I’ve still been walking for over a decade. I have performed all over the world in many different venues and events. From TV commercials and casino stages to Indy parades and music festivals. After successfully teaching many people to walk on stilts instead of falling, I can confidently say that my technique works. This is a quicker and easier way to become a self-assured strider than most.

how do i learn to walk on stilts

The best and most obvious way to learn to walk on stilts is with a tutor. However, this is not always possible, in which case here are some tips.

what stilts do i use

There are 3 main types of stilts used by stilt walkers today. The most commonly used stilts are “single post” stilts. These stilts have been used in circuses for centuries. Most people are familiar with these. Another type of stilts in common use is the “drywall” stilt. These stilts are articulated with a wide base that makes them more stable. These were primarily developed for use by plasterers. Third, “poweriser” stilts are commonly used. These allow the strider to hop, jump, and run.

What is the best

The best type of stilts to use depends on the type of activity you want to do. Things to consider are:

o The type of character/job you are playing/doing; I

o design/weight of your costume; I

or suit height; I

o type of movement you plan to exercise; I

or environment in which they will be used.

Drywall stilts are the easiest to use and learn. Using them is the closest thing to walking on your own legs! However, these also have disadvantages. They can be expensive, especially to repair. They have large feet, making them less versatile for dressing up. They can also be loud, often sounding like Dr. Strangelove’s arm. These are really designed to be used by beginners. However, a professional strider will use them in limited circumstances for certain performances. They are great for stationary costumes like statues, jugglers, and large, heavy costumes.

Pole stilts are the most commonly used stilts in the community by artists. These are much more difficult to learn. However, pole stilts allow for more graceful movement once you get the hang of them. There are many variations of pole stilts, from homemade wooden stilts to aluminum stilts. Some have the brace on the back and others on the side. Some stilts use Velcro straps and some screw on shoes. I prefer aluminum stilts with a brace on the side and my bolt-on shoes for my performances. Bolt-on shoes are more secure as the Velcro allows more movement in the foot, which is generally undesirable. Lateral braces can often feel more secure for advanced movements.

Finally, there are powerful jumping stilts. These have a curved, spring-loaded post that uses the downward force of your weight to provide elevation, much like having a trampoline strapped to your foot. These are so much fun and you can get great air and great speed out of them. The changing room is sometimes restricted with the motorized jumping stilts. These certainly take some practice. It’s harder to become more advanced in these due to the acrobatic nature of the exercises they make possible!

additional equipment

There are some additional teams that I would recommend. First of all (and MOST importantly), knee pads are required even when you’re at a pro level. These can save you from serious injury. Second, shin guards are great for making your stilts more comfortable. All types of stilts must be securely attached. Shin guards will protect your legs from the straps as they can become quite painful after prolonged periods of walking or performing. Also for absolute beginners, wrist guards and a helmet will help protect you from most falls. Plus, these will help you feel a little more confident when you start out.

Now I have stilts how do I start???

This is the best way to learn stilts that I have found so far. Remember when falling always put your knees first!!!!!

First, find a friend who is willing to help you and who is able to bear your weight. Second, find an area where you can attach a rope between two points, such as two trees or two utility poles, telegraph poles, or even goal posts. To start walking on stilts, it is easier to walk on firm ground, as it provides more stability. The string should be between the waist and the armpit while on stilts. You should also have something to sit on and put on the stilts. A car roof is generally pretty good to sit on. Although anything a bit taller than your stilts makes it easier to transition from a sitting position to a standing position. It can help guide you from your seat to the rope by providing support much like a walker.

Your feet should be shoulder-width apart. Remember to keep your feet straight and toes facing forward as if you were walking on your heels. Begin by standing up straight and looking down the length of the rope with it safely under one arm. This is for you to grab in case you lose your balance. First, practice “marking time” – this is the name for walking on the spot. Each leg is raised so that the leg of the stilt is about 6 inches off the ground and then returned to place. This is repeated with the other leg, shifting the weight from one to the other. You can’t sit still until you’re a master!!! Think of it as if you were riding a bicycle. When learning to ride a bike, it is difficult to learn to stand without falling to one side. Walking on stilts is the same, but you could fall in any direction!

Once you’ve gotten used to the weight of the stilts and can control them, you can now try taking a few small steps. This is the same as before, except that the foot is placed a little further forward. Now you are moving! When you reach the end of the rope, turn by twisting on one foot. This is usually a good time to ask your friend to stand by. I tend to find that after about 20 minutes you go through a pain barrier. These are your muscles getting used to a different way of walking. It gets easier to walk once you get past this pain barrier, I promise.

Once you’ve gained confidence, have your friend move away from the rope and walk towards him. Have them ready to catch you if you fall. Do this every day for a week (or as often as you can). At the end of this time, he will be a confident stilt walker. Once you’re comfortable walking, try some new things like running, jumping, flipping, and controlling slopes.

Tech Tips

To walk on stilts it is necessary to fall forward, just as we do to walk normally. However, if you lean too far, you will fall, especially if you don’t step forward.

When falling he always falls to his knees. That’s what knee pads are for. If you are falling backwards, turn your body to drop to your knees. If you stick your hands out, you will most likely break your arm. Also, you don’t want to fall on your back; that is when the most serious injuries occur.

Learn to twirl and get out of it, as this will help you recover from falls. Also, you can usually avoid falling if you take one more step, however, if you step too far, you could end up doing the splits, or worse, injuring your kneecap.