How to Foot Brake on a Longboard

Longboarding emerged in the 1950s as an alternative to surfing when the waves were flat or the beaches were packed with vacationers. True to its roots, the boards are long, wide and shaped much like surfboards. The wide axles and big, soft wheels allow you to carve hills and sidewalks like an ocean swell or the crests of a breaking wave. When riding at a moderate to slow speed, you can come to a complete stop by braking with the sole of your shoe.

Instructions

    • 1

      Reduce speed prior to foot braking by applying an "air brake." This involves assuming a wide stance on the board, standing tall and outstretching your arms to catch wind resistance.

    • 2

      Bend your knees slightly to lower your center of gravity. Shift your weight toward your front foot and begin to unweight your back foot.

    • 3

      Move your back foot gradually to the toe edge of the board. Stop once the ball of your back foot is hanging over the edge.

    • 4

      Lift your back foot completely off the board and place it lightly onto the ground. Avoid stomping your foot down as this will cause you to tumble forward if you are still moving fast. The heel of your shoe's sole should make contact with the ground first for smoothest braking action.

    • 5

      Maintain contact with the ground until you begin to slow down. Apply firmer pressure with your back foot to come to a complete stop.