How to “Super Clean” your inline skates
November 9, 2022
Controlling speed and stopping on inline skates is an essential skill that every inline skater should learn. It's important to be able to control speed and stop quickly, in order to avoid collisions and other hazards ahead. There are several different methods for stopping on inline skates, and the best one for you will depend on your skill level and personal preferences. Let’s take a look at a few ways to control speed and stop on inline skates.
#1 Heel Brake Stop
The most basic method for stopping on inline skates is to use the heel brake. Most beginner inline skates are equipped with a brake or come with one in the box. To engage the heel brake you will first scissor your feet, then squat your butt down while lifting your back toes to engage the heel brake. Make sure to keep your body centered over your skates, knees bent and hands and eyes forward. This will cause you to slow down and eventually come to a controlled and smooth stop.
#2 Drag Stop or T-Stop
If you don’t have a heel brake, another basic method for stopping on inline skates is to use the Drag Stop or T-stop. To perform a Drag Stop, drop one foot behind the other in a 45-80 degree angle. Think of your feet creating an L on the ground with your heels in line with each other. Then press down on your back skate at your ankle which will drag the wheels on their side to slow you down to a stop. Remember to keep your knees bent and your upper body centered over your skates if not slightly forward. The more you press on the back drag foot the faster you will stop. The Drag Stop is a more advanced technique that takes some practice to master, but it can be useful for controlling speed and stopping.
#3 PLOW OR WEDGE STOP
Another method for stopping on inline skates is to use the plow stop. To perform a plow stop, get into a wide stance by separating your skates, then bend your knees and point your toes inward. This will create a wedge shape with your skates, which will slow you down. Your skates will want to roll together but fight that feeling by pressing/rolling your ankles outward. Depending on how fast you're going you may need to reset your wide stance by stepping one foot at a time to the side. The plow stop can be a little tricky to get the hang of but is a great skill for all ability levels and is an amazing option for controlling speed down paths not wide enough to complete big turns.
Overall, there are several different methods for stopping on inline skates, and the best one for you will depend on your skill level and personal preferences. These 3 are only easy ways to control speed and stop on inline skates. It's important to learn different techniques to stop quickly and safely on inline skates. With practice, you'll be able to stop on your inline skates confidently and effectively, and you'll be able to enjoy your skating experience even more!
I hope this helped to shed some light on how to control speed and stop on inline skates. If you have any questions feel free to email me at thirtyandrollin@gmail.com For you visual learners you may watch my video on this topic below.
Thanks for stopping by and until next time, just keep rollin!
