CIRKAO Fixed Stilts

Item sold in pairs . CIRKAO stilts are handcrafted in France, in the Ardèche region. They are delivered without shoes.

Each pair of CIRKAO stilts is custom-made to order. The production time is usually around one week , but it can take two to three weeks during peak periods—especially when everyone suddenly realizes they need stilts just before Christmas! If you have a performance date or any other specific requirement, please contact us before ordering: we will check with you to see if production is possible within your timeframe.

CIRKAO stilts in video

Vincent has been a professional stilt walker for over 20 years. In this video, he presents the CIRKAO stilts in detail and shares many tips from his experience: adjustments, use, comfort and professional practice.

The video is quite long, but if you're considering investing in a pair of professional stilts, we highly recommend watching it in its entirety. Even experienced stilt walkers should find some interesting information in it.

CIRKAO professional stilts

Handcrafted in the Ardèche region of France, CIRKAO stilts are designed around an aluminum structure with a molded central element. The entire assembly is cold-welded.

Marketed for over 25 years and used by artists in many countries, CIRKAO stilts have gradually become a standard in the industry. Many stilt walkers still know them by their former name: PREAU stilts .

Whether for strolling, dancing, performing, parading, costumes, or acrobatics, their versatile design allows them to be used in a wide variety of ways. They are also used in circus schools for teaching stilt walking.

Download our CIRKAO stilt documentation

An aluminum structure designed for stilt walkers

The use of aluminium makes it possible to obtain a structure that is both robust and relatively light, a point particularly appreciated when the stilts are worn for several hours during a parade or a procession.

The behavior of aluminum is also important in the event of an incident. If, for example, the bottom of the stilt were to suddenly get stuck in a hole or a manhole while walking, the tube can deform or bend under significant stress. This deformation can help to limit some of the forces transmitted directly to the stilt walker's leg and knee.

Manufacturing of the molded central element

This video allows you to discover the manufacturing of one of the key components of CIRKAO stilts: their molded central element.

NetJuggler information:

Each pair of CIRKAO stilts we sell is made to order. This manufacturing process also allows us to explore custom configurations when your project deviates from standard dimensions.

Choose the height of your stilts

CIRKAO bases are available in 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 and 100 cm heights . The indicated height corresponds to the distance between the floor and the platform on which your foot rests.

To go higher, there's no need to change stilts: the CIRKAO system allows you to add extensions.

Adjustable stilts: CIRKAO extensions

A pair of fixed stilts can be upgraded later thanks to CIRKAO extensions .

Three extension sizes are available:

• 20/40 cm
• 30/50 cm
• 40/60 cm

A 20/40 cm extension allows, for example, to transform a 50 cm base into 70 or 90 cm stilts.

We can also manufacture certain lengths to measure. If you are preparing a particular costume, a company creation, or a project requiring a specific height, contact us so we can work together to determine the appropriate configuration.

Shock-absorbing quillons

CIRKAO stilts come standard with shock-absorbing feet . Their slightly curved underside allows the rubber to compress gradually upon contact with the ground. This flexibility provides some cushioning with each step and improves comfort, especially for the back during extended use.

The quillons can rotate 360° . This freedom of rotation makes the movements more natural and adds dynamism when changing direction or when the wading bird turns on itself.

Stilt-walker tip: if the rotation of a quillon becomes less fluid, a small amount of flour between the quillon and the nylon tip can facilitate its rotation.

The quillons are wear parts and can be replaced. Their removal is simple in principle, although sometimes a little force is needed to remove a well-installed quillon.

We also offer flat stilts . These are less comfortable than shock-absorbing models and are therefore rarely preferred for walking. However, they are appreciated by some stilt dancers who seek a more direct contact with the ground and more noise, particularly during choreography on a wooden stage.

The CIRKAO leg warmer

The leg support can be adjusted in height and width to fit the wading bird's size. Two foam pads are placed on either side of the calf to improve comfort.

It can also pivot and follow the movements of the leg. This mobility is particularly useful during prolonged use: shows, parades or long walks.

Attaching shoes to CIRKAO stilts

The stilts are delivered without shoes and can be used in two ways:

• Use with straps: the foot and shoe are held directly on the stilt.
• Shoes fixed to the stilts: the shoes can be screwed onto the platform so that they remain permanently on the stilts.

The permanent shoe attachment is particularly useful when the stilts are always used by the same person. This saves you time each time you put them on.

For screw fixing, use shoes in good condition with compact soles that are strong enough to accommodate the fixing.

Spare parts and repairability

CIRKAO stilts are designed for long-term maintenance. We offer the main spare parts: extensions, quillons, nylon tips, straps, molded central elements, leg supports, foam padding, and screws .

In some cases, we can also carry out repairs, particularly to redo certain glued joints. These repairs are assessed on a case-by-case basis: please feel free to contact us with photos of your stilts and a description of the problem.

CIRKAO stilt assembly

The pair is delivered partially assembled, with the necessary screws and assembly instructions. The tools required for assembly are not included.

If you are using extensions, these must be assembled separately with 4 screws.

To assemble the extensions, remove the screw and then the white nylon tip with the rubber pad. Remove the PVC ring using the provided curved sheet metal piece and keep both pieces. Next, position the white tip, without the PVC ring, into the extension and then screw everything back together.

Some holes on the stilts may seem unnecessary: they are designed to allow the mounting of different configurations and accessories.

For what type of practice?

CIRKAO stilts are used for walking, shows, dancing, parades, acrobatic practices and teaching stilts in circus schools.

They have been used for over 25 years by professional artists, in Europe and in many other countries. They can be found both under large parade costumes and on stage or in creations where stilts constitute a discipline in their own right.

Their long-standing presence in the professional circus world also explains their use in circus schools. Learning on equipment that students will later encounter in the world of professional entertainment offers genuine educational value.

For activities involving dance and acrobatics, the recommended maximum user weight is 90 kg . For those exceeding this weight, we offer a reinforced version of the CIRKAO stilts . This version is also recommended for performances incorporating acrobatic lifts.

Safety tips before going on stilts

As with any equipment intended for use at height, the condition of stilts must be checked regularly and before use.

• Check that the shoes or foot support system are properly secured.
• Check the condition and tightness of the straps.
• Check the connections of the various screwed and glued elements.
• Check the overall condition of the molded central element.
• Check the condition and wear of the quillons.
• Inspect the tubes and do not use a stilt with abnormal deformation.

Wearing appropriate protective gear, including knee pads and wrist guards, is strongly recommended. Training should take place in an environment specifically designed for stilt walking.

On what types of ground can CIRKAO stilts be used?

The shock-absorbing quillons fitted as standard allow the stilts to be used on many surfaces: asphalt, paving stones, outdoor floors, grass and various performance surfaces .

The terrain should always be observed before walking. Holes, grates, differences in level and obstacles that are easily missed on foot take on a whole new importance when you are a meter above the ground.

On soft or waterlogged ground, the quillons can also sink into the soil. It is then necessary to adapt one's pace and gait to the conditions encountered.

Walking on stilts in the snow

Stilt walkers are regularly called upon for shows and performances in ski resorts. The snow simply requires adapting their technique to the terrain.

Opt for a slow, deliberate walk , lift your knees higher, and use your upper body more to guide and control your movements. Before a performance, also take the time to observe the type and depth of the snow on your route.

On cobblestones, packed snow or more generally on surfaces with less grip, favor small steps and accompany the movement more with the pelvis.

On stilts, the terrain is part of the performance: always take the time to reconnoiter your route before setting off on your walk.