How to brake the Longboard?

Downhill on  a longboard   is an incredible experience. But, unless you have a sense and control of what you're doing, not knowing how to brake  the longboard   can be a nightmare. If a car is coming your way, or if you start to feel that  the skateboard   is out of control, a fall may be just around the corner. In this post I will try to give some tips on how to brake  the longboard   and also on how to reduce speed.

The first important point is: to define a descent that is suitable for your experience. Avoid descents that end up from nowhere and that require abrupt stops. Thus, knowing how to brake  the longboard   will not be so essential. Also avoid hills with blind spots where cars can come out of nowhere. It sounds banal, but it is also very important. In addition, choosing a descent consistent with what you know you can do is the first way to avoid a more serious accident.

A very useful technique for those with little speed, and also the most basic, is to brake  the longboard   using the foot. Braking with your foot is very simple. It is nothing more than putting the sole lightly on the ground, causing friction while moving. You can control the rate of deceleration you want by the pressure you place against the floor. This only works at lower speeds, so be careful. If you try footbrake at high speed you will fly to one side and  the longboard   to the other and the fall will be ugly. It is also important that you always use the rear foot and leave the front foot stable on the longboard.

Another technique for those who want to know how to brake  the longboard   is the slide. To put it into practice it is essential to use gloves. This maneuver consists of throwing all your weight on your front foot, while the back foot will serve to push the skateboardboard over the edge, while you support one hand on the ground and the other hand holding the shape.

In this video you can get a better idea of ​​what I'm talking about:

Another very important factor when longboarding or practicing any other extreme sport is: knowing how to plan your falls. Sometimes braking  the longboard   will not be possible and some scratches and bruises will be inevitable, and falling unfortunately will be the solution, but a more serious accident can be avoided. Of course, to do this you need experience and safety equipment, such as a helmet, elbow pads, gloves and knee pads, which is why it is essential that you choose spikes that are compatible with your longboarding experience.

An example of someone with no experience and who chose the wrong peak:

Now that you know how to brake the longboard, it is to put in practice, get a few scratches in the beginning and manage to go down more and more challenging hills.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most effective techniques for braking on a longboard, and how can beginners safely practice them?

Effective longboard braking techniques include foot braking, carving, and slide braking. Beginners should start with foot braking and practice in a safe, controlled environment, gradually progressing to more advanced techniques as they gain confidence and skill.