Stilt Walking is an Adventure

A Stilt walking Memory

This little girl is using the same type of stilt that I learned to use.

​The other day I was sitting with some friends and we verbally walked down memory lane.

One of the memories which we talked about concerned stilt walking. This was an activity that many of us enjoyed in our youthful years. This was a favorite outdoor activity in our neighborhood.

Stilts were not available in department stores. Our fathers made them out of wood. Stilts can now be purchased in department and toy stores for children.

The children and adults who enjoy stilt walking today work with aluminum/steel stilts which are made for workers.

​But for those who are willing they will take the time to maker their own from wood. 

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Types of Stilts

Drywall stilts are popular for beginning stilt walkers because they offer more stability for balancing.

Or perhaps the character which they are portraying is not very active and the person on the stilts will not need to work as hard maintaining balance by using the drywall stilts.

There are 6 other stilt styles used by other types of workers as well as stilt walkers who are entertainers.

These are peg stilts. To maintain balance a person needs to constantly be moving. This person is a clown practicing his juggling act. He will change into his clown costume for showtime.

Interesting costumes conceal the peg stilts and Canadian crutches. Some people will design their own style of crutches and stilts.

The next two styles of stilts which walkers use include the peg style and Canadian crutches which are used for arm extensions especially when representing four-legged characters. 

The peg style will hold the body erect and will require the operator to constantly move in order to maintain balance.

When representing a four-legged animal or creature the body needs to bend forward from the waistline. The Canadian crutches are worn on the arms permitting the operator to balance and support the bent body.for walking and other active movements. 

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Young girl practicing with her spring stilts.

The spring type of stilt is used by the more athletic and advanced stilt walkers. The characters which are used are those which do a lot of running, and jumping. Science fiction characters are a favorite for these stilt activities. 

The type of character that you are portraying will wear stilts suited to its character traits and activities. 

Examples:

A walking tree:  drywall stilts

A clown: peg stilts

A mythical character: spring stilts

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Stilt walking Activities

​As a hobby, you can entertain at outdoor activities, such as parades, street festivals, and special community events. Children enjoy this style of entertainment at birthday parties. There are many more other types of outlets available for the hobbyist. Just tell people that you are an amateur stilt walker and you will be invited to their special parties and gatherings.

Do you want more information? Read Stilt-Walkers: Athletic Hobby or Career

​Are you looking for other types of hobbies? Visit our Hobby list