Tips on Riding a Razor Ripstik

Ripsticks are caster boards that appear to be similar to skateboards. They are, however, very different from skateboards and using one takes a particular skill that is unlike the skill needed to skateboard. Whereas skateboards are propelled by your feet, Ripstiks are caster boards and are propelled by a twisting motion, and doesn't require you to take your feet off the board. Ripstiks might seem very difficult to ride at first but once you know how to ride it is very easy and almost effortless. Learning to ride doesn't come quickly but once you master how to ride you'll be glad you devoted time to learn.

Before you even get on the board make sure you will be riding on a smooth surface. Concrete is the best surface to ride on and asphalt will work too, although it is a little rough and bumpy. Foot placement is very important. Place your feet in the middle of each deck section with about 2 inches of your heel off the edge as seen in the picture to the right. When first getting on a ripstik it can be a bit tricky learning how to balance, so get on along a wall or with a friend and your side. Slowly coast in a straight line and learn how to balance and get comfortable with riding. Try riding on your own without the help of a friend or wall. 

Once you are comfortable with riding in a straight line, the next step is learning how to turn. There are two ways of doing this. The first way is to move a majority of your body weight to the front deck of the ripstik and slightly lean your body in the desired direction. By doing this you turn in a similar way as you would when turning a bicycle. The second way of turning is by tilting the decks of the ripstik. Tilt the front deck down in the desired direction and your front toe or heel is pointing down toward the ground in the direction you want to go. At the same time tilt the back deck down in the undesireddirection and point your toe or heel up away from the ground in the direction you do not want to go. The concept is a bit tricky but once you try it a couple times turning will become very easy. 

Once you know how to turn, accelerating is easy. Accelerating on a ripstik is simply a consecutive sequence of short, rapid turns. When accelerating move your feet back and forth in a quick, whipping motion. Once you start accelerating and gain speed you will find that your ripstik is much more stable. A higher speed results in higher stability, but be careful when turning at high speeds as this is a difficult task to do. 

Knowing how to turn and accelerate are key to mastering the ripstik. Once you have acquired these skill you will have a blast carving up and down the street.