Skateboarding Made Simple · Chapter 4 of 18
Knowing how to stop is what gives you the confidence to go faster. Learn at least one way before you go anywhere with hills.
In This Chapter
- The foot brake
- The tail drag
- Running it out
- When to bail
Gear Check
Board, flat shoes, helmet, smooth flat ground.
Step by Step
- Foot brake. While rolling slowly, keep your weight on your front foot and lightly drag the sole of your back shoe flat on the ground. Press harder to slow down more.
- Tail drag. Shift weight to your back foot and press the tail down so it scrapes the ground. Simple, but it wears down your tail.
- Run it out. At low speed, step off with your back foot, then your front, and jog to a stop.
- Bail. If things go wrong, step off and let the board go. Your body matters more than your board.
Tip
Practice foot braking at walking speed until it feels automatic, then try a little faster.
Remember
Keep your front knee bent and your weight over the front foot while braking.
Warning
Never try to stop by jamming your foot down hard at speed. Ease into it.
Common Mistakes (and How to Fix Them)
- Putting the toe down. Use the whole flat sole, not just the toe.
- Leaning back. Weight forward keeps the board under you.
- Waiting too long. Start slowing down early.
Skate Nerd Stuff
Advanced skaters use powerslides, turning the board sideways to skid. Save that for after you are comfortable carving.
Your Practice Plan
- Foot brake 20 times at walking speed.
- Try a gentle slope with foot brakes.
- Practice running it out.
Chapter 5: How to Turn and Carve →
Need gear or a hand dialing it in? Stop by the shop inside the Carson City Mall or shop skate shoes and apparel online.