How to Brake on a Longboard?

Using a longboard is like a skateboard but is longer and wider, and cruising down hills and streets is known as longboarding. Even though it can be an exciting and thrilling experience, you need to know how to brake on a longboard to keep yourself safe and avoid accidents. This article’s topic is how to stop on a longboard for beginners, including various methods and beginner advice.

Understanding the Mechanisms of Braking

Before we discuss the various braking methods, it is essential to comprehend how to brake on a longboard. Longboards lack brakes, unlike bicycles and automobiles. The rider must use their body weight and the friction between the board’s wheels and the ground to slow down or stop completely.

CHECK: Best Longboard for Tricks for Freestyle

The speed of the longboard relies upon the angle of the slope or the power applied by the rider. Breathing becomes more challenging as the speed increases. When you brake on a longboard, you shift your weight back, use your foot, and either carve or slide to slow down or stop completely.

Techniques for Braking 

Foot Braking

Foot Braking is the most fundamental and frequently employed method for braking on a longboard. To create friction and slow down, you drag the sole of your shoe on the ground. You must shift your weight back to your rear foot and keep your front foot facing forward to the brake.

In learning how to brake on a longboard, The next step is to extend your rear foot behind the board while keeping your heel down and your toes pointing upward. To finally slow down or stop, place your shoe’s sole on the ground and gradually increase the pressure.

Because it is simple to learn, doesn’t require a lot of equipment, and can be used at low or moderate speeds, foot braking is a useful technique for beginners. However, due to the insufficient friction between the shoe and the ground, it may not be effective at high speeds.

Craving

Another method for slowing down or learning how to stop on a longboard is carving. It involves making S-shaped turns or zigzagging across the road to slow down gradually. The board is slowed down in carving by the friction between the wheels and the ground.

To turn the board in a zigzag pattern, you must shift your weight to your heels or toes to carve. On gentle slopes or flat surfaces, this method can be used to slow down or stop completely. Additionally, it is a great way to keep control and stability on a longboard.

Sliding

Longboarders with a lot of experience use the advanced braking technique known as sliding. You intentionally lose traction between the wheels and the ground to slow down or stop the board. When descending at high speeds, sliding is useful but requires specialized skills.

To slide, turn sharply with your front foot and shift your weight to your rear foot. After that, you break the traction between the wheels and the ground by applying pressure to your front foot to start a slide. Depending on your skill level and the terrain, you can perform a variety of slides, including the stand-up slide, the pendulum slide, and the shut-down slide.

Tips For Braking on a Longboard

Here are some tips for braking on a longboard in a professional manner. Follow these tips to perform like a pro;

• Make Use Of Safety Gear:

Wearing protective gear like a helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards is a must before beginning longboarding. If you fall, you won’t get hurt because of this gear.

• Practice In A Secure Setting:

It is essential to practice in a secure setting when learning how to brake on a longboard for the first time. Find a flat, open area with few obstacles, pedestrians, or vehicles. Having mastered the fundamentals, you will gradually be able to move on to more challenging situations.

• Start Slowly And Increase Speed Gradually:

When learning to break a longboard, it’s important to start slowly and gradually increase your speed. Without putting yourself in danger, this will assist you in gradually increasing your confidence and skills.

• Employ Your Feet:

Foot braking is one of the most common and efficient braking methods on a longboard. You do this by dragging your back foot along the ground to slow down or stop the board. To accomplish this, lift your back foot slightly off the board while keeping your front foot firmly planted on the board. Until you come to a stop, drag your back foot along the ground.

• To Slow Down, Carve:

Carving is another way to slow down on a longboard. It would be best to make a series of S-shaped turns to slow down or control your speed. Carve by moving your weight from one side of the board to the other and turning the board in a zigzag motion with your body.

• For Advanced Braking, Slide:

Sliding is an advanced method of slowing down or stopping on a longboard that involves sliding the board sideways. Only experienced riders should attempt this technique because it requires a lot of practice and skill.

• Prevent Excessive Brake Use:

Although it may be tempting to overuse your brakes, doing so can be dangerous. You could lose control of the board or even fall off if you brake too hard and quickly. Instead, concentrate on mastering and applying various braking techniques gradually and controlled.

Following these guidelines, you can enjoy the thrill of longboarding to the fullest and remain safe. Always ride in a controlled, safe setting, practice regularly, and take time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion:

In conclusion, learning how to brake on a longboard is a skill every longboarder needs. You can enjoy the thrill of longboarding while remaining safe and in control by comprehending braking mechanics and practicing various techniques. Always ride in a controlled and safe environment, start slowly and gradually increase your speed, and remember to wear protective gear.

REF: https://www.wikihow.com/Stop-on-a-Longboard