For beginners in longboarding, the initial concern is often selecting the appropriate longboard. The next crucial aspect is learning to stop on the longboard to avoid potential crashes and injuries when riding at any speed. Stopping a longboard is not only important for safety, but it also helps improve your riding skills and techniques.
So there are many tricks and techniques through which you can stop on a longboard like by bringing a board by foot braking, sliding, carving, power sliding, and foot stopping. These all range from basic to advanced levels. Doable to lower to higher speeds and easy to hard.
How to bring a longboard to a halt
Foot Braking
Foot braking is one of the most basic and effective ways to stop a longboard. One way to decelerate and ultimately halt your movement is by dragging a foot along the ground using a particular technique. This method is especially useful for riders who are moving at slower speeds.
To execute a foot brake, the initial step is to position your rear foot on the tail of the longboard and transfer your body weight toward the front. Next, take your front foot off the board and drag it on the ground, gradually increasing the pressure until you stop.
It is important to keep your body weight over the front of the board to maintain balance and control.
Sliding
Sliding is a more advanced method of stopping a longboard that requires more skill and practice. Sliding involves intentionally losing traction with the wheels and sliding sideways to come to a stop. This technique is helpful for riders who are moving at higher speeds.
To perform a slide, you must shift your weight to your back foot and initiate a turn by leaning your body toward the direction you want to slide. Then, it would be best if you kicked out the back wheels of the board to break traction and initiate the slide.
Once you are sliding, you can use your body and the board’s wheels to control the slide’s speed and direction until you come to a stop.Carving
Carving is another effective method of stopping a longboard that involves using the side-to-side motion of the board to slow down and come to a stop. This technique is useful for riders who are moving at medium to high speeds.
To perform a carve, you need to shift your weight to the heelside edge of the board and initiate a turn by leaning your body in the direction you want. Then, it would be best to use your toe side edge to carve back toward the opposite direction. By repeating this motion, you can gradually slow down and eventually come to a stop.
Foot Stop
The foot stop is a technique that involves placing your back foot on the ground to come to a stop. This method is useful for riders who are moving at slower speeds.
To execute a foot stop, you must transfer your body weight to the back foot and raise your front foot from the longboard. Then, place your back foot on the ground and use it as a brake by dragging it along the ground until you stop.
Power Slide
Power sliding is an advanced method of stopping a longboard that involves intentionally losing traction with the wheels and sliding sideways to come to a stop. This technique is useful for riders who are moving at higher speeds.
To perform a power slide, you must shift your weight to your back foot and initiate a turn by leaning your body toward the direction you want to slide.
Then, it would help if you used your back foot to kick out the back wheels of the board to break traction and initiate the slide. Once you are sliding, you can use your body and the board’s wheels to control the slide’s speed and direction until you come to a stop.
Emergency Stop
The emergency stop is a technique used to come to an immediate stop in an emergency. This method is useful for riders who are moving at any speed.
To perform an emergency stop, you must shift your weight to your back foot and stomp down hard on the board’s tail with your back foot. This will cause the wheels to lift off the ground and come to an abrupt stop. It is essential to keep your body weight over the front of the board to maintain balance and control.
Bail
Bailing is used when all other methods of stopping a longboard have failed, and the rider needs to quickly and safely get off the board. This method is useful for riders who are moving at any speed.
To perform a bail, you must shift your weight to your back foot and jump off the board while moving. It is important to try to land on your feet and roll to absorb the impact of the fall. Bailing should only be used as a last resort and practiced in a safe and controlled environment.
Longboard Stopping Tips for Beginners
Practice in a Safe Environment
Practicing stopping techniques in a safe and controlled environment is important to avoid injury. Locate a vacant parking lot or a tranquil street where you can practice without the risk of colliding with other skateboarders or pedestrians.
Ensure Safety with Protective Gear
Wearing protective gear like a helmet and knee and elbow pads is crucial when riding a longboard, as it can safeguard you from injuries resulting from a fall or a collision.
Maintain a Forward Weight Distribution
When stopping a longboard, keeping your body weight over the front of the board is important to maintain balance and control.
Use Multiple Methods
Having multiple stopping methods in your arsenal is important to be prepared for different situations. For example, foot braking may not be effective at higher speeds, so it is important to have other techniques, such as sliding or carving, to slow down and come to a stop.
Stay Alert
Maintain vigilance and attentiveness while riding a longboard. Stay conscious of hindrances, pedestrians, and other skateboarders, and adapt your speed and course accordingly.
Additional Tips for Longboarding Safety
Choose the Right Terrain
When selecting a location to ride your longboard, choose a suitable terrain that matches your skill level. Avoid steep hills or crowded areas until you have enough experience and skill to handle them.
Follow Traffic Rules
Abide by traffic rules and laws while riding your longboard on the roads. This means obeying traffic signals, stopping at stop signs and crosswalks, and staying in designated bike lanes or on the right side of the road.
Ride with Others
Riding with friends can be a fun and social experience, but it is safer than riding alone. Communicate with your group and stay aware of each other’s movements to avoid collisions.
Keep Your Board in Good Condition
Maintaining your longboard in good condition is important for your safety and the board’s longevity. Regularly check your board for any signs of damage, such as cracks or worn-out wheels, and replace any damaged components.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
In case of an emergency, it is important to be prepared with a first-aid kit and a phone for calling for help. Acquire fundamental first-aid abilities, such as tending to scrapes and bruises, and keep your phone and identification on hand when skateboarding.
Conclusion
Stopping a longboard is an essential skill for every rider, and many different techniques can be used depending on the situation.
Whether a beginner or a pro, it is essential to practice stopping techniques in a safe and controlled environment, wear protective gear, and stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Using multiple methods and staying prepared can ensure a safe and enjoyable longboarding experience. Happy riding!
