We’ve all heard of the Ripstik wheel board, but did you know that there are other versions of wheel boards available as well? Another board with wheels that you can buy through your local skateboard dealer or online is the Essboard. As with the Ripstik, this one comes with 2 caster wheels (one on the front deck and one attached to the rear deck).
This board originates from Korea and is similar in many ways to the wave board that originates from California and the Exboard that originates from the UK. But as with all these boards, in order for them to move, you need to be able to turn your hips a certain way while maintaining your balance on the two independently working platforms of the board.
Without a doubt, the biggest advantage a rider can gain when using any of these particular boards is that they don’t need to put a foot on the pavement to propel themselves off and provide them with the momentum they would normally need when skateboarding. . However, there are certain disadvantages and advantages to be gained from using one of these boards compared to the more traditional skateboard.
The advantages of using these plates are as follows:-
1. They are extremely easy to handle and although it may seem a bit strange at first how to do it, as you become more skilled it will become much easier. Also, learning to ride one of the boards takes much less time than learning to ride a traditional skateboard.
2. Since the board is propelled by the rider’s body turning it in a certain way, at no time do you need to place your feet on the ground to provide the momentum you need. Plus, it gives them a way to get up hills much faster and more efficiently.
3. The actual ride on these boards is much smoother and feels more natural, it almost feels like the person is riding waves along the pavement.
However, certainly the advantages of using any type of roller board are numerous, but there are also some disadvantages.
1. After a while at first, the person riding the board can find it extremely tiring, especially if they are using parts of their body that they haven’t used for a long time.
2. Even though these boards can literally come to a stop, especially in the beginning when learning to ride them for the first time can be extremely difficult.
However, if you are someone who is not put off by the disadvantages associated with riding a board with wheels like the Essboard or Ripstik, then you may want to consider investing in one. Certainly if you are looking for a way to improve your skateboarding or snowboarding techniques then this may be the board for you.