Aunt Terri and Uncle Andy gave Emmy a rip stick for her birthday this summer. It is a modify skateboard with two wheels. Instead of pushing with one foot, you move the board by hip-motion. To begin, Emmy learned to balance on the rip stick in the kitchen of Los Gatos. She would then practice around the island holding on as she got the hang of it. Once she got the hang of it, she asked if she could go outside to rip. I told her “NO”. Ok, odd answer, but we needed to pack the rip stick in our luggage and I didn’t want the wheels THAT dirty. It helps we have the fixer-upper with plywood floors.

Now, we are back, Emmy is outside rip sticking all the time. As I watch her ripping using her tummy muscles, I am beginning to think I need to learn. It completely works your core…who needs sit-ups, I just need to rip around the complex with Emmy.

Our complex is ideal for skate baords, rip sticks, scooters or rollerblades. We have wide, smooth foot paths that run through the complex. The kids are not in the street and can enjoy the fun.