncer you select – ranging from $700 to $2,000 as of the date of this post.

Care and Maintenance

To prevent damage or bursting (which are not covered by warranty), RAVE Sports recommends checking and releasing air pressure on hot days. Other precautions include:

• Do not use around or near sharp objects
• Do not wear sharp objects or jewelry while bouncing
• Keep the water bouncer 10 feet from any other object while in water

Why this Bouncer is Recommended

The RAVE Sports Bongo Bouncer may not be for you if you want more of a bounce. However, it’s well made and sturdy. If you want the flexibility to switch from water to land and vice-versa and need something that’s easy to transport, this a great option, as it’s easy to install and deflate. Of course, there are less expensive water options available, so the main drawback is cost.

If you plan to take good care of this bouncer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions, this is an investment you can enjoy for years to come.