About the RipStik
A RipStik--a type of caster board--relates closely to the skateboard and the snakeboard. Developed to blend elements of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding, and marketed primarily towards older children and young teens, RipStiks come in various styles and prices.
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History
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Razor USA, the company behind the creation of the Razor scooter, developed the RipStik. The caster board design released in 2007 immediately became one of the best-selling outdoor products of that year, landing on Wal-Mart's "Top 12 Toys for Christmas" list. In February 2008, the Toy Industry Association named the RipStik "Outdoor Toy of the Year," reports Business Wire.
Construction
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As a caster board, the RipStik contains two symmetrical decks connected by a central torsion bar, which allows each deck to tilt towards the rider's toe or heel side for directional control. Attached to the bottom of each deck is a single caster with a urethane wheel which rotates a full 360 degrees, similar to the front wheels of a shopping cart. The most expensive models also feature concave decks and/or specialized traction plates.
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Use
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When riding a RipStik, the rider remains perpendicular to the direction of the board, with either the right or left foot forward. Alternating heel-and-toe side turns preserve balance and generate forward momentum. In such a movement, the front foot leans into a curve, while the back foot leans out. This allows a RipStik rider to ride the board without removing either foot from its respective deck.
Safety
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Proper RipStik safety requires wearing a helmet and full set of pads, including knee, wrist and elbow pads. The use of gloves and shin guards depends on the rider's experience level and the difficulty of tricks attempted. Razor USA also recommends checking all bolts and hardware on a RipStik for tightness before each use, and cautions against riding on wet, bumpy, or icy surfaces, or at night or in dim light.
Advanced Tricks
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More experienced and skilled riders may attempt more difficult tricks, similar to those performed by skateboarders. Examples of advanced tricks demonstrated in RipStik's "Tricktionary" video series include ollies, manuals, kickflips, heelflips, varials, grinds, spins and grabs.
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