How to Stop on a Longboard Skateboard

Since the rise of surf culture in the 1950s, longboarding has become a popular land alternative to riding the waves. The longboard skateboard is longer, heavier and usually wider than the common skateboard, and this shape requires its own riding and stopping methods. While this may limit the rider's skateboarding trick arsenal, the design provides momentum for greater speeds as well as the ability to create big turns and quick, fluid curves like its ocean-based counterpart.

Things You'll Need

  • Helmet
  • Gloves
  • Rubber-soled shoes
  • Knee/elbow pads (recommended)
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Instructions

  1. Foot Braking

    • 1

      Bend your knees slightly to keep balance.

    • 2

      Gently touch the ground with your back foot while maintaining balance with your front foot on the board. Friction between your shoe and the ground will slow your speed.

    • 3

      Slowly apply pressure with the back foot. Continue adding pressure until you come to a complete stop.

    Carving

    • 4

      Lean to one side while maintaining your balance on the board. Your momentum will shift toward the direction in which you lean.

    • 5

      Lean toward the opposite side. Keep your body in balance as the board turns in the direction of your lean. Your skating line will result in an "S" shape.

    • 6

      Lean back to the opposite side, repeating the previous steps sequentially until you come to a complete stop. Repeatedly leaning side to side---"carving"---will decrease your speed over time.

    Sliding

    • 7

      Slow to a moderate speed. To achieve this, carve a few "S" lines while maintaining your balance in an upright position.

    • 8

      Bend down into a crouched position with both feet squarely on the board.

    • 9

      Reach down and grab the side of the longboard in front of you. Your free hand should be the one near the front of the board.

    • 10

      Lean back and pull the side of the longboard, bending backward as far as you can. At the same time, place your free hand (protected with a glove) onto the ground behind you and shift as much weight as you can onto it. The friction will pull your board into a natural spin toward the direction of your free hand.

    • 11

      Pick up your hand from the ground and stand upright on the longboard immediately after completing the 180 degree spin.

    Rolling Off

    • 12

      Locate an off-road surface with greater friction and drag (grass, for example).

    • 13

      Navigate the longboard toward the direction of the new surface.

    • 14

      Let the natural drag of the new surface slow down your speed.

    • 15

      Maintain your balance and step off the board when you slow to a safe speed.