History of Jumping Stilts

Jumping stilts are still relatively new to the jumping-toy scene and a great addition to the “extreme sport” side of jumping toys.  If the word “stilts” in their name brings to mind images of stationary sticks with little foot rests, then you’re in for a big surprise (or fright!).  These contraptions of fiberglass springs and metal can give most wearers the ability jump 3-5 feet in the air, take 9-foot strides in a single bound and run about 20 mph (so basically you can feel like a kangaroo!).

Who would even think of inventing these things?  Actually, a lot of people – over the course of the last decade, many companies around the world have jumped on this extreme sports bandwagon.  

The original design was created by German inventor Alexander Bock in 1999 and patented in 2004 – he originally called his jumping stilts, “Powerskips.”  Since then a variety or brands have popped up – 7 League Boots, Air-Trekkers, Powerizers, Pro-Jump, PowerSkip, and much more. However, despite the many brands available, using jumping stilts is still referred to as “bocking” or “powerbocking” and jumping stilt enthusiasts are known as “bockers” – a tribute to the original creator. 

Follow this link for best jumping stilts options available on the current market today.

 

References
  1. Wikipedia – Jumping Stilts: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jumping_stilts
  2. The Way Toys Work. Sobey, Ed and Woody Sobey.  2008 p.131-132
  3. History of Jumping Stilts: http://tysonkane7883.tripod.com/tennisking55/
  4. Patents: https://patents.google.com/patent/US6719671

RELATED POSTS

About Peter

Father of very active four children and ends up having to review all sorts of randomness.  They love to play soccer and jump around.