Ripstick Lessons

A Ripstik is similar to a skateboard but there are major differences. The Ripstik only has two wheels, so balance is a bigger issue. Locomotion of the Ripstik is a matter of body movement rather than pushing oneself along with your foot. Learning to ride the Ripstik takes balance, practice, patience and, perhaps, a fall or two. Always wear protective gear when riding the Ripstik; such as a helmet and knee and elbow pads.

  1. Positioning the Ripstik

    • Place the Ripstik in front of you, on a flat or slightly down hill surface, with the nose pointing in the direction you intend to go. The Ripstik has two, clearly defined foot areas (the nose and the tail). Unlike a skateboard, the Ripstik is designed to go in only one direction. As you step up to the Ripstik, the nose portion should be by your front foot and the tail portion by your rear foot. The Ripstik should be leaning toward you.

    Mounting the Ripstik

    • Place your front foot on the nose portion of the Ripstik and balance the board on the two wheels. Place your foot so that it is on the center of the nose area. Push off lightly with your rear foot, placing the rear foot on the center of the tail section of the Ripstik. Balance can be difficult at first. Having a friend walk next to you and placing a hand on his shoulder to help you balance, or start next to a wall where you can use the wall to help you balance.

    Locomotion

    • Propelling the Ripstik requires a twisting motion. Once you have pushed off and are rolling in a straight line, begin twisting at the hips. A back and forth movement, where your feet are moving in opposite directions, will move the Ripstik forward. Start with small movements and increase as you become more comfortable. The greater the movement, the more speed you will gain. Increased speed makes balance easier.

    Turning

    • Once you are comfortable with balance and moving, you will need to practice turning. The Ripstik's two portions pivot independently. By leaning your front foot in one direction you can make the Ripstik turn in that direction. Leaning your back foot in the opposite direction will sharpen the turn.

    Stopping

    • Stopping is as simple as stepping off the deck of the Ripstik. The Ripstik cannot balance on its own, so you don't have to worry about it rolling away.