Capital Bocking USA Report

There were nine participants that showed up (that found us) and we came from impressive swath of the country. US States represented were: TX, VT, WV, MA, PA, MD, NY. Also represented was the UK. Most importantly, everyone had fun and no one got hurt.


From the DC Power Stilts Youtube Channel

The DC Power Stilts Challenge Format
Basically the format consists series of mostly easy/ intermediate "challenges" which participants could opt to participate in for points. Some challenges were harder and worth more points, and some were team or head-to-head competitions. Bonus points were awarded to the farthest traveled, the youngest, the oldest, the most feminine, knowledge of congressional procedures, and even for coming to the pizza party. The "secret point swap" made it partly a survivor-style, team strategy game as well. With a variety of skill levels represented and an emphasis on participation, all those in attendance were energized throughout each of the activities.

The first part of the competition was structured challenges on DC's great bocking terrain. Some people tried the terrain challenges for the first time.

DC Power Stilts threw down a good pizza party to start the weekend, and hopefully we indoctrinated everyone with our business philosophy and commitment to powerbocking.



From the DC Power Stilts Youtube Channel

The afternoon consisted of walking/touring in a popular and historic area of town with ice-cream treat. Points were awarded for crossing the bridge from VA into DC. It was hot, but weather stayed dry.

Sunday was a relaxed format where we had breakfast together and hung out in a park near a big farmers/craft market. We got breakfast, played with the camera a bit, and relaxed. Then we did the secret point swap followed by a somber awards ceremony. With obstacle courses, races, group challenges, quizzes, bonus awards, and point swapping, the winners really earned their prizes. I'll profile the event winners in a future blog.

One thing that stands out is that the DC event was a huge success in terms of publicity and local awareness. We were prominently featured with a full color photo and listing on the first page of the Washington Post Weekend Section. I'm estimating that at least 50 people came to spectate the various challenge events, and there were also about 50 that attended the Free try-out lessons after the competition event, which quickly reached capacity. (Thanks to Dominion for pitching in to help teach and organize the crowd!). It seems that about half of those taking lessons were youths, so it was very nice to see that level of interest in our sport.

Powerbocking was extremely visible throughout the city this weekend, as evidenced by a number of local acquaintances who contacted me after seeing people on stilts. I was even riding up the elevator when I overheard two people talking about "people jumping on stilts... in the park".

It was some work to organize and host everyone but I wish I had you all in town every weekend! Be sure and attend next year.

DC Parkour + Testimonial Tuesday

Over the weekend, I upgraded a customer who had a tilting footplate to the Poweriser Advanced bindings and hardware. While watching people practice and perform stunts at the DC Metro Parkour Meet-up, I actually got to try out the newly upgraded stilts, and was impressed with how the tilting footplate improves running without hindering the usual moves. It took me a minute to get use to the different mobility, but as an experienced bocker it was quite easy to start running, jumping, and leaping right away. Who knows... we may see a tilting footplate on a future Poweriser model.

Testimonial Tuesday,
Reminding you that service is one of our four business foci:

"I would just like to thank you for the prompt responses and such. You conduct your business with the finest customer service I've ever received"

After a shipping mistake a customer realized he didn't have the correct order. Not only did I apologize but I let him know that we would take care of fixing the mistake. Upon learning that he would not have to worry about the mistake, he responded:

"Thanks for being an awesome dealer."

And in case you didn't notice, our business foci are:
Instruction > Sales > Service > Community

Announcing Lower Prices!

Good things come to those who wait! Thanks to increasing popularity, Poweriser USA has announced permanent lower prices. The popular Poweriser Advanced is now priced $100 less than yesterday. The Poweriser Kids has been increasingly mass produced can now be purchased for $50 less than before. Based on past history, these prices should last about two years. The Poweriser Classic is the same price as before and is still the most affordable set, and they are sharing more and more upgraded parts with the Advanced level of stilts.

If you have been on the fence about ordering, I suggest taking a look at the Poweriser Advanced. It's an amazing value at $399. The DC Power Stilts Web Shop has been updated and is ready for your order.

Dogs on Stilts

Don't just walk you dog, now you can bock your dog! Dr. Zancos, a circus veterinarian, was out behind the big top, when he noticed an acrobat on stilts going for a walk with the clowns' dog! As the leashed dog struggled to keep up with it's owner on stilts, the doctor decided that the dog needed an even playing field. After much testing and modification, Dr Zancos was able to fit a pair of Poweriser Kids and a two small peg stilts to fit the dog comfortably. After some initial reluctance and further training, he found that the dog with power stilts was capable of running faster and jumping higher than their tiger.

Next Dr. Zancos is going to be working with the tiger, named April.
Fools in the circus:

The Legendary PowerSkip

DC Power Stilts Expands! We now offer parts and merchandise for PowerSkip Brand. While PowerSkips are priced at the top of the market, there are many reasons why they are the best. If you need to get huge jumps or perform acrobatics on a responsive, lightweight fibreglass spring, consider the PowerSkip Classic. If you need to upgrade your running, consider the PowerSkip Pro with it's custom shoes and tilting footplate.

Since we are focused on only the best merchandise, we are very excited to offer this brand in partnership with the Böck Family; The family that invented Powerbocking!

How long will Shipping take?

I just added this to my FAQ Page. Every customer wants to know how long shipping will take. As each order ships, I always send you the FedEx tracking information. However it's often useful to have the answer before placing the order, for planning purposes.

So whats the answer? It depends where you live :)

Here's the map:

Please note: These estimated shipping times are not a guarantee. Shipping normally starts the business-day-after the order was placed. Packages in transit will move over the weekends, but FedEx pickups and deliveries only occur on weekdays.

Hope this helps!

Poweriser Luggage Road Test

This bag was road-tested at Bock NYC, and performed admirably. It has a strap for holding the stilts securely, and plating to keep them from being dinged up. is able to hold stilts, padding, clothes, and had empty room for bringing things back. The dis/advantage to this suitcase is that it's pretty large, but it's the perfect shape suitcase for our stilts. I have a very large Swiss Army suitcase/duffel that I use for skiing, and it didn't come close to being able to fit the spring stilts.

Pulling it on the wheels was ideal for walking to the train and the bus. With two sets of handles and a shoulder strap, lifting it over turnstyles and climbing up multiple sets of stairs to get out of the NYC subway was as easy as grabbing it.

Overall, the trip added a few scuffs, but this is the solution for traveling with stilts. Tip: It comes with a lock in the side pocket, but US airlines prohibit most kinds of zipper locks.

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