Stilts and The Balance of Life

Do you still remember having a good time with stilts during your childhood? Those of us coming from countrysides would remember this game. At least, everytime we celebrate the Independence Day of August 17, there were almost always stilts competitions.

Today there are many stilts to choose from, but the traditional kinds found in many places in the Archipelago are usually made of bamboo canes. They are about 2 meters long with footholds of about 25 long, just the right size for the feet. The footholds are about half a meter above the ground. The game is mostly played by boys, but recently girls also join in the fun. So do adults.

The principle of the game is to train our balance. When we play stilts, the most stirring moment is when we make the first step on the foothold. After we manage to place our feet steadily then steps are made slowly by holding on to the bamboo cane. The impressive part of this game is as if we are taller than other people.

Stilts are generally played on a dry and flat field. If there is a lawn so much the better because it must be safer. When people compete on stilts, the game is similar to a 100 or 200 meter sprint. The players will line up on the start line holding their stilts. When the whistle blows, the participants stepped immediately on the footholds of their stilts and quickly take wide steps. They race within a certain distance to the finish line. The game can be found throughout the Archipelago with many names.