How do we build a platform?
Every situation is different. We can only provide suggestions. The top of the platform should be approximately 15 feet from the top of the water. This will allow about nine to 10 feet of clearance between the platform and the Blob. You may want to adjust the height of the platform, depending on the ages of the Blobbers. The Blob should line up directly under the platform and be at least eight to 10 feet from the bank. The water depth around the Blob should be at least eight to 10 feet deep. The opening of the Blob should always be toward the platform. We have seen our customers make floating docks (if their shore is not deep enough). They have also used the roofs of docks as a platform and even built extravagant two-platform docks. It is entirely up to you. In every situation however, the water depth around the Blob should be about 8 to 10 feet deep. The platform should also overlap the Blob by about 5 feet or so.
What is the "life expentancy" of a Blob?
There are several factors to consider, but the average life of a Blob is about 5 - 7 years.
Are there any Insurance requirements?
As with most recreational sports, it is a good idea to check with your insurance provider before purchasing a Blob.
How much is freight?
Depending on the destination of the Blob, the freight is generally $100 - $200
Are the Blob repairable? What's the average cost?
Yes, the Blobs are repairable. Sometimes the Blob may leak air due to normal "wear and tear". If it becomes bothersome, you can send it to us for repair and refurbishing. The average cost is about $300. plus freight
What kind of yearly maintenance should I do?
At the end of every year, it is a good idea to wash and dry the Blob very well before storing for the winter. After the Blob is dry, apply a vinyl moisturizer/protectant and let it soak in to the material. Roll it up to store it in a rodent-proof Blob box and it will be ready for some Blobbing action next summer.
How do we anchor the Blob down?
There are four (4) anchor points on each side of the Blob. Eight pieces of 8' shock cord is provided with the Blob? . Loop the shock cord through the D-ring; tie a knot at both the end of the cord and right at the D-ring (you will then have the cord 2-ply by 4' long). Use rope from the end of the shock cord to the anchor. As far as the actual anchor, we have found 5-gallon buckets of concrete with an eye-bolt seem to work very well.
Can the Blob colors match my camp colors?
Yes, other colors are available although they could increase the cost and/or delivery time of your Blob.
Is there a warranty on the Blob?
There is a one (1) year warranty on material and labor on the Blob
How do I get the bladder back into the shell?
Well, it is also probably going to be a pain the first time, then after that it will be a breeze. While the bladder is deflated and unfolded completely, you will want to fold it 3 times, longways. (Take each end and meet in the middle. Then fold it longways, again.) After being folded, it should be about 3' wide by 30-40' long. Next, just roll it up like you would a sleeping bag. Start rolling it at the opposite end of the air bung. After it is rolled, set it inside the shell, just inside the opening (with the fans going) and then unroll it keeping the air opening at the same end as the shell opening. Once the bladder is unrolled, you might need to tug on it either direction to make sure the bladder corners fit inside the shell corners of the closed end. After bladder is inserted into shell, just roll up the Blob and you're ready for the next season.
Can I use pictures off the-blob.com for promo's?
Definitely!
How do I Blob?
1. The jumper must do a butt drop off of the platform onto the Blob.
2. After landing, the jumper must crawl to the end of the Blob (approximate the 2nd color from the end).
3. Once at the end, the Blobber should go to a kneeling position with their arms extended slightly in front of them.
4. The counselor will say, "Blobber, ready?". The Blobber will then respond when ready by lifting their arm straight up into the air.
5. When the Blobber is ready, the counselor will then say "Jumping" and allow the jumper to jump bottom first onto the Blob at approximately the 2nd full color from the beginning of the Blob.
Blobbing Operational Procedures
1. All campers and staff must wear a properly secured life jacket at all times.
2. No more than two campers may be on the Blob at any time when the next jumper lands on the Blob. See that the two awaiting to be bounced are somewhat separated so that they do not collide with each other or the person jumping onto the Blob.
3. Jumping is allowed only from the base of the towers; no one may stand on or jump from the rail. Furthermore, no one shall be allowed to sit on the stairway. Too much crowding on platform could result in an injury.
4. Only one person may leap onto the Blob at a time; no jumping in pairs.
5. One counselor shall always be stationed at the front edge of the platform and shall perform the following functions:
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a. Continuously spray the Blob so as to keep it clean,
cool and lubricated with a water hose; occasionally
spray the platform and campers' feet as to remove excessive mud or sand that could irritate the Blob surface
and result in puncture.
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b. Maintain order on the platform deck and assure that only one camper jumps on the Blob at a time. Furthermore, see that no pushing or shoving takes place that might result in a fall from the platform.
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c. Allow the campers on the Blob awaiting to be bounced to gain position and get set before allowing the next jumper to leap.
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d. Maintain visual contact on those campers jumping on the Blob and those who are bounced or fall into the water so as to be sure they resurface.
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e. Allow swimmers who have been bounced or fallen into the water to swim clear of the Blob before the next camper is allowed to jump. Otherwise, campers from the Blob could land on campers in the water and sustain injuries.
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f. Require all campers to swim directly to shore and exit the water. Never allow campers to play in the water's edge.
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g. Make a quick visual check of each jumper's life jacket to see that it is properly secured.
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h. Monitor the number of people on the platform deck as well as their behavior.
6. Any additional counseling staff may choose to participate in the Blob with the campers, but should be aware at all times of the campers' safety. If the counselor is not participating, it would be best for them to be stationed on the platform so as to assist with that area.
7. No jumping or diving from the deck platform directly into the water is allowed.
8. The air pressure in the Blob should be maintained at a proper level. Too little air causes the campers to be thrown higher and will also allow them to fall into each other; both situations causing injuries. It is better to have too much air than too little.
9. Do not force or coerce any camper to jump who does not want to.
10. In the event of an emergency rescue, one of the counseling staff should enter the water with a rescue leap (American Red Cross) and retrieve the camper in trouble. Have campers on the platform sit down.
11. Great care should be taken regarding the use of the water hose so as to avoid spraying water directly onto electrical conduit or other machinery such as the water pump, air pump and switches.
12. Great care should be taken when working switches to turn on water or air pump given the fact that much of the area is wet. Never allow campers to operate the water hose or any of the switches or other machinery.
13. Extreme caution must be exercised regarding weight differentials between jumpers and people being bounced off the Blob. The maximum weight differential allowable is 60 pounds. This means that a 60 pound camper could not be bounced by another counselor or camper who weighed over 120 pounds; that same principle applying to all other weights. If a counselor who is rather large wants to bounce campers, then have two of them on the Blob when the counselor jumps. In this way, the weight differential is minimized.
14. Count your campers every ten minutes to keep tab on their accountability.
15. Do not allow anyone to pull, hang onto or otherwise touch the ropes that secure the Blob or the other points of attachment. Especially, do not allow anyone to jerk on the ropes or points of attachment in an attempt to cause someone on the Blob to fall into the water. Just leave the ropes alone and do not touch them.
16. If a rope should become loosened and fall from the metal ring where it is tied, it needs to be retied to the Blob. Simply try to retrieve it by making sweeping motions with your hands or feet and then once you find it, secure it to the Blob. If you cannot find or secure the rope, then inform someone on the Maintenance Staff of the problem at your earliest convenience. They will correct the problem.
17. The correct procedure for inflating the Blob in a safe manner is as follows. Counselor #1 attaches the air hose to the Blob. Counselor #2 picks up the air blower and checks to be sure the switch on the air blower is in the "off" position. Counselor #2 then plugs the air blower into the electrical outlet. Counselor #2 then flips the switch on the air blower to the "on" position. When the Blob is sufficiently filled with air, Counselor #2 flips the switch on the air blower to the "off" position and unplugs the air blower from the electrical outlet. Counselor #1 removes the air hose from the Blob. It is important that Counselor #2, who will be operating the electrical air blower stand on a relatively dry surface an that Counselor #2 wipe any water from their skin surface prior to beginning the process of airing up the Blob; simply towel down your complete body surface so that you are not dripping wet.
The Blob Operational Procedures were adapted from Sky Ranch in Van, TX.
