Youngster springs Otjiwarongo to life

Twenty-one-year-old Otjiwarongo resident Born Bright Nkwezi has a spring in his step that is hard to ignore.

Nkwezi regularly has scores of tourists and other keen observers in awe as they scramble to take pictures of him effortlessly running like a gazelle and hopping around town like a steroid-induced kangaroo dressed in villain-fighting super hero-like attire.

The youngster claims to be Namibia’s first powerbocker, and he is gathering quite a following, with many from his hometown now keen to follow in his footsteps.

The act of powerbocking is jumping and running with elastic-like spring-loaded stilts. For some it is an extreme sport, for others it is a form of exercise, entertainment or even a means of artistic expression. The use of the stilts to perform extreme jumping, running and acrobatics is known as ‘bocking’ or ‘powerbocking’ after their inventor, German aerospace engineer Alexander Böck.

Bock invented the device in the mid 1990’s.

“Powerbocking is a new entertainment sport that’s growing fast all over the world. I have been doing the sports for two years now,” Nkwezi tells The Namibian Sport.

“I have a powerbocking club open due to the demand of over 3 000 people asking to join the sport. The name of the club is Powerbocking International Fitness Club,” he adds.

“I was invited to over six local schools for a presentation about the sport to the pupils and ended up with over 900 signing up to join the club.”

Given that he is fully acquainted with the practice, Nkwezi says the sport has several health benefits as it helps you lose weight, build strength and reduce cholesterol.

But above all, it is bags of fun.

“It catches ones interest immediately seeing someone walking or running [skyrunning] on this type of equipment. I never go unnoticed and people always ask to try because it looks so much fun, and sure does feel too. It’s like having a trampoline attached to your legs,” says the ambitious sport maverick.

With Otjiwarongo already under his spell, Nkwezi plans to widen his steps and promote the sport form countrywide.

“Once the club receives sufficient funds to upgrade and bring more equipment for the consumption of the registered members, the sports club will be hosting shows and competitions in all regions of Namibia to introduce the sport to everyone,” he says. “We will also be hosting circus performances and best costume design shows. The vision is great and my desire for success is greater than my fear of failure. It’s time we have a difference in our sports industry.”

Powerbocks are a cross between stilts and a pogo stick that harnesses energy in the same way as a trampoline.

Each boot consists of a foot-plate with snowboard type bindings, a calf-cuff which fastens just below the knee, a rubber foot pad which is also commonly called a hoof, and a fibreglass leaf spring.

Once strapped on, the 90cm long springs use the body’s own weight to generate power. Like a trampoline, the spring accumulates, stores and returns the amount of energy put into it.

Nkwezi imports his equipment from the Untied States of America for roughly N$6 890, including shipment costs and clearance. The prices differ depending on the body weight of the consumer.

The equipment can be serviced every six months, but tyre replacements and other minor bolts should essentially be checked everyday before use.

Nkwezi says he would like as many people as possible to experience the thrill that comes from powerbocking.

“The plan is to introduce this ultra athletic performance sport to more Namibians and to have a powerbocking sports club in every region. I would like to help enhance the entertainment industry and sport as these stilts have no limits to what one can do with them. At the moment I host shows where I mostly perform stunts. I also train soccer groups, runners and most importantly I encourage people to become aware of the need for physical fitness,” Ngwezi concludes.

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