Skateboarding is simple, but stopping is more important for your health. You can accomplish this in many ways. The first step to avoiding wrecks is to learn how to stop yourself and your skateboard.
Starting skateboarders find stopping a challenge. Many find it as hard as building a skateboard itself. When maneuvering over a dangerous location, it’s important to heed this advice. You can use different stops on your skateboard, though it will depend on your skill level.
When you are familiar with the techniques, it is easier to apply them to similar styles once you become accustomed to them. However, it is still advisable to practice your techniques several times before using or applying any whilst on speed.
Learning to reliably stop will keep you safe, but developing a method that doesn’t tear up your equipment is vital as well. Skateboards are expensive, and the method some people use to stop does a lot of damage, especially to the tail.
Regular skateboards differ from electric skateboards. Yet, electric skateboards are inextricably linked to other electric modes of transportation. The electric skateboard laws in the USA that apply are out of date as an emerging product.
We will discuss this method first, then we’ll talk about how to stop a skateboard while doing little to no damage, which is ideal.
6 Best Ways to Stop a Skateboard Safely
Listed below are a few ways for you to stop a skateboard and protect it at the same time.
1. Jumping Off
The easiest method of stopping skateboards is also the most damaging. It’s easy to drag the tail along the pavement by pressing all the way down until the tail contacts the concrete. If the board is scraped with friction, it will stop, but if it relies on it, the tail will quickly become razor-sharp. In time, the tail will chip, and the pop will be permanently lost. Therefore, keep away from this method.
2. Dragging the heels or toes
Similar to tail dragging but less damaging to your equipment, it works well and is reliable. When riding, dangle your toes from the side of the tail and place your weight on the heel of your rear foot.
When you have lifted the front wheels, drag the bottom of your shoe instead of lifting your tail like you would if you were going to drag it. If you drag the wood on the tail you will stop much faster with rubber on your sole than with friction on the wood.
Toe dragging has a sister method called heel-dragging. Place your weight on the balls of your feet rather than your heel. Wheelie until you can drag your heel across the concrete. Drag your toes or heels to save your board and stop you more quickly than most other methods.
3. Leaving the beaten path
When faced with danger or an emergency, it is tempting to jump off the board while moving, but this method should only be considered when necessary. Upon coming into contact with the ground, you can curl and roll if your legs and arms are loose.
Improve your emergency skills by practicing different types of falling techniques on grass. Don’t let your hands catch you if you fall. Twisting your wrists can be dangerous.
4. The Foot Brake (Complete Process)
If you’re skating on flat ground, you should use the foot brake. A foot brake is not recommended if you’re going down a hill or faced with an emergency. Casual skating can still benefit from the technique, though. It is best to avoid wearing flip-flops and shoes with open toes if you plan to foot brake.
Foot braking can be useful if you are moving along at a comfortable pace. It is a good technique for beginners. There is no specific skateboard or lipstick that should not be used.
Start by turning one foot forward. You’re on your way to foot braking if you turn your leg forward. To use the foot brake technique effectively, you must face the direction of the nose. As you perform the technique, turn the top of your body and your head forward.
You choose to use your right or left foot or any of both feet that is most dominant to you. You bring your back foot down and shift your weight to your front foot. Allow the back foot to rest on the ground after establishing proper balance on the front foot. Make sure that your back leg is straight and does not sag too much. Falls can result if your back leg sags too much.
As soon as you touch the ground, let your heel be the first part of your body to touch.
Begin by touching your heel. Grasp the ground gently with your rear foot. After you stop, place your heel on the ground and apply some pressure. Put more pressure on your rear foot by shifting your entire body weight downward.
Apply equal pressure to both legs while skateboarding to ensure a smooth and stable stop.
5. Stopping the slide under control (Complete Process)
Controlled slide stops can be effective when braking downhill. When rolling down a hillside or applying a fast break in an emergency, the slide stop is ideal. In the case of a car suddenly pulling out in front of you while you are skating down a hill, you can slide and stop. Make sure you are wearing protective gear. Wear knee pads and wrist guards. You’ll be protected on your knees and wrists with these items.
Step forward with one foot. When you apply a foot brake, you bring your front foot up to face the board’s nose. Make sure that your foot is directly over the skateboard’s front bolt. When you apply the brake with your foot, move your leg forward so that your nose is in the right place. Try to position your leg directly above each bolt if you are familiar with the position of the bolts.
Rotate your board at an angle of 180 degrees. Turn swiftly by shifting your weight to the side of the skateboard using the upper part of your body. By doing so, you will help accommodate your body as you move. Maintain your foot placement on the board when performing this move, and don’t drag it on the ground.
Touch the ground with your hand so you’re consistent. Using your arm, drag yourself across the road, just as you would with your rear foot when you brake with your foot. Wear hand gloves to protect your hands from road burns.
Lift your hands up to maintain your balance once you see the board has come to a complete stop. If you need to brake immediately on a downhill, try inclining your skateboard at the side a bit gently.
Try it several times until you are comfortable.
6. Powerslide
As soon as you feel confident enough, do power sliding as it employs more expert maneuvers to overcome obstacles compared to controlled sliding. Don’t use the power sliding technique if you’re planning on stopping. Skate parks or with friends are better.
Power sliding must be done in both directions. Power sliding is tricky. You might fall. Put your weight on your heels. Lie on the board a bit while doing this. You will achieve total control during the process by increasing your body balance. Focus on both heels on your front foot. Many people find it very challenging to lean on their back heel.
Turn your body as you slide. Sliding with your hips, shoulders, and lower body is very satisfying. The front foot should be used to pivot when sliding at 90 degrees. When you are first learning how to ride, slowing down can help you control your balance.
Make sure you kick your foot out with your back foot. You should try to kick in the direction where you intend to slide after you succeed in pivoting. You will then be able to slow down gradually as you stop the powerslide. Be sure to lean backward until the skateboard comes to a complete halt. Your balance will also be improved by leaning backward.
Caution
Shoes can be damaged by foot brakes.
If you land on a fleshy part of your body, your chances of being injured are reduced. In the event of a fall, bend down to decrease the impact.
Once you touch the ground, roll your body towards the direction you fell. Your entire body will not be forced to absorb the force.
Summary
Skating is a great hobby or sport, but it is always important to know how to stop. You can start by trying a stopping trick that seems convenient and simple to you. Eventually, you may want to go from a current point to a different point.
If you have any other technique to stop a skateboard, feel free to share us in the comments.
