New media designer Jay Hutchinson

New media designer Jay Hutchinson (20) reveals his passion for stilt walking.

What’s your obsession?
‘Stilt walking (powerisers). It is an extreme sport and it’s had a huge impact in the US, being tipped as the next big thing after skateboards and rollerblades. Powerisers give you the ability to jump six feet in the air and stride up to nine feet, at speeds in excess of 20 mph.’

What got you into it?
‘I found out about it and went along to a couple of stilt workshops run by local company Performers, working with both standard stilts and powerisers. I enjoyed it and then bought my own set of powerisers.’

How often do you do it?
‘Most weekends, mainly throughout the summer. It needs to be a nice day, if it is wet you daren’t go out otherwise you’ll fall over on a slippery surface – and getting yourself back up on these things is a mission! The best conditions are when the tarmac is hot (providing grip) and the air temperature is cooler, just after work throughout the summer is pretty much perfect.’

Where do you do it?
‘I usually jump from St Aubin across to Bel Royal, grab a quick drink and then head back to St Aubin. You should see the looks we get! The great thing about powerisers is that if you find a good open space, you can practice pretty much anywhere.’

Is it easy to get into?
‘If you want to find a new way of keeping fit, enjoy running and you have a spare £250 knocking about, go online and buy some. I fell over, pretty badly, on my first go but now I know my limits. The best way into this sport is to build and build confidence, then attempt tricks and flips.’

What skills do you need?
‘Good balance is essential and you have to be pretty fearless, otherwise you’ll never develop your skills. You need pads and a helmet too – safety is extremely important.’

Is it popular in Jersey?
‘I saw a couple of guys doing it about two years ago, but since I’ve taken it up there’s only been a relatively small group of us going out during the summer. Jersey is brilliant as it has plenty of places to go and jump. Providing you are controlled in your movements and keep out of people’s way then you can do it pretty much anywhere. If it became more popular, it would be great to have the use of an indoor hall with crash mats to practice flips on – if you try a flip outside and it goes wrong, it hurts.’

What do you like about it?
‘Going jumping gives you a brilliant sense of freedom. Even though you could be running among walkers and cyclists, the extra level of height with your iPod plugged in, taking it at your own pace really relaxes you and it also keeps you fit. You can set yourself challenges, too. Once you know you can jump six or seven feet with confidence, you can then look at developing moves and flips. Jumping onto high surfaces and using different techniques means that there is always something to learn and pushing yourself to the limit gives you an adrenaline rush.’

What do you need to do it?
‘You’ll need a set of poweriser stilts (different types for different weights), helmet and pads.’

How do I get into it?
‘You’ve got pretty much two options – you can go on the web, buy yourself some and learn as you go, or, keep a look out for workshops going on throughout the year. For details of these contact Christophe Château at Performers on 617479.’

• Know anyone with an offbeat passion for crazy dance moves, wild sports or anything else extra-ordinary? Put them in touch with the jepGO… team