How To Stop A Skateboard

Learning skateboarding is not enough; you must learn how to stop it as well to get out of dangerous situations and for learning new tricks. 

Yes, that’s what my father used to tell me whenever I used to practice skateboarding with him. Growing up, I used to hit the road with my skateboard right after school with my father. Not just because he was a part-time skateboard instructor back in the day, but mainly because I thought it made me fit in my school’s ‘cool’ group.

Apart from that, skateboarding inculcated bravery in me, increased my pain tolerance, and helped reduce my stress levels. That said, I remember I used to find it very difficult to stop my skateboard initially. But, fortunately, with enough practice, I learned it and soon became one of the best skateboarders in the neighborhood. 

Howdy! My name is Stacy Smith, and today I will be teaching you how to stop a skateboard. So, without further ado, let’s start with the proceedings, shall we?

How To Stop A Skateboard

There are various techniques for stopping a skateboard; I have explained all of them in detail. 

Technique 1: Braking With The Feet

This is one of the most effective techniques of stopping a skateboard, but only when you are skateboarding casually on an even surface. It involves the use of your foot as a brake to stop the skateboard, but avoid using this technique when you are wearing flip-flops. 

1. Turn One Foot Forward

To start foot braking, turn the toes of your front foot forward. You will need to ensure that your toes are facing the nose of the board for effective results. 

Then turn the upper portion of your body and head forward as you footbrake. I would highly recommend using your dominant foot while doing this.   

2. Keep Your Weight On The Front Foot And Bring Your Other Foot Down

Once you are steady on the front foot, let your back foot slowly touch the ground. Remember to keep your back leg straight when you do so. 

Avoid leaning on your back foot, or you could lose balance and fall off the skateboard. So,try touching the road with your heels initially.    

3. Drag Your Back Foot Slightly Across The Ground

Apply slight pressure to the road with your shoe as you come to a halt. Then slowly shift your weight to the back foot from your front foot. 

For a smooth stop, make sure that you apply even pressure with your foot.  

Technique 2: Tail Scraping

Tail Scraping is another basic stopping technique. But be a little more careful when doing so, as you might easily lose control of the skateboard. Also, tail scrape only when you are skateboarding on an even surface.  

1. Place Your Non-Dominant Foot On The Back Of The Board

To tail scrape, lean forward, and keep your weight on the balls of your feet. Make sure that your dominant foot is at the middle of the board. If you are losing balance on the skateboard, lift your arms and try to be steady.    

2. Apply Pressure On The Tail With Your Back Foot

Keep exerting pressure until your skateboard touches the surface and you hear a scraping noise. The friction between the surface and your skateboard will help slow your speed down and eventually stop the skateboard. 

Make sure that you don’t step off the skateboard unless you have stopped it completely. 

3. Keep Heel Scraping As An Alternative

Heel scraping equals tail scraping in many aspects, but the thing here is that your board’s tail will not touch the ground. So, to perform heel scraping, keep your back foot out to make sure that your heel is not in contact with the board. Now, as you press the tail, stop when your foot has come in contact with the ground.  

It is a bit hard to see the difference between a tail scrape and a heel scape, but you can hear the difference. Also, keep in mind that heel scraping can wear your shoe with time. 

4. If You Lose Control, Jump Off The Board

Believe it or not, sometimes the best way to stop a skateboard is to jump off it. But, only do it when it is an absolute emergency by following the proper technique. 

Make sure that you keep your legs and arms loose to embrace the fall and spiral into a roll when you hit the surface. I would strongly recommend you practice falling on the grass to improve this technique in case of emergencies. 

Technique 3: Controlled Slide Stopping

Slide stops are a perfect way of stopping when you are moving very fast and need to stop immediately. For instance, when a vehicle suddenly pulls over in front of you. 

1. Keep Your Front Foot Forward

Keep your front foot forward on the board’s nose. If you are aware of the location of the board’s bolts, place your foot directly on them. 

2. Turn The Skateboard At An 180-Degree Angle

Make a sharp turn to the side by pivoting your upper body. Ensure that you move your weight to the side so that it becomes easier to make the swift turn. When doing it, crouch and lean forward to prevent losing balance and falling on your back.

3. Practice

Practice is the key to learning this method. Ensure that you keep practicing until this technique sits in your muscle memory.

Final Thoughts