How to Stop on a Longboard: Mastering the Art of Braking

So, you’ve got your new longboard and you’re ready to carve up the streets. You’re feeling the wind in your hair, the sun on your face… and then you realize you need to stop. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there!

Knowing how to stop safely and effectively is just as important as knowing how to ride. Whether you’re cruising downhill or navigating crowded sidewalks, mastering the art of braking is essential for a smooth and enjoyable longboarding experience.

This guide will walk you through the different ways to stop on a longboard, from the beginner-friendly foot brake to the more advanced powerslide. Let’s dive in!

The Basics: Foot Braking

The simplest and most accessible way to slow down or stop on a longboard is the foot brake. It’s exactly what it sounds like:

  1. Foot Down: While maintaining your balance on your board, carefully lower your back foot to the ground.
  2. Gentle Pressure: Apply gradual pressure to your foot, using it to create friction against the pavement.
  3. Control Your Speed: The harder you press, the faster you’ll slow down.

Pro Tip: This method works best at lower speeds. As you gain more experience and confidence, you can start practicing at slightly higher speeds.

Word of Caution: While convenient, relying solely on foot braking can wear out your shoes quickly. Plus, it becomes less effective and potentially dangerous at higher speeds.

Level Up: Introducing the Powerslide

Ready to take your braking game to the next level? Enter the powerslide, a technique that not only looks cool but also offers impressive speed control. Here’s the breakdown:

What is a Powerslide?

Imagine this: you’re riding downhill, picking up speed, and need to slow down quickly. The powerslide allows you to do just that by forcing your longboard wheels to lose traction, creating a controlled skid.

Gearing Up for Success:

  • Helmet and Protection: Safety first! Always wear a helmet and consider additional protective gear like knee pads, elbow pads, and slide gloves.
  • Slide Gloves: These specialized gloves are designed with pucks on the palms, allowing you to safely place your hand on the ground during a slide.
  • Wheel Choice: While you can powerslide with any type of longboard wheel, harder wheels or those specifically designed for sliding (like Orangatang Kilmers or Blood Orange Morgan Pros) will make it easier.

Mastering the Technique:

  1. Find Your Curve: Start by gently carving into a turn.
  2. Weight Shift: Shift your body weight forward, putting more pressure on your front foot. This lightens the back of your board, making it easier to break traction.
  3. Rotation is Key: Rotate your upper body and shoulders 90 degrees in the direction you want to slide. For example, if you’re sliding to the left, your shoulders should face the left side of the road.
  4. Engage the Slide: While maintaining your body rotation, push your back foot outwards in a controlled motion. This is the key action that initiates the slide.
  5. Hand on Deck: As you slide, place your gloved hand on the ground for balance and stability. You can even lightly grip your longboard for a more compact slide.
  6. Recovery: To exit the slide, gradually straighten your body and shift your weight back to a centered position over the board.

Two Ways to Slide:

  • Frontside Slide (Heelside Pendy): In this slide, you lean on your heels, facing uphill. It’s often considered more intuitive for beginners.
  • Backside Slide (Toeside Pendy): Here, you lean on your toes, facing downhill. While potentially a bit more challenging, it offers a different feel and style.

Pro Tip: Practice makes perfect! Start practicing powerslides at low speeds on a flat, smooth surface. As you gain confidence, gradually increase your speed and try it on gentle slopes.

A Final Word of Advice

Learning to stop effectively on a longboard is crucial for both your safety and enjoyment. Remember to start slow, practice regularly, and gradually challenge yourself as you progress. And most importantly, never forget your protective gear!

Happy shredding!

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