Anime Central May 8th - 10th

Hello Sirs, and Ladies too!

Quickly approaching us is the upcoming month of May. With it comes many things, increase in heat, longer days, and a random thunderstorm. But what does that mean for you and me? A greatly increased, and exciting time to bock! It's truly a great time for us.

But best of all, it brings one more thing! Anime Central, the Midwest largest Anime Convention. One of the best places to gather, and talk about all things Anime, Manga, Comics, Movies, Sci-Fi, video games, and so so much more. I propose that we make that "more" be about Powerbocking.

Imagine walking about the convention center, and streets in Rosemont, IL. Heads above the daily thousands of convention goers. Every year the convention proves to be a blast. This year shall not disappoint.

If any other bockers, or those interested in learning about jumping stilts and the like. Please feel free to check out www.acen.org for the conventions information. Then either look for the tallest people there, or hit me up at XDvandalDJ@gmail.com

After the con, be sure to check back here for the full report

Visiting the National Cherry Blossom Festival on Stilts

The Cherry Blossom Festival is a wonderful event that happens in DC when the Japanese Cherry Blossom Trees bloom and surround the tidal areas of DC with breathtaking pink and white petals.

Unfortunately the spectacular scenery attracts a huge crowd and the lack of good transportation nearby makes getting around very difficult... for most.

Power stilts change the equation! Now the 4 miles around the area and up to the subway passes with the greatest of ease. The crowd becomes a moving slalom course and every unobstructed view overlooks the heads of those around.

Not to mention the fun of running and jumping in a beautiful place to the amazement and shock of lots of people. Please visit the DC Power Stilts Flickr Photo Stream for the photos I took or were of me on this fine Sunday afternoon.

Since it worked out so well, I think next year I'll organize a group of us to go down together. Mark your calendars and come to DC for the National Cherry Blossoms.

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:

New: Become a DC Power Stilts Affiliate!

DC Power Stilts is currently seeking people who love bocking and enjoy sharing the fun with their friends and communities to join our new affiliate program.

Earn while Powerbocking
There are many benefits, but the main things are that you get paid, you get discounts, and you can give discounts to others. All you have to do is promote the sport, show off your power stilts and tell the people in your community about a professional, bocker-run, bocking business. When a DC Power Stilts customer uses your code, you earn a commission fee.

Build up a community or start a team
The affiliate program is a great way to help your friends or your team get discounts and affiliation with DC Power Stilts opens the door to working together for programs and events that will build up your community so you can enjoy bocking with others.

Click here to learn more about the program and how to apply

(You must be 18+ or have your parent's permission to join the program)

Google: More Fees Coming

Just got a note today saying that Google is planning to up the online transaction fees on all small businesses by 50%. After going through the process of programming them into the DC Power Stilts Web Shop, this unexpected change is going to take more off-the-top.

All I need to do to keep the current transaction rate is to process $100,000 worth of business per month.

Lucky for you, I'm a nice guy, and I'm not planning to up prices over this... but if you want to help, get your orders in by April 30, before the fees go up. Thanks :-)

Beautiful Bocking Weekend

Wow! Saturday and Sunday with nice 70 degree weather in Washington DC. AKA two great days for bocking :-) Yesterday, here in Friendship Heights, I demonstrated the power stilts and taught a doctor to have a higher perspective. Today I worked on a video project for the National Parks and Recreation Magazine, and then met up with a friend in Dupont Circle. Since he was running a little late, I decided to get some exercise and bock around for a bit. I was pretty thirsty from the video project, but I had a Gatorade stashed in my car. However, Just as I finished putting on my stilts, a Red Bull truck pulled up with free samples... It was fun. As my friend and I headed to brickskeller for a brew, I was putting something in my car when I ran into a fellow who had just finished dinner with a bottle of wine, and wanted an impromptu lesson.

After a brief lesson on my demo stilts (originally $499), he taught me & my friend how to use his $5000 Segway. I think we need to have a power stilts vs segway polo match. Amazing device, but I'll take ten pairs of stilts and some excersize with my transportation. Bocking was enjoyed and hopefuly a few more people can say they have seen power stilts in action. Thank you beautiful weekend :-)

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!

"Bock" Obama Inauguration Festivities

After listening to Obama take the Oath of Office via a Jumbotron, the energy and exuberance of the crowd was enough to make you want to jump for joy!

Of the 1.8 Million people celebrating the inauguration in downtown DC, only the coolest, best-informed were smart enough to bring their own stilts.

Security zones were arbitrary and unclear, but walking all over town was a given, and the usual transport network had been mostly shut down by the sheer size of the crowds. Standing above the crowd really added to the awareness of the magnitude of what was going on.



Compare the above picture taken of me in front of the WW2 memorial with the picture from atop stilts below. While everyone was on their toes to peer over each other's heads, I was marveling in the incredible views.


Visit my flickr photostream for more pictures from "Bock" Obama Inauguration Festivities.

Unfortunately with cold temps below freezing all day, weather was not ideal to spend the day doing outdoor activities, so only one polar bear went bocking into history with the "Bock" Obama Inauguration. Although it has been noted that performers on spring stilts entertained at the Neighborhood Inaugural Ball.

Web Store Now Verified by Google

After much delay and some red tape, Google finally awarded me their "checkout" badge. Basically that means in every Google seller listing, I get a little shopping cart icon. The implication is that I'm now verified and a trustworthy seller. Just thought I'd post the good news :-) Here's my Google seller rating. Please let me know what I can do to earn your five/five.

"Bock" Obama Inaugural Festivities

In less than two weeks, DC will be "the place to be" with the much anticipated Inauguration of Barack Obama. Many DC businesses will be shut down for the Inaugural Festivities, but DC Power Stilts will be OPEN!

Whether you are from DC or if you are visiting over the inaugural weekend, it will be a good time to schedule a tryout lesson. (click on >>> to select times/days.)

DC Inaugural Meetup
During the holiday weekend, we will meet and take to the inaugural route on our stilts. We will show our new leaders, and others what it looks like to take the high road (from 18" higher).

On inauguration day, imagine the crowds fighting for a view of the parade route. If only you could rise above them and see the acts and the new presidential Cadillac for yourself... DC Power Stilts will be watching the historic event from on high, spring-loaded stilts with extra mobility for the long walks and a vision for the future.

Join us and go powerbocking into history! (Contact DC Power Stilts if interested)

Christmas Miracles since 2008

Poem inspired by my customers

Twas the week before Christmas, with time running out,
The gift has been chosen, too late for ground route,
The tree has been set, and decorated with care,
lonely for power stilts that soon would be there.

We waited all night and morning snug in our beds,
While bocking tricks and videos played in our heads.
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
Stilts were being labeled, and shipped via sky,

Then all of a sudden there came a loud clatter,
and then on the walkway a faint pitter-patter,
Away to the window I flew with fling of quilts,
FedEx Express Overnight arrived with spring stilts.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment he must be named Nick.
Miracles delivered when he drove out of sight,
He bellowed:
"Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

And to share my inspiration:

Thank you so VERY much, David, for making this happen. I suspect that my other two kids--as well as kids in our neighborhood--will be buying more from you. I will be CERTAIN to recommend you. Thank you again, David. Have a wonderful Christmas!

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!

Sign-Up to Join Us

Given the unpredictable weather this time of year, I'm not generally scheduling promotional events, but I am doing tryouts evenings and weekends by appointment. I'm based out of Friendship Heights and if you can make it here, I'm very open on the available day/times.

New: There's now an online signup form that streamlines the process.

Use our new form to:

• sign up for a free tryout
  
• schedule a lesson
  
• sign up for news and discounts
  
• send us a message
  

Video from Bock NYC

Group trick:


Nicely edited! (I'm in camouflage pants with blue springs.)