Making Stilts

You will need: two straight 2″ x 2″s [without knots] 6′ long or one clear-grain 6′ long 2″ x 4″ cut lengthwise down the middle; 10″ long 2″ x 4″; four 3″ flathead wood screws; handsaw; 3/16″ and 1/2″ drill bits and drill; screwdriver; wood rasp and medium-grain sandpaper; 2″ wide leather strap or webbing [optional].

1. Cut 10″ long 2″ x 4″ diagonally with handsaw.

2. Position top of triangular piece [footboard] at least two feet from ground. Countersink screw hole 1/2″ on footboard with 1/2″ bit, drill 3/16″ hole as indicated, then insert screw and secure footboard to stilt using screwdriver.

3. Countersink hole 1/2″ on outside of stilt with 1/2″ bit, drill 3/16″ hole as indicated, then insert screw and secure top of footboard to inside of stilt using screwdriver.

4. Round off stilt handle and make smooth with wood rasp and sandpaper. Round off bottom of stilt so it won’t be likely to split. Repeat process for matching stilt.

NOTE: Because learners must be able to jump off stilts quickly when they lose their balance, attach straps for speedier walking only when you have mastered stilt walking without straps.