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ACON Airboard: Train Anywhere, Progress Everywhere
6 Mins Read
Last updated on April 30, 2026
Every athlete knows the feeling. You’re ready to level up, maybe land your first front flip or finally land a full combo, but something gets in the way. The setup isn’t right. The space isn’t available. The conditions aren’t safe enough to fully commit. Progress stalls.
For gymnast and creator Merle Loosen, this wasn’t just a frustration. It was a pattern she saw across years of training in gyms, at home, and outdoors. The gap was obvious. Athletes had the drive to improve, but not always the tools to do it consistently, safely, and on their own terms. That realization sparked something bigger.
The result is the ACON Airboard. A portable, athlete-driven training tool designed to unlock progression anywhere, anytime.
Meet Merle Loosen
Merle Loosen is a 21-year-old artistic gymnast with over 13 years of experience. Her training blends strength, flexibility, and precision, built through years of disciplined practice. But her impact goes beyond the gym.
As a content creator, Merle shares her journey with a global audience, offering a real look into the highs, challenges, and daily work behind skill progression. Her approach is both structured and adaptable. She trains multiple times a week, focusing not just on performance, but on long-term consistency and steady improvement. That combination of athlete insight and creative perspective played a critical role in shaping the ACON Airboard.
From Idea to Reality: Creating the ACON Airboard
The Airboard started with a simple but powerful question. What if training equipment adapted to the athlete instead of forcing the athlete to adapt to it? Traditional equipment like springboards and trampolines are often tied to gyms. They are heavy, fixed in place, and not designed for flexible, everyday training. As Merle points out, the right setup changes everything. A more forgiving and reliable surface allows athletes to focus on movement instead of second-guessing every attempt.
“I wanted something lighter, more versatile, and not limited to one place,” says Merle. “Something you can take with you and just start training.” That vision became a collaboration.
Working closely with ACON, Merle helped bring the concept to life through multiple rounds of development, testing, and refinement. Every detail was shaped by real training needs, not assumptions.
“Working with athletes like Merle is how we approach innovation,” says Riia Huttunen, ACON’s Digital Marketing & Sales Director. “We listen, we learn, and we build products that match the needs of today's athletes and families.”
What Is an Airboard and How Does It Work?
An airboard is an inflatable gymnastics jump board that provides lift, control, and cushioning during takeoff. It delivers the function of a traditional springboard in a completely new format. The ACON Airboard uses air-filled drop-stitch construction to create a surface that is both firm and responsive. Athletes get the height they need while maintaining stability and control. It sits between a springboard and a trampoline, but without the limitations of either. Even better, the air pressure is adjustable. That means you can fine-tune the rebound to match your level, your training style, and the specific skill you’re working on.
Why the ACON Airboard Changes the Way You Train
The difference is immediate.
- Controlled Bounce - The Airboard provides a stable and predictable takeoff, so athletes can focus fully on technique.
- Safer Progression - The air-filled structure absorbs impact, reducing strain and making it easier to build confidence with new skills.
- Train Anywhere - Lightweight and portable, it removes the need for a fixed training space and makes consistent practice possible.
- Versatile Use - From gymnastics fundamentals to freestyle creativity, the Airboard adapts to different disciplines, surfaces, and setups.
How Merle Uses the Airboard
In her own training, Merle integrates the Airboard across a wide range of movements. She uses it for run-up jumps to gain extra height while refining technique. For standing skills like backflips, it provides the controlled lift needed to commit with confidence. She also incorporates it into more creative setups, including wall-based training and flow sequences that connect multiple movements.
“It gives you that extra push while still feeling controlled,” she explains. “That makes it easier to repeat movements and improve step by step.”
Who Is the Airboard For?
One of the biggest advantages of the Airboard is how easily it adapts to different athletes. Beginners can build confidence and learn foundational skills in a safer environment.
Intermediate athletes can focus on repetition and consistency to refine technique.
Advanced users can push boundaries with complex combinations and creative setups.
It works just as well at home, outdoors, or in a gym, making it a seamless addition to any training routine.
Train Anywhere, Progress Everywhere
Progress should not depend on access, location, or perfect conditions. With the ACON Airboard, athletes can train more often, explore new environments, and build skills with confidence. Whether you are starting your journey or pushing toward your next breakthrough, the right equipment turns intention into progress.
Training Tips from Merle
- Focus on fundamentals first. Build a strong base before progressing.
- Adjust your setup. Use air pressure to match your level and your goal.
- Repeat with intention. Consistency drives real improvement.
- Train without fear. Use supportive equipment to build confidence.
- Stay creative. Try new setups and explore different movements.
Inflatable vs. Traditional Gymnastics Jump Board
To make the differences clearer in practice, it helps to compare how an inflatable gymnastics jump board like the ACON Airboard performs against a traditional vault board, often referred to as a reuther board. The comparison below highlights practical differences that affect where, how, and for who each option works best.
| Feature | ACON Airboard | Traditional Gymnastics Vault Board |
|---|---|---|
| Usage Environment | Indoor and outdoor use on multiple surfaces | Indoor use only |
| User Level | Suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced athletes | Primarily benefits advanced athletes |
| Portability | Lightweight and easily portable | Heavy and not portable |
| Price Range | Approximately 599 CAD | Typically ranges from 800–2,500 CAD + depending on model |
| Training Flexibility | Supports independent and creative training anywhere | Limited to structured gym training |
| Accessibility | Ideal for home users and frequent practice | Requires access to a gym facility |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an airboard?
An airboard is an inflatable training tool that provides lift and cushioning for jumps, helping athletes practice skills safely and effectively.
Is the ACON Airboard good for beginners?
Yes. Its adjustable air pressure and soft landing surface make it suitable for beginners learning new movements.
How is it different from a trampoline or springboard?
It combines elements of both but is lighter, portable, and more versatile across different environments.
Can you use the Airboard outside?
Yes. It is designed for use on surfaces like grass, asphalt, and gym floors.
How does it help with skill progression?
It enables safer repetition, controlled takeoffs, and confidence-building, all essential for improvement.
What is the purpose of a gymnastics jump board?
A gymnastics jump board, such as the ACON Airboard, is used to generate lift and momentum for skills like vaults, flips, and dynamic entries. It functions similarly to a traditional vault board or reuther board, helping athletes convert speed into controlled height and rotation.
What materials are typically used in a gymnastics vault board?
Traditional gymnastics vault boards, also known as reuther boards, are typically built with a wooden or composite frame combined with metal springs for rebound. In contrast, an inflatable gymnastics jump board, such as the ACON Airboard, uses drop-stitch material filled with air, providing a responsive surface with added cushioning and adjustable bounce.
What is the difference between a vault board and an inflatable gymnastics jump board?
A traditional vault board, also known as a reuther board, uses springs to generate lift and is typically used in gym environments. An inflatable gymnastics jump board, such as the ACON Airboard, uses air pressure to create a controlled and cushioned bounce. This makes it more portable, adaptable to different surfaces, and suitable for a wider range of users, from beginners to advanced athletes.
Explore the ACON Airboard
Discover the full product details, features, and training possibilities on the ACON Airboard product page.
