Ripstik Tricks

A new twist on the skateboard, RipStiks are made from two separate decks that each feature only one wheel beneath them, similar to a scooter. While half the wheels may be gone, RipStiks can still be used to perform classic skateboarding tricks as well as new moves designed for the board. When practicing these tricks, always make sure you are well protected, as even advanced skaters will need to adjust to the feel of the RipStick.

  1. Manuals

    • Make sure you have plenty of space in front of you and begin riding forward. Build up speed by twisting back and forth on the board until you are sure of your stability on the RipStik. Gently lift your front foot off the nose of the board while applying pressure with your back foot to the tail. Keep your front foot close and use it to guide the nose upward. You will be performing a manual. Leave the manual by pressing down on the nose with your front foot. Don't press too hard, as it may flip the RipStik forward. Perform a reverse manual by lifting your foot off the tail. Keep your manuals low to the ground during your initial runs until you're comfortable balancing on one wheel.

    Ollies

    • Performing an ollie on a RipStik is more difficult than on a traditional skateboard due to the RipStik only having two wheels, both of which rotate while riding. This also makes the ollie difficult to practice from a stationary position. To start, place the RipStik on a soft patch of ground such as in grass to keep the board from sliding away or tipping over. Crouch slightly onto the board and move your front foot to the very tip of the nose. Kick your back foot downward on the tail of the RipStik then immediately apply pressure on the nose with your front foot. Repeat this several times in the grass and then take it to a hard surface. Make sure you get enough speed before attempting the trick. You can perform a nollie by reversing the movement of your feet. Kick your front foot down on the nose of the board while moving your back foot to the edge of the tail.

    Hang 10

    • Build up enough speed with your RipStik and you can perform the hang 10, a trick where you will only use the front deck on your RipStick. Once you are stable, move your front foot so that it is in the center of the front deck. Quickly bring your back foot onto the front deck, leaving the tail of the RipStik free. As long as you keep both feet in the center of the front deck, the board will not flip and you can continue to move forward using half of the board. An easier variation is the hang nine, done by keeping both feet on the rear deck.