How to Slow Down on Inline Skates

As inline skating has grown in popularity, skates have evolved to accommodate different skill levels and activities. The most common skate choice is a recreational skate that includes a brake pad to assist in speed control. Despite the style of skate, slowing down and stopping is a skill required for any setting. The brake is the quickest solution to slowing down, but the nearest patch of grass can be an effective tool as well.

Things You'll Need

  • Inline skates with brake pad
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Instructions

  1. Brake Stop

    • 1

      Make sure the brake pad is positioned on the skate of the stronger leg--the one you will most likely use to brake. The brake pad is usually designed to fit on either skate.

    • 2

      To initiate braking, keep your skates hip-width apart, bend your knees slightly and tilt your tailbone back as though you are about to sit in a chair. This should create a gentle arch at your lower back.

    • 3

      Extend your arms in front of you to counterbalance and slowly slide the skate with the brake forward so your feet are in a staggered position, with one foot slightly ahead of the other. Do not lift your toe to activate the brake as you move your skate forward because that will cause a sudden stop that might pitch you forward and cause you to fall.

    • 4

      Keeping your knees bent in the staggered stance, gently raise the toe of the skate that has the brake and allow your body weight to press against the extended foot until you slow down. ABT, or advanced brake technology, is a popular feature that allows the brake to engage as you move your foot forward without having to raise your toe. If your skates have an ABT braking system, the brake will automatically engage when you slide one foot forward without requiring you to lift your toe.

    Grass Stop

    • 5

      Initiate slowing as in Step 2 above.

    • 6

      Allow one skate to slide in front of the other. If you have an ABT braking system, make sure the skate without the brake is the one you slide forward. The last wheel of the skate in front should be in front of the first wheel on the back skate. Keep your skates hip-width apart as you approach the grass and your knees bent.

    • 7

      Roll straight into the grass and immediately bend your knees deeper to absorb the momentum. Maintain this position until you roll to a full stop.