Some additional advice for walking the wheel. Add this to the fine
post from Ken Fuchs. Foot position is very important. I've seen people walk
the wheel with toes pointed out, and feet straight ahead, but never with toes
pointed in. I think most fast wheel walkers have their feet straight, because
this allows the whole foot to help in the process, from heel to toe, and
straight feet are less likely to collide with each other.
Don't let your toes bang into your heels. It's very important to have
at least a couple of inches between your heels & toes as they walk, so this
doesn't happen. One little bump, and your feet are off the wheel, which can
lead to what we call "unintentional coasting."
Lastly, remember that wheel walking is a slow skill. You will be
going a lot slower than when you ride normally. This slow speed will require
you to be more aware of your balance, and may require more arm movement than
you normally use, at least while learning. The world record for wheel walking
30 meters is 8 seconds, by Yuichiro Kato of Japan. Happy walking, all!
John Foss, President
International Unicycling Federation
unifoss@cerfnet.com
voice: (516)731-7613