The beauty of having an air track is that it is an indoor activity that does not require any extra effort. But when it comes to choosing the best air track, becomes a tough task.
There are various types of air track available in the market which is also the reason why the air track prices are varying from each other.
Air tracks are expensive and it would be terrible to waste that money on something that wouldn't last. Air Tracks, on the other hand, have a lifespan of up to six years with regular upkeep. By keeping Air Tracks well-maintained, I've had them last as long as ten years without a single problem.
If you want your Air Track to last as long as possible, you should follow the procedures I've outlined in this guide.
Make use of your air track when necessary
Grass, sand, and even water are just some of the outdoor and indoor surfaces that are suitable for using air tracks.
However, before inflating your air track, make sure there are no sharp objects on the ground that could rip or damage the material. If you are going to be outdoors, you need to clean up the branches, twigs, stones, and trash. If you're at home, make sure the floor is clean and free of sharp edges.
You should also be aware that on very hot days, the ground beneath your air track may become dangerously hot. Because of this, I wouldn't advise running an air track on a hard surface like asphalt or concrete. Rough surfaces make the fabric more prone to ripping even when temperatures are low.
In a professional gymnastics facility, an air track is typically installed on top of a carpeted surface serving as a tumble track or sprung floor. Similarly, I think it would be best to construct an air track on carpeting at home.
Avoid wearing shoes on an air track
While I recognize that this recommendation will likely divide opinions, I maintain that going barefoot is the best way to ensure the long-term viability of your Air Track. Shoes worn outside can pick up debris like dirt and leaves, which can then be unwittingly transferred to the air system and cause damage. Taking your shoes off is a hygienic choice as well.
If you're going to flip with shoes, I recommend bringing a pair that you don't normally wear outside.
On an air track, one person at a time
More weight will be applied to the seams holding an air track together if more people are using it at once. Over time, the seams will weaken and the air track will either develop leaks or even burst.
This is why I do not recommend using an air track with more than one person at a time.
Safety is also taken into account when making this rule, as it is more likely that someone will get hurt in a collision if multiple people are doing flips and tumbles at the same time.
Keeping your air track clean
Maintaining a clean air track will keep mould and dirt from accumulating and possibly destroying the system. To get the best results, clean it after each use; if that's not possible, at least give it a once-weekly once over.
To disinfect an air track, you can use a cloth and some antibacterial spray. If your air track came with instructions, you should read them to see if they specify any products that must not be used with it. Using a store-bought spray bottle has never caused me any issues.
Cleaning the air track is the first step, but it must be completely dry before it can be folded or stored.
Correctly folding your air track
Folding your air track correctly and carefully before storing it is essential. To properly fold your air track, you should refer back to the original instructions provided by the manufacturer when you first purchased the product.
Typically, air tracks will fold in thirds as they extend.
Prior to doing anything else, you need to check that the valve is open and the air track is completely deflated.
Then, the air track can be pressed down on and folded over to help expel any remaining air. When you fold the fabric in half lengthwise, you should make sure it stays completely flat and there are no creases. More compact air tracks can be folded in straight lines twice or three times across the width, while longer and heavier air tracks (12 meters or more) are typically rolled into a cylindrical shape.
The air track should be a more convenient size after this is done. If you are having trouble folding your air track, it is likely because air is still trapped inside; checking the valve to make sure it is open should solve the problem.
Last thought
Regular maintenance over a longer time frame will increase the longevity of your air track. The ideal lifespan for a high-quality product is five to six years.
