JWages

Are freeline skates or ripstiks more like snowboarding?

yusoweird

Freeline are really different form ripstiks. You are required to rotate your feet to steer. The name freeline really matches how you feel when you ride the freelines. Your legs are free to move in any direction independently. Ripstik just require that you put weight on your hill or toe, kind of like snowboarding. They all have similarities, but nothing is as close to snowboarding than freebording. Still, nothing beats real snow!

I really enjoy freeline, it is the most portable ride you can carry and it is pretty fun to ride.

JWages

oh yeah, freeboarding is the one I was thinking about, but yeah, I agree, nothing beats real snow.

BoulderEagle

PBR, Yusoweird,

You guys have the right idea starting on a slight hill. Soon riding flats will seem effortless! Just keep practicing and building those leg muscles. Once you feel comfortable on flats make sure you start practicing uphill. That's what will strengthen you muscles and teach you to ride from your core.(like Ryan Farrelly)

Just be thankful you guys have youtube to help you learn and progress. When I got mine there were probably less then 10 videos to watch. Everybody learns faster from someone or by watching someone better then themselves.

yusoweird

I can pump now, the trick is to counter rotate you feet more. ;D I just bought some Bones Reds bearings. The stock ones are just OK to me. Bones Reds should give the Freeline more life. I will tell you how it goes.

PBRrider

I just can't get the pump down, my feet always slip around on the grip tape and get out of place. Also for now I'm no longer in the city so don't have a chance to practice until i move into my apartment next week.

yusoweird

Ok, let me rephrase the technique I use. You actually want to rotate your whole leg and not just the feet. Put even weight on both legs. Try this..

1. Push off something while going straight, and bend your legs.
2. Rotate both leg outward, toes pointing out more. At the same time, do 3.
3. Push your leading leg back behind you, at the same time push you trailing leg in front of you. (like doing a front split, while traveling side ways)
4. Slowly rotate your leg until both your toes are pointing inward, at the same time, do 5.
5. Pulling both leg back to center.
6. Repeat 1-5, but reverse the rotation and leg push/pulls.

Its going to feel like you are always criss crossing your legs.

PBRrider

Cool, thanks. I'll have to try that next time I get out.

HornyPossum

The ripstik is really fun. I was trying it the other day, and I liked it so much I got one. It really works your leg muscles and I think will help get ready for snowboarding, and when I was riding it I was pretending to snowboard, and it felt pretty much like snowboarding.

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