You are looking for information, articles, knowledge about the topic nail salons open on sunday near me how tall are stilts on Google, you do not find the information you need! Here are the best content compiled and compiled by the https://chewathai27.com team, along with other related topics such as: how tall are stilts Bocking stilts, Jumping stilts wiki, Circus performance, Digitigrade, Tightrope walking, Powerbocking, Juggling wiki, Cirque du Soleil
Those type of stilts can be very high (more than 4 m or 13 ft under feet). Hand-held string stilts (also known as tin can or bucket stilts) are platforms with strings attached to them.Standard drywall stilts typically range from 24 to 48 inches. These stilts are ideal for installing ceiling lights, putting in a drop ceiling, or hanging drywall. Tall drywall stilts are more common in industrial or commercial settings because they can add between 48 and 72 inches in height.They do take more balance and more time to learn the basics of walking, but they are highly impractical because the foot of the stilt is a very small area. Because of this, the stilt walker is required to constantly stay in motion, teetering back from foot to foot.
Contents
How tall is the average stilt?
Standard drywall stilts typically range from 24 to 48 inches. These stilts are ideal for installing ceiling lights, putting in a drop ceiling, or hanging drywall. Tall drywall stilts are more common in industrial or commercial settings because they can add between 48 and 72 inches in height.
Is it hard to walk on stilts?
They do take more balance and more time to learn the basics of walking, but they are highly impractical because the foot of the stilt is a very small area. Because of this, the stilt walker is required to constantly stay in motion, teetering back from foot to foot.
What are the longest stilts?
The tallest stilts ever mastered measured 16.41 m (53 ft 10 in) from ground to ankle. Saimaiti Yiming (China) was able to walk a distance of 10 steps on them, without touching his safety lines in Shanshan County, Xinjiang, China, on 15 November 2006.
What do you call someone who walks on stilts?
A moko jumbie (also known as “moko jumbi” or “mocko jumbie”) is a stilts walker or dancer.
How do you fall safely on stilts?
Falling while using stilts CAN be dangerous. Remember, safety first! WEAR YOUR SAFETY GEAR, ESPECIALLY KNEE PADS! **Use a spotter (helper), **a long pole, a wall, or tall object at first, until you figure out the balance of walking and rhythm of being up tall.
Do stilts hurt?
The injuries sustained from a fall from stilts can vary widely, from sprained fingers to a broken back. Because every fall has the potential to be severe, preventing all possible falls is very important.
Can you stand still on stilts?
Drywall or Dura stilts are designed to allow the stilt walker to stand still or to walk. They were originally designed for people to work at an elevated height during drywall or plasterboard construction, painting and other such activities.
Who invented stilts and why?
The history of stilts goes back thousands of years—all the way to the 6th century B.C.E. In the Landes region of France, shepherds used tchangues (English: “big legs”) made of wood. These stilts were around five feet tall and helped the shepherds move more easily over the area’s marshy ground.
What is a crow Fisher?
Crow Fishers or Sky Fisherman, unofficially called ‘Bog Walkers’ or ‘Stilt Walkers’ are a mysterious group of people seen walking across the bog in what eventually turned out to be the abandoned Green Place.
Stilts – Wikipedia
- Article author: en.wikipedia.org
- Reviews from users: 38721
Ratings - Top rated: 4.9
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Stilts – Wikipedia Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Stilts – Wikipedia Updating
- Table of Contents:
Contents
Types[edit]
History[edit]
Modern uses[edit]
Records[edit]
Gallery[edit]
References[edit]
External links[edit]
Navigation menu
The Best Drywall Stilts to Use on the Job Site – Bob Vila
- Article author: www.bobvila.com
- Reviews from users: 42518 Ratings
- Top rated: 3.0
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about The Best Drywall Stilts to Use on the Job Site – Bob Vila Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for The Best Drywall Stilts to Use on the Job Site – Bob Vila Updating Make working on projects at heights easier. This buyer’s guide has top picks tips to help you choose the best drywall stilts to use on the job site.
- Table of Contents:
Don’t spend the day climbing up and down a ladder when you can strap on drywall stilts and get the job done quickly and more efficiently
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Drywall Stilts
Our Top Picks
Tips for Using Drywall Stilts
FAQs About Drywall Stilts
Stilt Walking: Step by Step – Michael Giovinco
- Article author: michaelgiovinco.com
- Reviews from users: 18874 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.7
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Stilt Walking: Step by Step – Michael Giovinco Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Stilt Walking: Step by Step – Michael Giovinco Updating It is no secret that I love to walk on stilts. Some people do not call what I do, merely walking. They see me crouching, jumping, dancing, kicking, running…really just about anything that you can do with your two legs that is not merely walking. But I do love a good walk, and everyone needs…
- Table of Contents:
Published by Mike
Post navigation
4 thoughts on “Stilt Walking Step by Step”
Blog Categories
Recent Blog Posts
Blog by date
Tallest stilts | Guinness World Records
- Article author: www.guinnessworldrecords.com
- Reviews from users: 38636 Ratings
- Top rated: 3.7
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Tallest stilts | Guinness World Records Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Tallest stilts | Guinness World Records Updating The Guinness World Records Official site with ultimate record-breaking facts & achievements. Do you want to set a world record? Are you Officially Amazing?Guinness World Records, Official site, Officially Amazing
- Table of Contents:
Moko jumbie – Wikipedia
- Article author: en.wikipedia.org
- Reviews from users: 38052 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.8
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Moko jumbie – Wikipedia Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Moko jumbie – Wikipedia Updating
- Table of Contents:
In popular culture[edit]
References[edit]
Navigation menu
Tallest stilts | Guinness World Records
- Article author: www.guinnessworldrecords.com
- Reviews from users: 19236 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.7
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Tallest stilts | Guinness World Records The tallest stilts ever mastered measured 16.41 m (53 ft 10 in) from ground to ankle. Saimaiti Yiming (China) was able to walk a distance of … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Tallest stilts | Guinness World Records The tallest stilts ever mastered measured 16.41 m (53 ft 10 in) from ground to ankle. Saimaiti Yiming (China) was able to walk a distance of … The Guinness World Records Official site with ultimate record-breaking facts & achievements. Do you want to set a world record? Are you Officially Amazing?Guinness World Records, Official site, Officially Amazing
- Table of Contents:
Stilts – 3 foot tall (36″) Adult Stilts – PegStilts.com – Peg Stilts, Puppets, and Art
- Article author: pegstilts.com
- Reviews from users: 5241 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.1
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about
Stilts – 3 foot tall (36″) Adult Stilts – PegStilts.com – Peg Stilts, Puppets, and Art
Stilts – 3 foot tall (36″) Adult Stilts. $30000 $300.00; Save $0. STILT CUSTOMIZATIONS. … - Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for
Stilts – 3 foot tall (36″) Adult Stilts – PegStilts.com – Peg Stilts, Puppets, and Art
Stilts – 3 foot tall (36″) Adult Stilts. $30000 $300.00; Save $0. STILT CUSTOMIZATIONS. Stilts – 3 foot tall (36″) Adult Stilts – Circus Peg Stilts For Sale at PegStilts.com – BULK DISCOUNTS, FAST SHIPPING. Handmade in the USA since 2008. - Table of Contents:
Tallest stilts
- Article author: www.vercalendario.info
- Reviews from users: 44553 Ratings
- Top rated: 3.8
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Tallest stilts According to Official Guinness Records,. The tallest stilts ever mastered measured 16.41 m (53 ft 10 in) from ground to ankle. Saimaiti Yiming (China) was able … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Tallest stilts According to Official Guinness Records,. The tallest stilts ever mastered measured 16.41 m (53 ft 10 in) from ground to ankle. Saimaiti Yiming (China) was able … China, 2006, Tallest,stilts, guinness, recordsTallest stilts guinness record %s
- Table of Contents:
Stilt walking: What It’s Like to be Eight Feet Tall – Geek Out Huntsville
- Article author: geekouthuntsville.com
- Reviews from users: 9160 Ratings
- Top rated: 3.5
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about Stilt walking: What It’s Like to be Eight Feet Tall – Geek Out Huntsville Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for Stilt walking: What It’s Like to be Eight Feet Tall – Geek Out Huntsville Updating Thanks to our good friend CJ for this awesome guest blog! He tells us a lot about his experience as a stiltwalker and what all that entails, it sounds like a ton of fun! Stilt walkers. You see them at carnivals, theme parks, the circus, wearing big colorful costumes, towering over guests, posing for pictures.…
- Table of Contents:
Feed for all things geeky and local in Huntsville
One comment
Geek Out HSV on Facebook
Geek Out HSV on Twitter
USA Takes Tallest Stilt Walking World Record from China in Marshfield – OnFocus
- Article author: www.onfocus.news
- Reviews from users: 32055 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.7
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about USA Takes Tallest Stilt Walking World Record from China in Marshfield – OnFocus Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for USA Takes Tallest Stilt Walking World Record from China in Marshfield – OnFocus Updating
- Table of Contents:
Stilt Walking World Record Comes Home to Wisconsin AGAIN!
Search Continues for Human Remains in Wood County
MARATHON COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES REPORT OF HORSE MISTREATMENT NO NEGLECT FOUND
NFL informs clubs 2022 salary cap projected to be $2082 million
The Best Drywall Stilts to Use on the Job Site – Bob Vila
- Article author: www.bobvila.com
- Reviews from users: 24339 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.0
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about The Best Drywall Stilts to Use on the Job Site – Bob Vila Updating …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for The Best Drywall Stilts to Use on the Job Site – Bob Vila Updating Make working on projects at heights easier. This buyer’s guide has top picks tips to help you choose the best drywall stilts to use on the job site.
- Table of Contents:
Don’t spend the day climbing up and down a ladder when you can strap on drywall stilts and get the job done quickly and more efficiently
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Drywall Stilts
Our Top Picks
Tips for Using Drywall Stilts
FAQs About Drywall Stilts
ERROR: The request could not be satisfied
- Article author: www.latimes.com
- Reviews from users: 9814 Ratings
- Top rated: 4.5
- Lowest rated: 1
- Summary of article content: Articles about ERROR: The request could not be satisfied A Wisconsin teenager who practiced stilt walking in a farmyard silo for safety set a world record for walking on the tallest stilts, … …
- Most searched keywords: Whether you are looking for ERROR: The request could not be satisfied A Wisconsin teenager who practiced stilt walking in a farmyard silo for safety set a world record for walking on the tallest stilts, …
- Table of Contents:
See more articles in the same category here: https://chewathai27.com/toplist.
Wikipedia
Poles used for circus performance, pastime, or work
This article is about the poles. For the type of bird, see Stilt . For other uses, see Stilts (disambiguation)
Shepherds walking on stilts in the Landes region of France
Plasterer’s (drywall) stilts
A French postman on stilts, early 20th century
Stilts from China in late Qing dynasty
Stilts are poles, posts or pillars that allow a person or structure to stand at a height above the ground.
In flood plains, and on beaches or unstable ground, buildings are often constructed on stilts to protect them from damage by water, waves or shifting soil or sand. Stilts for walking have platforms for the feet and may be strapped to the user’s legs. Stilts have been used for many hundreds of years.[1]
Types [ edit ]
Joust on stilts in Namur. Stiltwalkers fights dates back to 1411 in Namur and still exists today.
A stilt walker dressed as a court jester participating in a parade
A boy on stilts. Smolensk (Russia), 1952.
Hand-held stilts are used as childhood toys and in circus skills workshops and are of two main types: string and can/bucket stilts and pole stilts. Unlike other forms of stilts, hand-held stilts are not tied or strapped to the wearer.
Hand-held pole stilts consist of two long poles, each with a foot support. The stilt walker holds onto the upper end of the pole, rests his feet on the foot plates and pulls upward on the pole while taking a step.
A second type of hand-held pole stilts are similar to the first type but ends in a handle so the walker has more control and flexibility to move his stilts. Those type of stilts can be very high (more than 4 m or 13 ft under feet).
Hand-held string stilts (also known as tin can or bucket stilts) are platforms with strings attached to them. The platforms, most commonly made of tin cans or small plastic upturned buckets hold the stilt walker’s weight while the strings are used to pull the cans to the feet as they take a step.
Peg [ edit ]
Peg stilts, also known as Chinese stilts, are commonly used by professional performers. These stilts strap on at the foot, ankle, and just below the knee. Peg stilts are often made from wood but can also be made of aluminium or tubular steel. This type of stilts are the most lightweight ones and allow a user to walk quickly, to turn suddenly, and even to jump rope or dance. The stilt walker must keep moving at all times to keep their balance.
Drywall or Dura [ edit ]
Drywall or Dura stilts are designed to allow the stilt walker to stand still or to walk. They were originally designed for people to work at an elevated height during drywall or plasterboard construction, painting and other such activities. Drywall stilts are heavier than peg stilts and are usually mostly made of aluminium. The design means they are safer for walking but often means they are less versatile than peg stilts in use.
Spring [ edit ]
Spring stilts also known as bounce stilts are spring-loaded and allow the user to run, jump and perform various acrobatics. Spring stilts using fiberglass leaf springs were patented in the United States in 2004 under the trademark “PowerSkip”, marketed for recreational and extreme sports use.[2] Using these stilts is also called powerbocking, named for the stilts’ inventor, Alexander Boeck. Spring stilts are often mostly made of aluminium. Spring stilts using steel coil springs, an antecedent of the pogo stick, were attempted in the 19th century.[3][4]
Digitigrade [ edit ]
The digitigrade stilt is a peg stilt whose line follows the foot and not the shin bone. This allows costumers to mimic the walk of an animal. Because of the extreme stresses on this type of design they tend to be more rare; that is, fewer successful home-made designs.
Articulated [ edit ]
This type of stilt is similar to drywall stilts in that they allow the walker to stand in one place without having to shift weight from foot to foot to stay balanced. Articulated stilts feature a flexing joint under the ball of the foot and, in one variant, under the heel. These stilts are commonly used in theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Studios because they allow performers to safely dance and perform stunts that would easily damage other types of stilts. Two brands of articulated stilts include “Bigfoots” manufactured by Gary Ensmenger of Orlando, Florida, and “Jay Walkers”, manufactured by Stilt Werks of Las Vegas, Nevada.[5][6] Articulated stilts can be adjusted anywhere from 18″ to 30″ high.[7]
History [ edit ]
Ancient Greek jar depicting stilt walkers, 6th century BC
Archaeological ruins and texts show that stiltwalking was practised in ancient Greece as far back as the 6th century BCE. The ancient Greek word for a stilt walker was κωλοβαθριστής (kōlobathristēs),[8] from κωλόβαθρον (kōlobathron), “stilt”,[9] a compound of κῶλον (kōlon), “limb”[10] and βάθρον (bathron), “base, pedestal”.[11] Some stilt use traditions are very old. In Namur, Belgium, stilt walkers of Namur have practiced fights on stilts since 1411.[12] The inhabitants of marshy or flooded areas sometimes use stilts for practical purposes, such as working in swamps[citation needed] or fording swollen rivers. The shepherds of the Landes region of southern France used to watch their flocks while standing on stilts to extend their field of vision, while townspeople often used them to traverse the soggy ground in their everyday activities.
Stilts were used by workers to attach hop grass to wires at 12 feet above the ground. This technique was documented up to the mid 20th century before being superseded.[13]
Modern uses [ edit ]
Stilts can be used as a prop in entertainment, as a tool to enable other types of work to be achieved and as part of a hobby or recreation.
Entertainment [ edit ]
Stilts are used widely in many countries for entertainment. Stilt walkers perform in parades, festivals, street events and at corporate functions.
The local festivals of Anguiano (La Rioja, Spain) feature a dance on stilts in which dancers go down a stepped street while turning. Other stilt walking and dancing festivals are held in Deventer, Netherlands, in early July each year, and in Namur, Belgium.
Early stilt walking acts were mostly of the style of a very tall person with the costume having long trousers or skirt to cover the stilts. More recently stilt walkers have created a wide variety of costumes that do not resemble a tall person. Examples are flowers and animals. The tall person type has also expanded to include a wide variety of themes. Examples include sportsmen, historical acts and acts based on literary or film characters.
One of the most recent varieties of stilt walking acts is a stilt walker riding a “stilt bicycle” with an extended seat post and handlebar stem. With Light festivals being very popular around the world, Stilt walkers have incorporated technology in their costumes making. It is very common to see LED Robots on stilts or other light costumes at public or private events.
Work [ edit ]
Aluminium stilts are commonly used by fruit farmers in California to prune and harvest their peach, plum, and apricot trees. Stilts have been used for washing large windows, repairing roofs, and installing or painting high ceilings.
Stilts are used for drywall construction, finish painting, and hanging suspended ceiling tiles.
Recreation [ edit ]
Stilts are available to be purchased as a children’s skill toy and stilts are commonly taught in circus skills workshops at schools and summer fairs and other events.
Records [ edit ]
In 1891 Sylvain Dornon (fr) , a stilt-walker from the Landes region of France, walked from Paris to Moscow in 58 days.[14]
On 1 October 2001 Saimaiti Yiming of China walked 79.6 km (49.5 mi) on 73 cm (29 in) stilts in 24 hours in Shanshan County, Xinjiang, China.[15]
On 14 September 2002 Doug Hunt of Canada walked on the heaviest stilts used. They weighed 62.1 kg (137 lb) for the pair. He managed 29 steps unaided on these 15.56 m (51.0 ft) stilts.[16]
On 15 November 2006 Saimaiti Yiming of China took 10 steps on 16.41 m-high (53.8 ft) stilts to break the Guinness World Record for walking on the tallest stilts.[17]
In 2008 Roy Maloy of Australia took five steps on stilts 17 m (56 ft) high, an unofficial record for the tallest stilts.[18]
On 30 March 2008 Ashrita Furman of the US ran 1.61 km (1 mi) in 7 minutes 13 seconds on spring stilts in Dachau, Germany.[19]
Gallery [ edit ]
Various Stilt Walkers
Slyvain Dornon, record holding stilt walker
LED robot stilt walker
Stilt walker in Bangladesh
Stilt walkers at a school in France
Stilt walking troupe
Stilt performers in Macau
References [ edit ]
The Best Drywall Stilts to Use on the Job Site
Anytime a DIYer or industry professional needs to work up at heights, the usual tool for this purpose is a ladder. However, ladders remain stationary, and when installing drywall, the user is required to climb down, move the ladder, and climb back up without dropping materials or having individual fasteners tear through the drywall while moving to a different portion to secure it. Instead, when hanging drywall to finish a room or putting up a ceiling, the mobility of drywall stilts can make the job much easier.
The best drywall stilts need to be tall enough for the user to comfortably work without stretching or becoming off-balance. Keep in mind that stilts should have safety features like nonslip feet and secure leg straps to help reduce the risk of injury due to slips, trips, or falls. The list of top products below is a great place to start looking for the best drywall stilts for your next project.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Drywall Stilts
When shopping for a high-quality set of drywall stilts, it’s important to find a pair that is lightweight and flexible but durable enough to withstand the weight, movement, and momentum of the user. Also consider the stilt supports, the weight capacity, and the extension length as well as several other important factors mentioned below.
Material
The material of which drywall stilts are made is a factor that affects the weight, durability, and flexibility of the stilts. Typically, drywall stilts are made of stainless steel, aluminum, or magnesium.
Stainless steel is a durable metal that is stronger and heavier than either aluminum or magnesium. This means that it can support the weight of heavier users, but the stilts are too heavy to be a good option for long workdays or big projects.
steel is a durable metal that is stronger and heavier than either aluminum or magnesium. This means that it can support the weight of heavier users, but the stilts are too heavy to be a good option for long workdays or big projects. Aluminum is the most common material used to make drywall stilts because it’s lightweight, affordable, and durable. These stilts are more flexible than stainless steel, absorbing some of the weight and momentum of the user to make them easier and more comfortable to wear while moving or walking.
is the most common material used to make drywall stilts because it’s lightweight, affordable, and durable. These stilts are more flexible than stainless steel, absorbing some of the weight and momentum of the user to make them easier and more comfortable to wear while moving or walking. Magnesium is a very light material used to make stilts that isn’t as common or as durable as aluminum. However, it is lighter and more flexible, making it a great choice to reduce muscle fatigue over long periods of stilt use.
Support
Stepping onto a pair of stilts sounds daunting until you realize that they aren’t just a set of sticks mounted on a couple of rubber feet. They’re actually considerably more sophisticated, with footplates, foot straps, and leg straps. They may also include calf supports and ratcheting systems for simple, effective tightening.
The calf supports and locking straps effectively secure the stilts to the entire length of the user’s calf, allowing them to lift and move the stilt as if it were a part of their own body. Without the support, the user would be fighting to lift and pull the bottom of the stilt using only their foot and ankle, which could lead to tripping and muscle strain.
Footplate
The footplate is the portion of the stilts where the user places their feet. This is similar to the sole of a shoe, so comfort and support are the most important concerns. A wide footplate gives the user more space to adjust and position their feet, allowing them to find an optimal point of balance instead of rocking back and forth to try to maintain an unsteady momentum while working.
Look for drywall stilts that feature adjustable heel brackets so that the size and shape of the footplate can be customized to fit the specific user. Most stilts will accommodate average foot sizes, but foot straps can help secure the fit of the stilts so that the user is more stable.
Comfort
Whenever a new accessory, bag, or tool is being strapped to a person, comfort should be an important consideration that ties in closely with safety. Padded straps can help prevent chafing on the legs and feet, though it may be a good idea to wear jeans or work pants with the stilts so that the straps can be tightened without rubbing the skin on the legs.
Flexibility is another consideration that can make stilts more comfortable. This is because when the user takes a step, they are moving their entire body weight up and placing it back down onto a solid piece of metal. The flexible material and a dual-spring mechanism in the stilt struts allow the stilt to absorb some of this weight and momentum, putting less strain on the feet and legs.
Extension-Height Range
The extension-height range of a pair of drywall stilts refers to how short or how tall the stilts can be made. Before deciding on a set of stilts, it’s important to know how high they need to extend.
Short drywall stilts are great for working inside the average home with extension-height ranges between just 12 and 24 inches. This 1- to 2-foot increase allows beginners to get used to being on stilts without the risk of a much higher fall.
are great for working inside the average home with extension-height ranges between just 12 and 24 inches. This 1- to 2-foot increase allows beginners to get used to being on stilts without the risk of a much higher fall. Standard drywall stilts typically range from 24 to 48 inches. These stilts are ideal for installing ceiling lights, putting in a drop ceiling, or hanging drywall.
typically range from 24 to 48 inches. These stilts are ideal for installing ceiling lights, putting in a drop ceiling, or hanging drywall. Tall drywall stilts are more common in industrial or commercial settings because they can add between 48 and 72 inches in height. Even at the lowest setting, this is too high to be useful inside most homes, though they can be used to work on the gutters or put up decorations like Christmas lights.
Weight Capacity
The weight restriction on drywall stilts might initially be confusing. If a set of stilts advertises a load-bearing capacity of 230 pounds, this can lead some people to believe that the stilts can collectively support more than 400 pounds. However, drywall stilts are made so that each stilt can independently support the entire weight of the user because when one foot gets picked up, all of the user’s weight is placed on the remaining stilt.
Stainless steel stilts are the best option for heavy users because they are stronger and more durable than either aluminum or magnesium. However, they are also heavier, so if you don’t need the extra weight capacity, it isn’t advised to use these stilts.
are the best option for heavy users because they are stronger and more durable than either aluminum or magnesium. However, they are also heavier, so if you don’t need the extra weight capacity, it isn’t advised to use these stilts. Aluminum stilts often have a weight capacity of between 220 and 240 pounds, which is ideal for most users. The lightweight yet durable material is ideal for big projects and professionals who may use the stilts daily.
often have a weight capacity of between 220 and 240 pounds, which is ideal for most users. The lightweight yet durable material is ideal for big projects and professionals who may use the stilts daily. Magnesium stilts are a good choice for lightweight users, with weight restrictions from 200 to 230 pounds and falling just below the capacity of aluminum stilts. They also have the benefit of weighing less than aluminum, so less effort is needed to walk and move around.
Safety
The safety of users needs to be a primary consideration when selecting and using drywall stilts. According to the CDC, thousands of individuals risk severe injuries from falls in workplaces across the country every year. While a few feet may not seem like a big concern, a slip or awkward landing could cause fractures, torn muscles, strained ligaments, swollen joints, and bruising. It’s also a good idea to take regular breaks to avoid muscle cramps.
Due to the risk posed by simple slips, trips, and falls, a set of drywall stilts should have wide, nonslip rubber feet with textured soles that can grip the floor for better balance and stability. Customizable adjustments to the footplate, heel bracket, and foot straps provide a more secure fit, and calf supports make it easier to move the stilt so that it doesn’t drag or catch on a transition lip, carpet, or any other object.
Our Top Picks
The following products are some of the best drywall stilts on the market in terms of quality, features, and value. The important shopping tips and considerations noted above will help determine which of these top products would be the best option for your next drywall project.
Best Overall 1 Yescom 24″-40″ Professional Grade Adjustable Drywall Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price The Yescom Professional Grade Adjustable Drywall Stilts are made with durable lightweight aluminum alloy that will resist bending or warping even after extensive use. The drywall stilts have a base height of 24 inches and can be extended up to 40 inches to accommodate different working and user heights. The stilt feet are made with a skid-resistant rubber that helps prevent slippage while the stilts are in use. These stilts weigh just 15.4 pounds, but they can support a user weight of up to 227 pounds. They also have adjustable leg straps and heel brackets on the footplates to ensure that the stilts can provide a secure fit to a variety of users. The dual-action springs in the stilts allow them to absorb and flex with each step for a more natural feeling that makes it easier to balance.
Best Bang For The Buck 2 1117 Pentagon Tool “Tall Guyz” Professional 18″-30″ Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price The lightweight construction of these aluminum drywall stilts with a combined weight of just 15.5 pounds is great for reducing leg fatigue through long workdays. These affordable stilts are an excellent addition to a variety of projects, including drywall, painting, wiring, or installing drop ceilings, with a minimum height setting of 18 inches and a maximum height of 30 inches. No tools are needed to adjust the height of the stilts. Just remove the wing nuts and bolts from the extension tube, change the height of the tube. and replace the wing nuts and bolts. The drywall stilts have a maximum weight capacity of 228 pounds, and they have adjustable heel brackets and foot straps, allowing them to be worn properly and securely by different users. The nonslip rubber feet and short minimum height make these stilts a good option for beginners.
Best Professional Grade 3 1121 Pentagon Tool Professional 24″-40″ Blue Drywall Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price These high-quality drywall stilts are excellent for professionals working on electrical systems; installing ceiling lights; and hanging, taping, and painting drywall. The wide footplates have adjustable heel brackets for a range of users as well as foot straps to help keep the stilts securely attached. These aluminum drywall stilts weigh 17.5 pounds, so they won’t cause a lot of leg fatigue, though users should take regular breaks to avoid muscle cramps. The weight capacity of the stilts is 228 pounds, and they are adjustable in height from a minimum of 24 inches to a maximum height of 40 inches. The height setting is adjusted by removing a locking wing nut and bolt, allowing the stilts to be adjusted without tools. The nonslip rubber feet help prevent slipping, and the dual-spring action in the stilt legs makes it easier to walk and balance by absorbing energy with every movement.
Best Height Range 4 GypTool Pro 48″ – 64″ Drywall Stilts – Silver Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price The height range of these stable stilts stretches from 48 inches to 64 inches, making it easy to paint ceilings, clean gutters, and clean windows. The sturdy aluminum frame has excellent flexibility and includes a dual-spring system for additional impact absorption, making it easier for the user to take steps and move around without losing their balance. The height of the stilts can be adjusted without tools by simply moving a pair of wing nuts and bolts in the extension tubes. The stilts weigh 27.7 pounds and have a maximum weight capacity of 227 pounds with extra-wide padded calf braces for additional support. High-grade rubber feet on the stilts are nonslip and nonmarring so they won’t scratch or otherwise damage the floors.
Best Safety Features 5 1120 Pentagon Tool “Tall Guyz” Professional 24″-40″ Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price This pair of drywall stilts prioritizes safety with self-locking buckles that only need to be set once before they can quickly and easily be secured with every use. The stilts also have premium-grade rubber feet with textured grips to help prevent slips or trips. Adjust the heel brackets and foot straps for a customized fit so that the stilts aren’t too tight or too loose, which could result in a dangerous fall. For beginners, the height can be set to a minimum of 24 inches so that any falls are only from a couple of feet above the ground. The maximum height setting is 40 inches, and the aluminum stilts can support up to 228 pounds despite weighing just 17.5 pounds combined. Dual-spring flexibility in the stilts makes them more comfortable to use because they absorb a portion of the energy transferred down through the leg and into the stilt with each step.
Best Lightweight 6 GypTool Pro 15″ – 23″ Drywall Stilts – Black Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price Big drywall project? Consider these GypTool drywall stilts, which are built with durable aluminum strut tubing that makes these stilts lightweight and flexible. Together, the stilts weigh just 13.8 pounds, meaning each leg lifts only about 7 pounds with each step. The aluminum tubing can support up to 225 pounds while allowing the stilts to flex and absorb the user’s weight and momentum with a dual-spring system Set the height easily on these drywall stilts without using any tools. They have a simple wing nut design that secures the extension tubes in place with a minimum height of 15 inches and a maximum height of 23 inches. This short height range and the nonslip rubber feet are ideal for beginners who may not be confident on taller stilts.
Best For Experienced Users 7 GypTool Pro 24″ – 40″ Drywall Stilts – Silver Photo: amazon.com Check Latest Price Each drywall stilt weighs about 8.5 pounds, for a combined weight of 17 pounds, and is made with high-grade aluminum that’s resistant to heat, water, and corrosion. These stilts are a great choice for professionals in the carpentry, electrical, and plumbing trades as well as for experienced DIYers who need to install ceiling lighting, put up drywall, or paint the walls or ceilings. Adjustable from 24 inches to 40 inches in height, these stilts have a maximum weight restriction of 225 pounds. The heel brackets can be adjusted on the footplate of each stilt to better accommodate various foot sizes. The leg straps can also be adjusted for a secure fit with wide, padded calf braces and auto-locking buckles that need to be set to the proper fit only once.
Tips for Using Drywall Stilts
The freedom and mobility of drywall stilts can’t be denied, but there are a few things to keep in mind in order to work safely and minimize the risk of injury. The user should always clear the work area, ensuring that items like work bags, rugs, and tables are completely removed to help prevent trips and falls while fastening or taping drywall.
Working at heights isn’t a familiar feeling for most people, and it can be easy to forget that there are a variety of obstacles that can be hazardous. Things like ceiling lights or door jambs that go mostly unnoticed at ground level can cause head injuries if the user isn’t careful.
To help ensure the safety of the user, beginners should always start with the stilts at the lowest height level. While this won’t prevent the user from falling, it would result in a shorter fall so there is less risk of injury.
Before the drywall stilts are secured to the user’s legs, the room should be cleared of any items that could pose a tripping hazard.
Keep in mind that obstacles like door jambs and ceiling lights will be at head level.
Beginners should practice at the lowest height setting until they become proficient.
FAQs About Drywall Stilts
Consider these frequently asked questions about drywall stilts if you aren’t certain about what product would be suitable for your next drywall project or if you are concerned about the safety of drywall stilts.
Q. Are drywall stilts dangerous?
Drywall stilts attempt to make work faster and easier by providing a very mobile alternative to a ladder or scaffold. However, stilts place the user in danger of falling and should be used with a high degree of precaution to prevent slipping, tripping, and falling. They can also cause head injuries if the user isn’t paying attention and hits their head on a ceiling, light, doorframe, or any other obstruction.
Q. Are drywall stilts hard to use?
Drywall stilts can look intimidating at first, but the wide rubber base and leg supports help ensure that it only takes a few projects before the average user can become proficient with stilts. However, if you will only need them once or twice, it may be better to use a ladder because they do take some time to learn how to use.
Q. How tall should stilts be?
Within a height range of 15 inches to over 5 feet (60 inches), stilts should be high enough to allow the user to comfortably reach the area where they will be working without stretching or becoming off-balance.
Q. Are stilts OSHA approved?
Drywall stilts are OSHA approved in most places. However, before choosing a set, it’s a good idea to look up local OSHA regulations to be certain that they are permitted where you live.
Q. How do you adjust drywall stilts?
Drywall stilts can be adjusted by removing a bolt in the extension tubes and raising or lowering the tube until it is aligned with a new hole. Then just replace and secure the bolt in the new position, and the stilts will then stand at a different height.
Stilt Walking: Step by Step
It is no secret that I love to walk on stilts. Some people do not call what I do, merely walking. They see me crouching, jumping, dancing, kicking, running…really just about anything that you can do with your two legs that is not merely walking. But I do love a good walk, and everyone needs to start somewhere, so I thought that some might find it beneficial to learn a thing or two about stilts, how to get started, and how to move forward from there.
What are stilts?
Good question from there in the back. Stilts are mechanisms that a person can stand on to become taller. In every case, there is a platform for the wearer’s foot to stand on, and in most cases there are braces that attach to the wearer’s leg. These two traits distinguish stilts from heels and platform shoes. You have probably encountered stilts before, but you may not be as familiar with the different flavors available to the world.
Handheld Stilts
Featured in video games classics such as Yoshi’s Island on the SNES, many people think of these when they think of stilts. They can be made at any length and they consist of two poles with ledges that jut out for the foot to stand on. The pole continues past this ledge so that the person on the stilt can grasp them with their hands and brace him or herself using their own arms. This is done by standing in between the poles, shooting your arms forward and then stretching them outward, placing the stilts under the elbow with arms in front of the pole. The hand should grasp the poles with fingers and thumb pointed downward, unlike the Shyguy to our left. This creates a firm, natural brace that does not necessarily feel very natural. The stilt walker must think about pulling the stilt up towards the foot so that it can have an equal and opposite force as they begin to walk.
These are very impractical stilts for performing because they entirely tie up the stilt walker’s hands. They are cool to play with though and are often sold as toys for kids to use when building hand-leg coordination.
“Romper Stompers”
From the baby boomer era, these “stilts” are the least conventional in look. I will cover them mostly for their novelty. Imagine buckets that are turned upside-down so that you can stand on top of their platform bottom. Now imagine ropes that protrude out one side and re-enters through the opposite side. The walker stands on these and lifts up on the rope to create an opposing force for the walker’s foot, much like the hand-held stilts mentioned above. These are not very useful for anything, but the concept of standing on buckets would eventually find a place for stilts in the construction industry.
Pegs
Perhaps this is the stilt image that comes to many who picture performers on stilts. Many kids ask me if my stilts are just a big stick shooting out of my foot. They have good reason. These types of silts have a platform for the foot to stand on and then a pole protrudes out of the foot in a straight line down to the floor where a rubber stopper is placed to act as the foot of the stilt. From that platform up, however, is a brace for the stilt walker to strap their leg in. This takes away the necessity of holding onto a pole with one’s arms because the brace is doing all of that work of pulling the stilt up towards the person’s foot.
There are many purists who think that these are the only type of stilts that a performer can use if they want to be a “good stilt walker.” I highly disagree. They do take more balance and more time to learn the basics of walking, but they are highly impractical because the foot of the stilt is a very small area. Because of this, the stilt walker is required to constantly stay in motion, teetering back from foot to foot. In some instances, stilt walkers are hired to twist balloons at events on stilts. If a performer did an event like that on pegs, then they would have to try to stay in one spot the entire time, teetering back and forth and exert too much energy in an attempt to stand still. There are also tons of fun stories of peg purists who try to take on an escalator but have trouble placing their feet on a moving surface and thus come tumbling down. They do have an advantage to other stilts in that they are very light. If performing in an hour long parade, peg users will exert far less energy because they are required to keep moving in the parade anyway and loose about 20 lbs of baggage.
Dry-wall Stilts
These are the common alternative to pegs. Many of you may not know that these exist unless you are one of the thousands of witty middle-aged men that ask me if I do sheet rock. These stilts were invented for construction workers, painters, and other contractors who found that they do not like to move a ladder every few feet to finish their work. Like pegs, there is a platform to strap the stilter’s feet into and a brace for the leg. The difference exists in the area from the platform down on the stilts. There are normally 2 or 3 points of contact that move as a larger leg that meet again at the foot of the stilt. The foot itself is about the size of a human foot. Most companies also place a spring either at the foot of the stilt or along the leg of the stilt. The spring is necessary for contractors who may be on these stilts for long periods of time because it helps keep their balance if they lean forward, into the stilt and it also takes some pressure off of their own body.
These stilts can be phenomenal for performances, regardless what purists state. Instead of teetering the entire time, you can unleash entirely new moves. The downside is that they are a lot heavier than pegs, so your legs will have to gain a lot of muscle to handle multiple hours on them. They also are not always manufactured to do performance type things, like high kicks and crouches. The spring often pushes back with too much force that the performer cannot bend down far enough to high five a kid. Read my little tip below on how to enhance dry-wall stilts for better performance.
*Tips*
In many cases, that spring in the dry wall stilt can be removed, especially if the brace sits under your kneecap. The human body has a sort of spring built into the knee, and so removing the extra spring in the stilt gives that performer the new capability of reaching lower. Additionally, some stilts have a brace that sits on one side of the leg and a strap that is supposed to hold the leg to that brace. When dancing around, that strap loosens up. This is bad. To keep that from happening, one can buy extra braces and door hinges so that they can hinge two braces together for a tighter hold on the leg. Happy hacking!
Articulate Stilts
These stilts graced the world with their presence after Gary Ensmenger invented them under the brand name “Bigfoots.” Most of their features are similar to the drywall stilts, consisting of the brace, a platform for the foot, and a larger foot for the stilt itself than the peg has. The big difference is an extra articulation point that allows the stilt walker to lift the toe of the stilt with the toe of their own foot.
Effectively, this stilt allows for natural walking patterns and heightened capabilities compared to the other stilts mentioned so far. Often times, the foot of these stilts is more narrow than the foot of drywall stilts, which make them less stable on slippery surfaces. However when dealing with textured surfaces, these stilts can more easily maneuver more easily and the walker can feel out the terrain better than the drywall stilts and pegs. When Gary developed the Bigfoots, he also used aircraft aluminum to make the stilts a lot lighter, finding a happy medium between pegs and drywall stilts.
Bockers/Jumping Stilts
A newer fashion, these stilts have spring loaded legs that look like an archery bow and ends with a peg like foot on the bottom. Braced in at the leg, the wearers can run an jump about 8 feet in the air. The action of the leg is reminiscent the leg of a kangaroo, and there are many pictures online of these stilts used in kangaroo costumes. Many users of this stilt have invented a sport called powerbocking which involves parkour style running on top of the stilts.
*Tips*
If you invest in these, make sure to also invest in a helmet, knee, and elbow pads. It is also highly recommended to insulate the spring legs of the stilt. The spring is sturdy until it gets any type of chip in it, at that time it becomes prone to snapping with the right amount of pressure. Most users will use duck tape to create protective layers on the stilt. If a tear is noticed in the duck tape, it should be replaced immediately. Alternatively, the inner tubing of a bicycle tire can be used as a great insulator.
Digitigrade Stilts
Named after the type of animal legs that these mimic, these stilts are the only kind that does not aim to place the foot of the stilt in line with the shin of the stilt walker. Instead, it follows the toe of the stilt walker in a line toward the ground, actively pushing the heel of the stilt walker upward, the toe down, and the shin forward. Because of the forward shin, there is often a higher level of construction in the entire stilt, but most notably in the brace area.
It is possible to walk on two limbs this way, though it takes a lot of strength, and it can be used to create centaurs, dinosaurs, and the like. Often though, wearers use these with the intention of walking on all fours and thus also create stilts to hold in their arms. This allows them to look like a horse, or a giraffe, or a number of other digitigrade species. Most stilts are learned through a self trust and balance, these stilts take a lot more technical training to master because it involves a whole new way of walking.
Getting Started
So, where do you start? I recommend beginning on drywall stilts or pegs. I prefer drywall stilts because you are less likely to fall in the process and create an aversion, but I do understand that you might build your own pair of wooden pegs for a lot less money than you can buy any type of stilt. Money is money. I will only focus on the mechanics for pegs/drywall stilts. Keep and mind that what I will discuss is applicable to most other forms of stilt walking as well.
Stilts will typically either use straps or a ratcheting system to keep both your leg and your foot in. If using straps around your feet, I highly recommend bolting your shoes to the platform of the stilt as you progress in your usage. Straps wear out, and it is an unsettling feeling to have them loosen in the air. Ratcheting systems have enough teeth on them to prevent this accident to happen, so if you prefer to never have to lose a pair of shoes to this art form, I recommend that you find a pair that ratchets. I however have mostly performed with bolted shoes and can attest to its effectiveness.
When you begin learning, you will want to begin in an area that has walls to paw and flat, level floors or pavement. I recommend learning outside if such an environment exists in your world. If not, you can learn inside, provided that you have enough room to roam around. It is also good to learn in the company of a friend or family member, as they can help you in the process and if something goes terribly wrong.
Strapping In and Getting Up/Coming Down
While it is possible to put on stilts whilst standing up, I highly recommend starting by sitting down. If you are learning inside, I suggest sitting on top of a kitchen counter or a few steps up on a stairwell. Wherever it is, you want to be in a position for the rest of your body to be above your feet and your leg to be able to be pulled up enough to dig your heels into the ground. If outside, follow those same guidelines. Perhaps use a porch’s steps or sit on the back of a truck bed, trunk, or open up your hatchback and sit on the back of that.
When strapping your foot in, make sure that your shoe laces are tight and that both the toe and foot straps are as tight as you can make them without cutting off circulation. While the foot can be looser than this, I do not recommend trying it off the bat, knowing that it is tightly in there will prevent psychological meltdowns later. Next, strap in your brace. This should always be as tight as possible, especially if the brace is only connected to the rest of the stilt on one side. This brace allows the rest of the stilt to act as a mere extension of your leg and any looseness will allow your leg to become vulnerable to giving in. Once you stand up, you may want to have someone aid you in tightening the foot or the brace so that you feel comfortable. If they tighten your foot, then have no fear. If they tighten your brace, make sure that you hold onto something and instruct them on how to tighten it without taking it completely apart.
To rise up, take hold of both of your friend’s hands and merely stand up if you are on a counter or the back of the car and already have the stilts feet flat against the floor. If you are not in this position, then dig the heel of your stilt’s foot into the ground for traction and allow your friend to help pull you up onto your feet. This may take a little bit of core strength, but not much.
Sooner or later you will want to get back down. To do this face your back to where you will want to sit and lower yourself down slowly by pawing a nearby wall, railing, or whatever you are sitting on. Using your hands to slow the descent will keep you from hurting your butt or your coccyx on the way down and will make you feel a lot more stable.
*Tips*
People with very skinny calves and legs may find that the brace does not fit snugly. Use cloth to temporarily pad your leg more in this case and try to find squishy shin guards for a more permanent fix. The shin guards will both protect your shins from bruising and they will allow more bulk in the brace area.
Mike’s 3 Rules
I have three basic rules that if never broken will almost guarantee that you shall not fall. They are: maintain the box; do not cross one foot over another; and never lean back. I will admit to having broken all of these rules on many occasions. It is merely what artists do, learn the rules and then learn how to break them.
If you were to stand in a neutral pose and keeping your entire body open, then this pose would involve your feet to be shoulder width apart and approximately in parallel. Your gut and stomach would point the same direction as your toes. Your knees would also bend in a relaxed matter. In acting, this pose is called neutral and it allows the body to be engaged in the action. On stilts, I refer to this position as “the box.” This box acts like the base of a pyramid. Like a pyramid, the base needs to be large enough to sustain the height. The box can be reduced to the width of the pyramid above it, but over long periods of time it runs the risk of being knocked over by heavy winds or overly aggressive terrains and people. So, I recommend keeping this box at about shoulder width apart. Any time that the feet move on an angle out of parallel, the strength of the base is also compromised. If the box gets too big, it will become more difficult to move and perhaps balance.
The second rule carries the idea of maintaining the box forward. Never cross your legs. This completely compromises the shape of the box and will send a new stilt walker tumbling over. Many people make this mistake when attempting to turn. To avoid it, merely teeter around from foot to foot and turn the entire box with your body. If you ever find your legs crossed, do not panic. Merely shift one of the feet back into the right position to recreate the box.
Finally, do not lean back. Really, the object is to never lean away from the spring that exists in every stilt. In many cases, you may have a mechanical spring built into the stilt. If there is no mechanism, then the spring naturally occurs as you bend your knees. The spring is essential to keeping the stilt walker airborne. The stilt walker can lean a certain distance into the stilt without falling over. However, the spring is always actively working, even when the stilt walker leans in the opposite direction. This can cause the spring to actually force you backwards and make you fall. To an extent, the stilt walker always needs to apply resistance to the spring, their goal is just not to overextend this resistance and cause themselves to fall. For now, learn that the spring is your friend and use it, just refrain from leaning away from it until you become more advanced.
To reiterate, the three rules are: to main a box, to never cross one’s legs, and to never lean back. As you get better at stilt walking, you can break these rules. Just know that in almost every instance that someone has fallen on stilts, it was because they broke one of these rules.
First steps
Congratulations, by now you are ready to stand up and hopefully implement my rules. Make sure that whoever is helping you knows the three rules above so that they can point them out as you break them.
Once up in the air, use your friend’s hands to help balance you as you stand perfectly still in your box. Even if you are on pegs, I want you to use this time to stand as still as you can with this added support. Bend into your legs. Feel out limitations. Discover what happens when you go beyond your forward, backward, and side limits. These sensations are important to understand, as they are your warning signs moving forward.
Next, straighten up your back so that you are not curling your body over your feet. Continue to use your friend to balance you, but keep at this until you find yourself at a point where you can stand upright comfortably. If you are on pegs, use your friend’s hands to help you learn how to teeter from foot to foot and get to the point where you can keep your feet moving in one place without relying entirely on your friend. Remember, keep your feet around shoulder width apart in this process, it will allow you to move your feet without having to look at them, if they are apart, they cannot possibly hit each other.
Grab hold of your friend again. Keep them in front of you with their two hands high. Grasp them. Begin taking your first steps. Relax; it is exactly the same stride that you would usually take. Make sure each step is controlled. If you feel the urge to quickly step forward or else you would fall, refrain. It is perfectly normal, and perhaps the most common sensation that people have when they begin to stilt walk. This usually occurs when the stilter leans too far forward remember to keep your box shoulder width apart and not to cross your legs. Each step should involve picking up a foot and placing it a comfortable stride forward. It should not involve dragging your foot to where it needs to be.
The next step is to wean yourself off of your friend’s hands. Allow one hand to drop and bring your free hand to your side. Just let it dangle naturally. As you become comfortable enough, let go of the other hand, but ask your friend to keep their hands up in the air just in case. Make your way over to a wall and walk along it. If you feel unstable, use the wall to help regain your balance, but practice keeping your arms at your side and walking back and forth.
Turning Points
At this point you may be wondering how to turn around. You would have had to multiple times. Bring back your friend and have their hands in the air in case you need support. Practice teetering from foot to foot in a circle. Think about keeping one foot in the same place as the other foot orbits around. Practice this on both sides. It may take you up to 6 steps to turn 180 degrees. This is normal. Take the time to practice doing it in less. You will get to the point where you step once forward and once backward, turning your entire body in a single pivot, this is a very efficient way to turn, but in some situations, abrupt turns like that may prove less safe, like when a bunch of children are below you. It is always good to remember that a turn can take as long or as short of a time as you need.
Where to Walk from Here
Now that you can do the basics of walking and turning, practice walking to places with an objective. If you can, start on pavement or tile and then progress towards rougher terrains. I normally suggest choosing separated walls, telephone poles, and trees as goal posts. Each one is tall enough for the stilt walker to lean up against if they feel like they need a break. You will begin to find confidence in reaching each objective with time and practice. Thinking about stilt walking in terms of objectives helps prevent the desire to turn without thinking. During events these objectives will become smaller, but stopping one’s self to think about the next destination before a turn is ideal.
Terrains
Stilts are not normally built to have the same traction that sneakers have. Because of that, small changes in terrain can be problematic and large changes can be fatal. As you practice, test out different terrains. I will go into a few common ones, but every situation will be different and cause its own obstacles.
Pavement is typically the most generous because it offers a lot of friction for the rubber soles of your stilt. Keep an eye out for occasional potholes, as these can catch you off guard as your foot drops further than you might expect. Do not let its simplicity fool you. One of my hardest events was on pavement, the road was not perfectly flat, and instead it had two slight inclines that found their apex in the middle of the road. While I did not find many challenging obstacles here, my calves had a nice workout. Typically, pavement does not get too dangerous when wet. This is one of the heavier terrains, so heavy pounding of stilts while ripping out some nice dance moves can cause slight wear and tear on the metal, nuts, and bolts of your stilt.
Grass is pretty standard, but I find it to cause some problems. When wet, grass gets very slippery. Grass also tends to come in small clumpy mounds at fairgrounds, making it feel very uneven. If the grass is overgrown in some areas, you may miss tripping hazards like rocks, sticks, or small holes. Where there’s grass, dirt tends to follow. Depending on how loose the dirt is, a transition from one to the other can feel a little bit wonky. Keep your eyes out for leaves, when stepped on, they will slide along the grass and bring your feet out from underneath you.The plus side here is that there is enough absorption of force in the grass to prevent a lot of wear and tear on you stilt.
Boardwalks are common venues in New Jersey and I have had my fair share of experience on them. When wet, these can get very slippery for stilts. I have seen many stilt walkers decide to pop a squat on a trashcan if it begins to rain heavily on the boards. I will leave that up to you. A big enough foot on your stilt will keep you from falling, but no matter what stilt you are on, shorten your stride on wet wood. Also beware that there may be some slight height changes from board to board, causing tripping hazards. Typically, not much wear and tear occurs on the boardwalk.
Tile and marble flooring is typically a godsend. You can’t get much flatter than these if you tried. They are the most slippery when wet, but luckily it is easy to tell if the surface is wet. It is not so easy to tell if the floor was recently waxed. I do not advise playing around on waxed floors if you can help it. Marble is also notoriously hard, and my dad continuously shattered a pair of Bigfoots in his days on the marble floors of Showboat because of it.
So, how do we handle terrain? The easiest method is to never drag your feet. Most slipping and tripping problems occur when the stilt is not picked up high enough with a specific step. While your entire focus does not have to be on the ground, just keep a slight note of your surroundings as you walk around. Think of it as often as you would look at the rear view mirror in your car. It will slowly become second nature.
Inclines
You will inevitably encounter inclines. Practice them as often as you can. They generally feel different when on stilts than on your own feet, and that is typically because the stilts’ feet will not adjust like human feet can on impact. As the incline gets steeper you may have to adjust yourself so that you walk on the balls of your feet up hill and the heels of your feet down hill. You will also have to lean ever so slightly into the direction of the hill to keep your belly button over the feet of your stilts.
Stairs
Most stilt walkers will see stilts and automatically search for a ramp. They are also pretty difficult, but one day you will have to walk up a flight of stairs because the ramp is too far away. So practice. Find stairs that have railings and walls next to them. These will at least give you something to steady yourself on as you take steps that are typically much higher than usual. Try to seek out stairs that are deeper at first and slowly move towards regular sized stairs. Get to the point where you can comfortably attack stairs that do not have rails or walls, as you may encounter these at parks or outside stadiums. The key to walking up stairs is to keep your back straight, only slightly leaning toward the stairs and to lift up your leg high enough to then softly place it down. Being hunched over will only cause you to lose your balance.
Learning New Moves
I personally think that events are the best time to learn new moves and to make old news better. Even if a move is not perfect, it is still impressive to a crowd because it holds more energy than walking around does. Always try to push slowly out of your comfort zone. Otherwise, you risk falling.
Some simple mechanics that you need to learn as building blocks for most tricks is the ability to balance on one foot, the ability to crouch down, pivot, twist, jump, and generally be able to swing one leg. You should also learn how to take steps to the side and backwards. A tricky move is the “grapevine” which involves crossing your legs. Instead of crossing them, rotate your hips to keep your box from being completely destroyed as you do this move. Once you have these down, think back to all of those horrible line dances that you learned in middle school. Pick isolated moves from these and learn them. They become great repertoire when out on the dance floor because white boy dancing is generally pretty impressive on stilts. With time and practice, become creative. If you happen to learn any choreography in a show or from friends, try it on stilts!
Costumes
Unfortunately, it is really hard to find stilt costumes. My recommendation is to learn to sew and build your own.
If you get a pants pattern, find the point in the leg that the pants become wide, then cut the pattern perpendicular to the pattern. Get pieces of paper and tape them together to the pattern until the length of the leg is as long as yours on stilts. You will need to either place a drawstring in the waist of your pants or use suspenders to prevent your pants from drooping and tripping you.
Luckily, your shirt size does not change, so any vest, or shirt will definitely work and you can become more creative with them. Hats and wigs are always nice additions, especially if they can add even more height to your person. At outdoor events, try to find ways to incorporate sunglasses or goggles. You will tend to be higher than many tents and will not get much shade, so this will help you block out the sun.
Some people will create foam shoes that they can stretch elastic over for stilts. They are then placed on the stilt using Velcro. I am personally not a fan of that, because it is just another costume piece to have to fix whenever it breaks. Generally, even kids will know that you are a stilt walker. You do not need to hide that fact from them. Shoes can create a nice theatricality though if you want to attempt to suspend disbelief on stage, and I find that people who adhere a regular sized dress shoe to their stilt are pretty mesmerizing.
*Tips*
Sunblock is very important outdoors. If you are applying it, keep in mind that you will likely sweat in the summer heat with so much moving around. Try not to put sunblock on your forehead or in your eyes because being blinded is not very fun. With the heat in mind, choose hats and wigs that can breathe so that your head does not overheat and make you sweat off all of your sunblock.
Types of Events
Events generally break down to three types on stilts: stage, walk-around, and parades.
Stage events are typically shorter and involve intensive skills for a routine. Typically, people use pegs in stage events because they are impressive, but only do this if you know that you will be moving the entire time, otherwise you will need a giant cane or staff to prevent you from teetering and distracting the audience.
Walk-around events involve a static location where the stilt walker is given free range to mingle with the crowd. These are great locations for trying out new moves and posing for pictures. In pictures, put the light source in front of you so that you are not in the dark on camera and always extend yourself so that they can look at you as very tall in hindsight. People in these events typically surround you, so be very mindful of whom you might step on. It is pretty easy to do bursts of energy in these events and then find a break to regain your breath, so do not worry too much about pacing yourself.
Parades are pretty difficult because you want everyone in the audience to find something impressive about you, but it is a very daunting cardio workout. Bust out the dance moves when the parade comes to a standstill and use the time that the parade is moving to catch your breath. When the parade is moving, find pictures to pose for, as it allows you a chance to stop, but always remember to keep up with your section. Otherwise you will end up using all your energy to catch back up with the parade. If the parade is long, find a place in the parade to stash a bottle of water so that you can remain hydrated, but take small swigs.
No matter what type of event or your level of stilt walking, have fun. It is an opportunity to have something close to a super power.
**Special thanks to my friends Andy, Petey and Nicole for allowing me to use (and for taking) photos at our training session!**
So you have finished reading the how tall are stilts topic article, if you find this article useful, please share it. Thank you very much. See more: Bocking stilts, Jumping stilts wiki, Circus performance, Digitigrade, Tightrope walking, Powerbocking, Juggling wiki, Cirque du Soleil
