RipStiks are unique among the boards we ride on. One of the reasons for this is the board’s style, which requires users to twist the deck to move. And we know that skateboarding and longboarding do not work that way. So, using RipStiks will most likely drive you to learn some new skills.
Today, I will show you how to ride a RipStik for beginners. In this article, we will master the fundamental moves necessary before going to a higher level. Also, we will share a few safety tips and other hacks to make your life more convenient as you learn to use RipStiks.
Table of Contents
What You Need
We only need a few requirements to try this RipStik tutorial. Let’s see what they are.
- A beginner RipStik – We won’t need an electric RipStik or automatic RipStik this soon. Instead, we recommend that you ride a Razor RipStik Ripster Caster Board. It’s ideal for beginners and not too costly.
- An open space – Whether riding skateboards or RipStiks, learning both as a beginner calls for a safe practice spot. So, find a less busy street or a flat, concrete space free from holes or obstacles.
- Safety gear – We’re riding a RipStik for the first time. So, it’s best to equip ourselves with helmets, elbow pads, and knee protectors.
Learning to RipStik
Suppose you are now ready to use a RipStick. Let’s get to your practice space and do these steps.
Step 1: Gear up and learn balancing
Put on your helmet, elbow pads, and knee protectors. While you are not yet riding, it’s still necessary to have your head and other body parts protected should you fall off the RipStik.
Find a balancing assistant, which could be your friend or a wall. Hold on to your friend’s shoulders as you get on the RipStik in a skating position. Identify the balancing point of the board until you get a comfortable feel of it.
Step 2: Getting on the RipStik
When we get on a RipStik’s decks, we should be confident of our skating position, be it goofy or regular. This way, we will feel less shaky and keep our balance better on the board.
This step is somewhat different from riding skateboards or longboards because RipStiks will require you to step on the deck with your non-dominant foot on the nose.
So, let’s say the right is your dominant foot. Step on the nose with your left foot. Note that your foot should be almost perpendicular to where the deck’s nose points, like a regular skateboard position.
But why is the dominant foot at the back? Your right foot will be the protagonist as you push your RipStik.
Step 3: Pushing
After you step on the RipStik’s nose, push with your back or dominant foot. Put your right foot on the deck rear as soon as the RipStik gets enough momentum. Aim to have control of the deck using both feet.
It may sound ironic, but if you ride a RipStik fast, you also improve your balance. But that doesn’t mean you have to be as quick as you can be. It is best to only ride at a speed you can control.
- Friendly note: Bending your knees is always the way to go, whether on RipStiks or skateboards.
Step 4: Riding and turning
Perhaps, this step is one of the most challenging parts of controlling a RipStik, but don’t worry, we’ll apply this process gradually.
So, let’s begin where you just stepped on the RipStik with both feet and enough momentum.
Perform a wiggle motion by twisting your hips front and back. You can move your shoulders as well.
Why Not Push the Ripstik With the Feet Alone?
Supporting your movements on the RipStik with your hips and shoulders will make everything flowier. Thus, there should be coordination among these parts down to your legs and feet. Keep wiggling the nose and tail of the RipStik if you want to go farther.
Turning on a RipStik is somewhat similar to a skateboard. So, with your left foot on the nose, press on the toe side to turn right. In contrast, press on your heel if you want to turn to your left.
Are you planning to execute a sharp turn? Move your back foot in the opposite direction to your front foot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How hard is it to ride a RipStik?
Nothing seems too hard for someone who constantly practices. Nonetheless, if we get a bit more realistic, we can say it’s hard to ride a caster board. And one of the issues most people will affirm is the difficulty of balancing on two RipStik wheels only.
What’s more, after learning how to balance, you should also know what to do next to keep RipStik’s momentum. After all, it’s all about mastering the fundamentals and incorporating them with each other.
How do you balance a RipStik?
Whether you ride a RipStik mini or a regular one, the most effective way to achieve balance on a RipStik is by having physical support through a wall, rail, or person.
Put your front foot on the RipStik’s nose as you support your balance by holding on to your friend’s shoulders or the wall. Try to stabilize, and once ready, give your board a slight push.
Place your back foot on the RipStik as you move forward with it. And again, if you ride a RipStik faster, you also get more balance.
How to ride a RipStik uphill?
The key to balanced RipStik rides is speed, and such a concept also applies even when going uphill. So, if you plan to challenge an upward-sloping spot, ensure you have enough momentum to keep yourself moving.
However, this skill may not be necessary for beginners yet. But if you insist, wear protective gear.
Conclusion
Balancing on a skateboard is challenging, and so is on a RipStik. But whatever board you choose, the possibilities for growth are always endless. All we need is patience, consistency, and the drive to practice.
So, now that you know the basics of how to ride a RipStik for beginners, you finally have the blueprint to follow and become a great RipStik skater.
Remember, learn how to balance first, give your board some speed, and support your movements with your hips and shoulders to move better.
Hi, I am Charles Harris. I opened this site to write as much as I can about my biggest passion – skateboarding!
I started as a clumsy yet passionate rookie 10 years ago to now a still passionate yet much better skateboarder! But I have to tell you, the whole journey has always been fun and rewarding, indeed not without hardship.