In Which I Ride a Ripstik

I first saw a Ripstik last year in a sporting store. "What good is this?" I said to my companions. "A skateboard with two wheels--who can ride it?" After giving it a good harrumphing, we walked away.

Since that time, Ripstiks have become popular in my neighborhood. Everyone has one. So I hang out on the edge, waiting for a lull in the action. "Can I try that?" I ask.

"Sure," they say. I give them popsicles. They give me pointers.

Skateboards are old school compared to the Ripstik, or "caster board," which is the generic term. Caster boards are comprised of two independent boards connected by a pole that allows the boards to pivot in opposite directions. The proper stance is sideways, as on a snowboard; to move forward, you press one foot down (toes down) and the other foot up (heel down). Moving your feet like this causes the front wheel to move in a direction opposite of the back wheel, producing forward motion. Initially, I felt like I'd fall and crack my head open. But now--

I CAN DO IT!

Not well--not yet--but give me time! I love this thing! It's fun and challenging and different from anything I've ever done. No matter I am the only woman out in the street on a Ripstik; I'm shredding up the pavement.

I can hear you now: Danette, you totally rock! Or maybe you're saying, Danette, you are the village idiot.

And I just have one thing to say to both statements: I know, right!

13 comments:

Travis Erwin said...

I've seen those things but there is no pavement in my neighborhood pout in the stick so the kids stick to bikes.

I could snowboard back in the day but doubt I'd have the coordination to Ripstick these days.

Mary Witzl said...

I really admire you: If I got on a Ripstick, I'd fracture my ankles -- no doubt about it. I have zero coordination unless I'm in water. Every evening on my way home from work, I used to watch the boys from the train platform at Ueno Station in Tokyo. You have never seen such brilliant Ripsticking: They FLEW on those things! Once in a while kids would fall, but they always got right back up and got on again. Me, I'd be a sniveling pile of bones if I fell off.

Anonymous said...

Definitely the former and not the latter: DANETTE, YOU TOTALLY ROCK! :)

Chris Eldin said...

I've never seen a Ripstick!
Ug! I am getting too old and behind the times already?

I'm going to google this...

Charles Gramlich said...

I'm out of the loop, clearly. I've never heard of ripsticks.

Danette Haworth said...

Chris, Charles,

These boards only recently started showing up in my neighborhood. Believe me, you'll know when they show up in yours--one boy gets one, then all the other boys have to have one, too!

Sheri Perl-Oshins said...

I give you a lot of credit. I still haven't tried inline skating!!!!!

Brenda said...

You are my hero! And I wish I were as brave as you.

I have trouble walking in flats, much less putting a stick with wheels under my feet...I got a lot of paddin' on the tushy, but I don't think it would be enough for something like that! grin...

Susan Sandmore said...

I can't even stand on a regular ol' skateboard these days. Count me in the "You rock!" camp.

Linda D. (sbk) said...

Ack! I was ready to go out and buy one for my kids until I discovered they're over $100.

But I agree with everyone here. Danette, you rock!!

Anonymous said...

Hi.
I just received your comment and wondered how you came across my blog? glad you stopped by.
Courtney

Danette Haworth said...

Courtney/Creichly,
I blog-hop! Your cow entry was funny!

Susan Sandmore said...

I fell off a scooter today. I thought of you.