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Longboarding is a popular sport that combines elements of skateboarding and surfing, but it can be intimidating if you don’t know how to stop. Luckily, learning how to stop on a longboard is not as difficult as it may seem.
There are several methods for stopping or slowing down a longboard. Explain the methods below:
- Stop by hopping off your longboard.
- Stop your longboard by rolling it onto a rough surface.
- How To Slow Down On A Longboard?
- Carving to slow down or stop on a longboard.
- Slide for slowing down or stopping on a longboard.
- Air braking.
1. Stop by hopping off your longboard
If you’re cruising on a flat surface at a slower speed, around 10-15 mph, the easiest way to stop on your longboard is simply to stop pushing and let friction slow you down. Just make sure you have enough space ahead of you to safely come to a stop. Alternatively, if you’re riding at a walking speed, you can step off and catch your board. To add a touch of style, kick down on the tail to tip your board up, grab it with your hand, and walk away looking cool.
However, if you’re cruising at a faster speed, such as running speed, you can try hopping off your board and running it out. It’s important to be able to run as fast as your board to avoid falling as you step off. Keep in mind that this approach is risky as your board can roll away from you. To avoid this, try kicking your board back as you hop off to slow it down.
It’s important to note that this method is not suitable for speeds above 20 mph as it can be dangerous and potentially cause accidents. Always prioritize safety and be mindful of those around you.
2. Stop your longboard by rolling onto a rough surface
Another effective method to stop your longboard is to roll it onto a rough surface. This may seem like common sense, but it’s still worth mentioning. When you come across patches of grass or gravel on the side of the road, rolling onto them will naturally slow you down or even bring you to a stop.
Of course, to use this method, you’ll need to choose a road that has these rough surfaces available. The speed at which you can go while rolling on rough surfaces will depend on the specific conditions. If it’s short grass, you can maintain a pretty decent speed as long as there’s enough surface area. However, if the grass is thick, going too fast can lead to a sudden halt and possibly make you fall off your board.
To use this method, start slow and use common sense. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable rolling onto rough surfaces. Just keep in mind that even though this method can be effective, it’s important to prioritize your safety and always be mindful of your surroundings.
3. How To Slow Down On A Longboard?
Foot braking is an essential skill for any longboard rider to effectively slow down and maintain control. To perform this technique, you need to shift your weight onto your front leg while keeping your front foot on the deck facing forward. Then, bend your front knee and lower your back foot to the ground.
The key is to control the amount of pressure you apply on your back foot. Too much pressure can abruptly stop your longboard and potentially throw you off. Instead, you want to brush the ground with the sole of your shoe, touching it slightly behind your center of gravity to help maintain balance.
It’s crucial to practice balancing on one leg and dragging your back foot flat on the ground to create friction and slow yourself down. As you become more comfortable, you can adjust the amount of pressure and find the sweet spot that allows you to slow down at a comfortable pace.
When foot braking, it’s important to wear proper footwear with thin soles that provide a good grip. Additionally, knee pads can protect you from potential falls and road rash.
Foot braking and foot stopping practice tips
One effective way to practice foot braking on a longboard is to start with a quick push to get your board rolling. Instead of bringing your pushing foot back onto the deck right away, leave it hanging and in slight contact with the ground. This will help you maintain stability and balance.
While foot braking, your stance should be the same as when you push. By practicing riding on one leg, you can build confidence for foot braking at higher speeds.
For moderate speeds, try this variation of the foot braking technique: stiffen up your body and support yourself with both hands on your front thigh for stability. This position allows you to place your foot further toward the back, while still maintaining a strong balance.
Remember to apply pressure gradually with your back foot to avoid abruptly stopping and potentially falling off your longboard. By finding the right amount of pressure and adjusting as needed, you can slow down at a comfortable pace.
Foot braking at higher speeds
Foot braking at higher speeds on a longboard can be challenging, but with practice and the right technique, it is possible to stop safely. Start by shedding some speed before attempting foot braking. You can achieve this by air braking, which involves raising your arms to create air resistance, rolling it out on flat ground, or carving if you are on a hill.
When you’re ready to foot brake, try doing short kicks to the ground instead of a steady foot drag if you’re not comfortable with dragging your foot. This helps maintain your center of gravity as you flex and unflex your front knee for each small kick.
To foot brake at higher speeds, lower your center of gravity by crouching down on your longboard. This allows you to apply more pressure with your back foot onto the ground, effectively slowing down your speed. For added stability, you can even grab your deck with your hands.
Shoes and foot braking
When it comes to foot braking on your longboard, one thing to keep in mind is that it can be tough on your shoes. The constant friction between your foot and the ground can quickly wear out the soles of your shoes.
If you ride your longboard regularly, especially for commuting or daily riding, it’s important to be prepared for this wear and tear on your footwear. You have a few options.
One option is to use cheap shoes that you don’t mind throwing away once the soles wear out. This way, you can replace them easily and not worry about ruining your favorite pair of shoes.
Another option is to invest in sturdier shoes that are designed to withstand the friction of foot braking. Look for shoes with durable soles and reinforced toe areas, as these will last longer and provide more grip when foot braking.
No matter which option you choose, it’s essential to have proper footwear for foot braking. Thin-soled shoes may not provide enough traction, and open-toed shoes are definitely not recommended. A good pair of shoes will not only protect your feet but also enhance your overall control and performance while riding.
Cons of foot braking
While foot braking may be a useful skill for many longboard riders, there are several cons to consider. Firstly, foot braking tends to wear down shoes quickly, especially if you are using non-skate shoes. This can be costly and inconvenient, requiring frequent replacements.
Additionally, learning foot braking can be time-consuming and challenging. Some skaters may not have the patience or opportunity to dedicate enough time to master this technique. As a result, they may prefer alternative methods of slowing down or controlling their speed.
Furthermore, foot braking becomes increasingly difficult at higher speeds, making it impractical for longboarders who frequently ride on steep hills or bomb down them. The level of risk and fear associated with foot braking at high speeds may discourage riders from relying solely on this technique. It is advisable to have other methods to slow down or control speed in such situations.
Considering these drawbacks, it may be worth exploring alternative braking methods or using foot braking only in certain situations where it is appropriate and effective.
4. Carving to slow down or stop on a longboard
When riding down a hill on your longboard, you may reach speeds at which foot braking becomes difficult or risky. In such situations, carving is an effective method for slowing down or stopping your longboard. This technique involves making sharp turns back and forth while leaning “against the hill,” as if you were trying to go uphill.
Carving is similar to snowboarding, where you make sharp turns across the slope to control your descent. The goal when carving is to turn sharply enough that your wheels almost lose traction and start skidding. Unlike sliding, where you push your board sideways across the road to stop the wheels from spinning, carving involves a slight loss of traction during successive turns.
To carve effectively, your trucks need to be loose enough to allow for long and deep turns. It requires practice and skill as you shift your body weight and lean hard onto one edge of your longboard, starting with your upper body and pressing down with your heels or toes for backside or frontside turns.
5. Slide for slowing down or stopping on a longboard
When it comes to slowing down or stopping on a longboard, sliding is a highly effective method, although it requires skill and practice to master. Sliding is commonly used by experienced downhill longboarders to shed speed quickly, even when traveling at high speeds like 60 MPH.
Sliding involves pushing the board sideways across the road, causing the wheels to lose traction and slide. This technique allows you to control your speed and come to a stop smoothly. However, it’s important to note that sliding is more suitable for advanced riders and may not be necessary for casual skaters.
To slide effectively, you’ll need proper equipment such as slide gloves with slide pucks, which provide the necessary grip and protection. Additionally, wearing knee pads and appropriate footwear, like thin-soled shoes, can enhance your performance and safety.
Mastering the art of sliding is a prolonged process that requires dedication and patience. It involves shifting your body weight, using your hands and gloves for stability, and executing precise movements to initiate and control the slide. Due to its complexity, sliding deserves a comprehensive guide of its own.
What’s in a shutdown slide?
A shutdown slide, also known as sliding to stop, is a technique used by longboard riders to come to a complete halt quickly. It involves pushing the back wheels of the board out with your back heel, causing the longboard to slide sideways across the road. This sideways motion reduces traction, causing the wheels to skid and significantly slow down the rider.
There are different types of slides that can be used for stopping on a longboard, such as stand-up slides and hands-down slides. For stopping, a popular choice is the Coleman slide, which involves putting one or two gloved hands on the ground as you slide.
Learning to perform a shutdown slide comfortably and effectively takes time and practice. It requires mastering the technique of shifting your weight, using your hands for stability, and executing precise movements. Slide gloves with slide pucks are essential for providing grip and protection during the slide.
Required gear for stop sliding
To stop sliding on your longboard, it is important to have the right gear. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Helmet: Safety should always come first. Wear a helmet (Amazon) to protect your head from potential injuries.
- Slide Gloves: These gloves are a must-have for sliding. They typically have slide pucks on the palm, which provide grip and protection when you put your hands on the ground during a slide. Make sure to wear a pucked glove on your pivoting hand to perform a Coleman slide effectively.
- Knee and Elbow Pads: For additional confidence and protection, wear knee pads (Amazon) and elbow pads. These pads will give you peace of mind while attempting slides at higher speeds.
- Longboard with Slide-Friendly Features: If you want to learn sliding quickly, opt for a longboard that has loose trucks and soft bushings. These features make it easier to kick the board into a slide. Choose hard, small, round-lipped wheels as they offer less resistance when pushing the board sideways, allowing for smoother slides.
- Low Riding Board: Consider using a drop-through or dropped platform longboard for learning to slide. These lower riding boards make it easier to initiate a slide compared to higher-riding topmounts or pintails. Hanging your heels off the rail and pushing onto it is less effort on a low-riding board.
Remember, wearing the right gear not only enhances your sliding experience but also provides essential protection against potential injuries. So, gear up and enjoy learning to stop sliding on your longboard!
6. Air braking
Air braking is a method used to reduce speed while riding a longboard. It involves extending your arms out to create a wider and larger profile, similar to a parachute. By doing this, you increase the amount of air resistance pushing against you, which helps slow you down.
To perform an air brake, simply extend your arms out to the sides, perpendicular to your body. This position opens up your body to the wind, maximizing the resistance it creates. By maintaining this position, you can effectively decrease your speed.
Air braking is particularly useful when riding at moderate to slow speeds. It allows you to shave off a bit of speed without the need for additional equipment or techniques like sliding or foot braking. This makes it a convenient and essential skill for all longboard riders.
Cons of air braking
Air braking, while a convenient technique for slowing down on a longboard, has its limitations and cons. Firstly, the change in wind resistance caused by air braking is subtle, making it less effective for noticeable speed reduction unless you were already riding in a speed tuck. This means that air braking may not be the best option for slower speeds or when you need to come to a complete stop.
Additionally, air braking is only truly effective at faster speeds, generally over 30 miles per hour. If you are riding at slower speeds, air braking may not have a significant impact on your speed reduction. It is important to keep in mind that air braking is not a technique to bring you to a complete stop, but rather a method to pick up less speed and slow down slightly.
FAQs
There are several fundamental ways to stop on a longboard. The most common methods include foot braking, sliding, carving to a stop, and using a longboard slide glove to perform a shutdown slide.
Yes, foot braking is one of the simplest and most effective methods to stop on a longboard. It involves dragging the sole of your shoe against the ground to gradually slow down and come to a complete stop.
Learning to slide on a longboard involves mastering techniques like the Coleman slide or the stand-up slide. It requires practice, proper body positioning, and weight distribution to execute controlled slides, effectively slowing down or stopping.
Safety is crucial when practicing stopping techniques. Wearing appropriate safety gear like a helmet, gloves, knee pads, and elbow pads is essential. Additionally, find a flat, smooth surface with minimal traffic to practice safely.
Yes, carving can be an effective way to gradually reduce speed and come to a stop. By making wide, controlled turns, riders can bleed off speed without abruptly halting, which is particularly useful for maintaining stability.
The choice of stopping method often depends on various factors such as rider skill level, speed, terrain, and personal preference. It’s essential to practice and become proficient in multiple stopping techniques to adapt to different riding situations effectively. Understanding each method’s strengths and limitations will help in choosing the most appropriate one for a given scenario.
Conclusion:
Slowing down and coming to a complete stop on a longboard is an important skill for all boarders. There are various techniques available that can be used to accomplish this, depending on the rider’s experience level and personal preference.
Sliding, air braking, foot braking, and carving are all viable options for reducing speed on a longboard. It is important to practice and understand the pros and cons of each technique to ensure that you can slow down safely and confidently.
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