Setting up your backyard for a jumping castle: a checklist

Vendors arrive with everything except the venue. A 10-minute walk-around the day before the booking saves hours on event day.

• Power. A normal 220V plug within 30m of the setup spot. The blower draws ~700W — well under any household circuit.
• Surface. Flat lawn or paving. Slopes over 10° are a no-go. Sharp gravel and sticks must be cleared.
• Clearance. 1m around the castle on all sides; at least 1.5m above the highest point of the castle (watch for tree branches and wires).
• Anchoring. Lawn lets the vendor stake; paving needs sandbags or weights — confirm with the vendor when you book.
• Vehicle access. A van or bakkie needs a path to the setup spot. Narrow side gates are the most common surprise.

If anything's ambiguous, send a photo to the vendor after they confirm — they'll flag any concerns before they leave the depot.