Less than a week after I received this and started riding, the back wheel began creaking. It is quite loud, and I can feel it creaking through my back leg. Seemingly, it has made it a bit more difficult to "pedal", slowing me down. I could try using the replacement wheel or maybe some WD-40, but it's still upsetting how early this thing is breaking down. I'm unsure whether it's the wheel itself, the swivel trucks, or even the plastic frame itself. The noise only occurs when I am riding, presumably because I need sufficient weight to get the creaking to begin. See the video I've uploaded.

If it weren't for this annoying issue, I'd give this product a 4-5 star. The only other "problem" with the Ripsurf is that it's more physically demanding than a Ripstik. The frame is much more rigid than a Ripstik, meaning that pivoting back and forth requires more work. That said, I'm getting used to it and my feet are cramping less often. Also, as advertised, carving on the Ripsurf is pretty darn fun. Carving is more dramatic than a Ripstick, and it feels great to throw your weight around, weaving on the pavement. Unfortunately, given how much more difficult it is to "pedal", it feels cooler than it looks. To an onlooker, you're only going at a jogging pace. You won't want to ride this on a steep hill, given that the only way to brake is to jump off, and you can't ride this up an incline (I'd say) more than 15 degrees. So on a flat surface, although you'll feel awesome, you'll look a bit silly. Then your feet will cramp if you try to go fast for any extended period of time. Then again, maybe this has something to do with the creaking issue I am having; perhaps it is slowing down my Ripsurf more significantly than I realize.

Anyways, I recommend this product for someone lighter and smaller than I am. It could address all the issues I described above. Maybe the creaking began because I am too heavy (190 lbs.) - even though the product description says it supports up to 220 lbs. A lighter person may find it easier to "pedal", because they have less mass to accelerate. In turn, they may also be able to reach a higher top speed, solving the "silly-looking" issue. So, in conclusion, the product is defective for me, but maybe it would better suit a younger, lighter demographic.

This thing is absolutely fantastic! It's taken me about 4 hours to get the hang on it enough to feel comfortable. However, it's like really snowboarding! I moved from the mountains where I used to snowboard a few times a year, and I really longed to get back on the slope. This thing behaves like a snowboard! Turn your hips and point to where you want to go, and there you'll go! Down a hill this thing is really fun. However, unlike a traditional snowboard you can't kill speed by turning sideways (just something to note). I haven't yet found a good way to slow it down when bombing down a hill.

Still, get it! It's extremely fun!

I'm 40+ year old Mom watching my kids tear it up with their ripstiks. Decided I wanted to feel young again and gave it a try. Have taken it to the skatepark a few times and I get teenagers and kids coming up to me and asking if they can try it. While it doesn't have the same flex as a ripstick, it is a blast to ride. I got the hang of it by using a pushbroom to balance.

As a customer who first purchased the Ripstik, I can tell you that this is not the same. They're the same castor wheels and style, but this has the capability to go faster and make wider swivels when riding. My children, ages 9 and 13 both love it and both were pros after a week. They both highly recommend this line of toys. My younger daughter prefers the Ripstik because it's better for a smaller stance and it is more easily maneuverable for her, but my elder daughter prefers the Ripsurf. Both are great fun and are easy to get the hang of (for adults- with balance like my husband- and children!). Highly recommended!!

I lover this thing! It's very fun to ride, especially once you get a hang of the surf-like movement. I also get a lot of compliments and questions about it.
I take it with me almost everywhere, it's easy to carry and light.
Just watch out for cracks and WATCH IT ON HILLS. You gain speed really quickly and "braking" means hopping off the board.