RipStik Tips

Safety

• Safety is important. Before riding -- especially for first-time riders -- make sure to have the proper equipment. Helmets and pads can protect you in case of a fall. Check the board to make sure everything functions properly. The wheels should turn with ease and the nose and tail platforms twist in each direction.

Getting Started

• The best way to get started on the RipStik is by firmly planting your dominant foot on the nose of the board and pushing off with the other foot at the same time. To practice this as a beginner, you should use a friend to stabilize you by placing your hand on the friend's shoulder until you feel comfortable pushing off and no longer need a spotter.

Speed and Turning

• RipStiks gain speed by twisting the nose and tail platforms back and forth, unlike skateboards, which require pushing with the foot. To turn, the front and back platforms work together to determine the direction and steepness of the turn. Push on the nose platform to pick the direction of the turn. Pushing on the back platform lightly will turn the RipStik gently, while pushing hard causes the RipStik to go into a deep turn. Push the back platform in the opposite direction of the front platform. If a beginner, you should take care not to use too much speed during turns, as it can cause you to fall. To hang ten, riders put both feet on the nose platform, causing the back wheel to lift, which requires some balance and practice.

Tricks

• Once you have mastered the basics, tricks are fairly easy to learn. A manual is when the front wheel lifts off the ground. To perform a manual, move the back foot almost to the very end of the board and the front foot to the middle, then push down with the back foot and lean backwards a little. A nose manual is the same basic trick, only the back wheel lifts instead of the front.