How to Foot Stop on a Longboard Without Falling

Downhill skateboarding stands in as a summer thrill substitute in many mountain ski towns and even attracts a following of its own with an unofficial race circuit. But riding a skateboard at high speeds downhill could result in injury or even death, if you don't know how to stop safely and effectively. Modeled after surfboards, longboards can reach speeds of more than 40 mph, depending on the terrain. Longboarders use the foot stop method to slow themselves down and come to a full stop. Executed properly, this technique works at any speed.

Instructions

    • 1

      Lift your back foot off the board. Rotate your body so your shoulders face the nose of the board. Dangle your back foot above the ground on the side of your board slightly behind your front foot.

    • 2

      Bend your front knee and spread your arms until you become balanced with the board. Determine your balance by the amount of movement your body makes. Adjust your knee and arm placement until your body feels stable.

    • 3

      Place the tip of your back foot onto the ground. Shift your body weight gradually onto the foot until it falls flat and makes full contact with the ground. Use the friction between your foot and the ground to slow you down and come to a complete stop.