Riding Tips for an Inflatable Mechanical Bull

The rush of endorphins when riding an inflatable mechanical bull invokes the feeling of euphoria, reduces stress, and improves your mood. But these rides can get very competitive with friends, family, and colleagues. It is a safe alternative to the rodeo sports and traditional mechanical bull rides, in which bull riding can be dangerous and only suitable for professionals. There are even mechanical bull riding competitions, including the Mechanical Bull Riders World Championship, where one-handed endurance is tested. If you are aiming to become a champ, then the tips in this guide are for you.

Stabilizing your upper body while letting your lower back do the work can lead to longer survival time. However, this is not the only thing to consider when riding. You need to have a clear understanding of intricate details related to mounting and balancing to truly master the art truly. This guide will dive into the key skills and knowledge of the inflatable mechanical bull, elaborate on necessary safety considerations, mounting, form, techniques to stay on, and safe fall technique. Let's dive right in!

Mastering the Mechanical Bull: Stay on Longer

The tips to master the art of staying on the inflatable mechanical bull will only explain the techniques in theory. To truly become a master, you need practice, as these techniques still need repetitive efforts. Don't lose hope, stay motivated, and keep practicing until you become championship worthy!

1. Inflatable vs. Traditional Mechanical Bulls

The primary difference between inflatable and traditional mechanical bulls lies in their degree of safety. While traditional mechanical bulls are used for practice before rodeo competitions, inflatable mechanical bulls are ideal for first-time players or entertainment purposes. Let's compare them so that you can see why practicing on an inflatable is a necessity before moving to traditional mechanical bulls:

• Fall Surface: It's almost inevitable that a player won't fall to the ground during practice. The earlier designs used padding or did not use any soft fall at all. In comparison, the inflatable mechanical bulls, which became popular in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, were primarily used as a source of entertainment. The design made the rodeo experience more accessible to a broader audience.
• Portability: The portability of traditional mechanical bulls required padding. Moving all that foam takes up a lot of space, which adds to transport costs. In comparison, inflatable mechanical bulls are ideal for movement that allows rentals. Getting one for a party can drastically improve the entertainment.
• Ease of Setup: Inflatable mechanical bulls require a blower to fill the inflatable mat in minutes. The control is at the edge of the mat, enabling the operator to adjust movements. These are quick to set up. In comparison, traditional mechanical nulls require more time to set up, as a relatively hard mat is needed.

*Note: Inflatable mechanical bulls are the safest and best for practicing rodeo.

2. Safety First: Preparing for the Ride

Now that we know which mechanical bull to pick to start our bull riding journey and practice, we can move to safety concerns. Always prioritize your health. Inflatable mechanical bull rides, despite their high safety, can lead to injuries if you are not careful. Here are some potential risks of injury and safety tips to prevent them before taking a ride:

• Sprains and Strains: Sudden movements can cause strain on the muscle. Always warm up your body before the ride. Do some stretches, leg swings, and torso twists before hopping on.
• Bruises and Contusions: Falls are a common occurrence on a bull ride. Ensure that there are no other objects or persons on the inflatable pad.
• Ankle Injuries: Landing awkwardly, feet first, can cause ankle injuries. Wear supportive gear that will limit angle twists to ensure safety.
• Neck and Back Injuries: Falling headfirst can cause painful neck and back injuries. Use your core to balance on the inflatable mechanical bull.
• Head Injuries: The chances of the head colliding with a solid object are minimal in an inflatable mechanical bull. Be sure that the mat is inflated correctly, as a deflated mat can lead to a collision with the floor.
• Hand and Wrist Injuries: Attempting to break a fall with your hand can result in wrist injuries. Learn the art of letting go, as too much stress on the single hand can potentially cause sprains, fractures, or even more serious injuries. Trust the inflatable mat to do its job.

*Note: Always listen to the operator's instructions. They have great insights into their equipment, which enables them to avert safety concerns.

3. Mounting and Proper Form

We emphasized the importance of mounting properly on the inflatable mechanical bull and maintaining proper form. Now we will explain how you can achieve such conditions. Let's dive deeper into how professional riders ride bulls and see what we can extract to become pros in inflatable mechanical bull riding for entertainment:

❖ Professional Bull Riding Techniques and Maintenance

Pro bull riders ensure that the bull is properly constrained before mounting. However, there is a team of helpers that puts the pro bull rider into position. They ensure their legs are appropriately engaged with their spurs. Their hands are also wrapped in a braided rope, which they lock on firmly. Typically, they maintain a delicate balance between body tension and flexibility through head up, shoulders back, and a free arm extended to act as a counterweight. Their legs are constantly moving to maximize points. Style and control lead to higher points.

❖ Impeccable Form on an Inflatable Mechanical Bull

For recreational riders, staying on the mechanical bull is key. Longer times mean more skill. The principles of form and mounting remain the same. Center yourself on the bull, ensuring your body remains balanced and not leaning towards a particular side, and use the same principle of holding the rope firmly, allowing the legs to take the shock, engaging the core, and moving fluidly. By doing this, you are following the same techniques bull riders use in the arena. The inflatable mechanical bull allows you to practice the skills in a safety net of inflatables. In short:

Firm Grip: Keep your non-dominant hand firmly on the handle or rope. Do not pull, but use it for stability.

• Active Legs
• Loose Upper Body
• Engaged Core
• Free Arm
• Eyes Forward and Head Up

4. Techniques for Staying On

Staying on the bull requires strength in the core, legs, and forearms. Which means it's vital to exercise to gain strength in these muscles. It will help you progress quickly and remain relatively stable in comparison to others. So here are our top techniques for staying on the bull:

❖ Build Strength

Exercise! There is a wide range of equipment that can help you target specific muscle groups. Being in shape with a powerful core is key to a strong foundation. So here are the exercises recommended for inflatable mechanical bull riders:

• Farmers Walks: A powerful all-arounder exercise targeting everything from arms to legs.
• Planks: Critical to forming a solid core.
• Russian Twists: Ideal for the bucking motion of the bull.
• Leg Raises: Strengthening lower abdominal muscles for fluid but controlled movements.
• Squats: Engaging multiple muscles to build lower-body strength.
• Mountain Climbers: For cardiovascular and core, mountain climbers are effective.
• Spiderman Holds: A variation of the plank, it engages your core, shoulders, and legs while incorporating an element of flexibility.

❖ Engage Your Core

This technique involves engaging your abdominal and lower back muscles to absorb the bull's movements and stay centered. Think of it as a shock absorber! Your core muscles should flex and move with the bull, preventing the bucking motion from jarring your entire body. Keep your head straight and allow your torso to move around.

❖ Grip With Legs

Create an anchor by pressing your inner thighs and calves firmly against the bull. The grip is key to keeping yourself centered on the bull.

❖ Anticipate Movements

Try to predict the next move from the bull. There is always a pattern. When it's the most forward, it will move backward. So allow your muscles to move your torso in a controlled way towards the anticipated direction.

❖ Learn to Flow with Bulls' Rhythm

Avoid fighting the bull's movement! Instead, move fluidly with the movements. Fighting against the momentum will make you tired and cause you to fall earlier. When the inflatable mechanical bull dips, try to dip with it.

5. The Art of the Safe Fall

To ensure that you have a good time riding the bull and enjoy your day afterwards, learn the art of safe falls. Here are some key tips you should consider when falling:

• Tuck Your Chin: Protect your head and neck by tucking your chin to your chest.
• Keep Limbs Close: Hold your arms and legs close to your body to prevent flailing.
• Fall with Momentum: Go with the direction the bull is throwing you to avoid fighting the force.
• Tuck and Roll: Land on a fleshy part of your body and roll to distribute the impact.
• Avoid Landing on Joints: Do not try to break your fall with your hands, elbows, or knees.

Finding and Purchasing an Inflatable Mechanical Bull

If you are looking to rent out an inflatable mechanical bull for a party or an event, then consider 3 Monkeys Inflatables, Phantom Entertainment Services, and Cowboy Party Rentals. These are known service providers that prioritize safety, quality, and professionalism. They have a strong online presence with immense positive feedback.

In case you are looking to buy an Inflatable Mechanical Bull for your organization or personal use, then consider Joy Inflatable. We have over 20 years of manufacturing experience and offer top-quality, customizable products, including mechanical bulls. Their certification, such as CE and SGS, makes their product reliable for high-energy events. Joy Inflatable's commitment to customer satisfaction is reflected in their manufacturing process. Their use of high-precision heat welding and double-needle stitching guarantees long-lasting performance.

Additionally, we provide a one-year warranty and lifetime free repairs, making them an excellent choice for those seeking safe, fun, and durable inflatable mechanical bulls. Visit the collection of Joy Inflatable Mechanical Bull to explore all the options!

FAQs

1. How fast can the mechanical bull move?

Mechanical bulls are designed to mimic actual bucking bull movements, which can reach speeds of up to 35 mph. The bucking movement includes leaping, plunging, and spinning, which affect the rider's experience. The unpredictability is key in a mechanical bull that the control can handle effectively.

2. Can an inflatable mechanical bull be used for competitive events?

Yes, an inflatable mechanical bull is used in competitive events. The competition may involve prizes for the longest time on the inflatable mechanical bull. These are the safest forms of bull riding suitable for untrained or inexperienced personnel.

3. What are the safety features of an inflatable mechanical bull?

The safety features include a soft landing inflatable, immediate detection of a fall to stop the bull's movement, secure grips, adjustable speed, varying skill level, and height restrictions. Together, they collectively ensure that individuals of all backgrounds can have fun and learn the art of bull riding safely.