We all have that one friend who is a die-hard adrenaline junkie who loves to discover their next greatest adventure. That friend is me…
This feature is all about uncovering Lake Nona and Orlando’s greatest activities, especially if you enjoy living life on the edge!
Previously featured in a business spotlight, Knockerball Lake Nona is the perfect way to combine good times and good company. After months of planning, I was finally able to gather nine friends and take over the up-and-coming popular sport. This sport features inflatable balls that you climb into and then proceed to run and bounce around. The main sport Knockerball focuses on is soccer, splitting players into two teams of five (the black team and the red team), and then having a free-for-all with a normal-sized soccer ball. We gathered at Ariel Apartments right here in Nona to meet Steven Sierra and Carola Martinez, the owners of Knockerball Lake Nona.
Chaos ensued as soon as the whistle blew. Don’t get me wrong, it was FUN chaos. Enclosed in a plastic bubble, we charged at each other until we collided. I felt like I had a target on my back whether I had the ball or not. Immediately, I was knocked to the ground (pun was definitely intended there). My so-called friends had all attacked me. What kind of thank you was that for inviting them?! Either way, I couldn’t help but laugh as I bounced and rolled around on the ground figuring out the quickest way to get back on my feet and into the action. I wanted revenge!
We continued to play for another minute or so and then quickly realized how hot it was, not just outside in the dreaded Florida summer, but also in the Knockerball itself. We were told it would get hot, and to get some airflow, we would need to lean forward to allow the breeze to come through the top hole of the ball. They weren’t joking.
After taking a quick water break and getting some fresh air while hearing what our next game would be, we all slipped right back into our Knockerballs and were quickly chasing down a giant inflatable soccer ball. This was a bit more challenging, in my opinion. I couldn’t get all of my weight behind the enormous soccer ball while in my own personal bubble without falling down. I was quickly and easily run over by the opposite team as they got the ball past my team’s line, winning the game.
Leading up to the biggest moment of the day, it was now time for one versus one. In this final event, individuals choose their friend (or sworn enemy) and charge directly at them, like a game of chicken. My friends went one by one, and there was always a good matchup. Somehow and for some unknown reason, I decided that going against Andrew would be a great idea. “Couple’s therapy,” as Steven and Carola put it. I knew I was going to get destroyed, and yet I still was ready and willing to do it. Maybe it was all for the video? I have no idea …
I said a quick prayer as I geared up for what I can only guess Andrew was looking forward to all day, maybe even for our entire relationship. My heart was pounding, and my breathing began to get heavy. The whistle blew, and immediately the rest of what was to come felt like a scene straight out of a movie. Everything seemed to be in slow motion. I ran as fast as I could in the short distance I had as Andrew charged full speed at me like a freight train without any brakes. I forgot how quick on his feet he was. Next thing I know, I’m mid-air parallel to the ground and then upside down. He completely demolished me, and the footage we have of that very moment is now Andrew’s new Facebook profile video. He’s a little too proud.
All I could do was roll around on the ground laughing and then yell, “Oh my God!” as everyone else laughed at my embarrassment. We all got a great laugh out of that, though, that’s for sure. My pain was the rest of the group’s pleasure. Would I do it again? One hundred percent yes, just not against Andrew
All the stops were brought out for this beautiful game of Knockerball, and it attracted quite the crowd. Residents in the apartment complex were out on their balconies wanting to take part in the game as well, laughter ensuing all around.
So, there you have it, I got knocked around by friends, flew in the air and bounced on the ground, and did nothing but laugh the entire time. I had a lot of fun playing Knockerball and look forward to the next time I get to play, but maybe next time it’ll be during the winter …
Be sure to check out the Knockerball Lake Nona video from my gameplay experience! For more information on Knockerball Lake Nona and to plan your next Knockerball party, visit www.knockerballlakenona.com and facebook.com/knockerballlakenona.
Have a suggestion? Send an email to nicole@nonahoodnews.com or fill out our NonaVentures column form at nonahood.to/nonaventure. What do you want to see me review next?
