The Hazards of Ripstick Ripping

It's hard to write when you only have one hand. At least it's my write (right) hand, though. That makes things a little easier.

In case you've never seen one, a ripstick is a brand of caster board made by Razor, inc. More like a surfboard than a skateboard, it is propelled by twisting the segmented board back and forth, which generates forward momentum. Since you have, unlike a skateboard, only two wheels, and those two can pivot 360 degrees, it is, needless to say, really hard to ride.

I've had my ripstick for about three months now, thanks to a Target gift card, and feel very proud of my assumed proficiency with it. I can ride around the neighborhood and listen to music, make a phone call, or play my clarinet. Maybe even all three at once. I was good – or so I thought.

I went to a local skatepark this morning. Thankfully it was empty and there was no one to see me make a fool of myself trying to use the half-pipe. When I finally gathered up enough courage to go down a ramp I hit a jump at the bottom and lost my board. When I came down from the massive air I landed on my side and foolishly broke my fall with my hands. Although in retrospect it was probably better than bashing my skull against the pavement, I did break my wrist from the impact.

Having never broken anything before, this certainly was an interesting experience. I can't wait until I heal up so I can go try that jump again.

The moral of the story: never give people Target gift cards. You never know what may happen as a result.