Doctors concerns are raised over the recent commercialization of jumping stilts in Canada. They are worried about head injuries suffered by people who practice “powerbocking.”
Jumping stilts are shiny, metallic, curved springs that are strapped on just below the knee and vendors say they allow users to jump higher, run faster and even perform acrobatic back-flips. Each boot consists of a foot-plate with snowboard type bindings, rubber foot pad which is also commonly called a hoof, and a carbon fibreglass leaf spring.
Using only their weight, the user is generally able to jump 4-7 ft off the ground and run up to 20 mph. They also give the ability to take up to 9-foot strides. Amongst hobbyists, they are referred to as powerbocks, (”bocks” for short), in honor of the inventor Alexander Boeck.
Recently, they were brought to world attention when 200 people performed on them at the closing ceremonies of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, reported the
Canadian Press. Dr. Scott Delaney, a sports medicine physician for the Montreal Alouettes and the Montreal Impact soccer team, says he’s worried about head and upper body injuries. Delaney said in an interview, “They are upwards of 18 inches off the ground, so when they fall they’re going to be falling straight on their head if they fall backwards. I just really worry.” Marlyn Gagne, a Montreal distributor for the Power Strider brand in Canada, says the stilts are no more dangerous than in-line skates and added,
I would say it’s safer because it’s easier to keep your balance than it is on skates.
Gary Armstrong ,the global licensee for the brand Air-Trekkers, says that after 30 months of distribution there have been no serious injuries in the USA. “It’s silly for people to comment on a product that they have never used or seen used. Most parent’s first comments are, “they are too dangerous”. History has shown us otherwise. If one wears the proper safety gear, is initially cautious, reads the guide manual, watches the instruction videos, and patiently learns how to properly use the units - they discover that jumping stilts aren’t nearly as dangerous as one would think.
IF you are interest in purchasing a pair of jumping stilts we suggest checking out Air-Trekkers which can be purchased for as little as $269 which includes free shipping to your door.
Tags: Jumping Stilts News
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I haven’t heard any doctors speaking about the dangers of snowboarding or any other extreme sports is. Why are they worried about jumping stilts? They want us to be active but the hobbies we choose are to dangerous? Every sport out there has a safety risk.
If anything jumping stilts are much safer than skateboarding or in line skating! Running really fast and jumping over obstacles isn’t nearly as dangerous as grinding rail and jumping 20 stairs. Plus compared to skateboarding the stilts are strapped to your feet which makes easier to control. I do say wear your safety equipment at all times, then there would be nothing to worry about.
Don’t worry about what the doctors say, I say do the things that make you happy. For me it’s going out when ever I have a chance and powerbocking!