Tag inline skating

Inline skating is a great way to stay active and improve your mood. It’s a great pastime for both children and adults, though many adults find that as life gets busy, they never put their skates back on. Luckily, recent years have seen an uptick in the number of adult skaters as they remember what a great way it is to exercise and socialize. That being said, getting your old skates out also means you have to brush up on your technique to ensure your safety and reduce your risk of injury. One of the most important techniques to brush up on with your inline skates is stopping. Below, you will learn helpful tips on how to stop in inline skates. 

How to Stop in Inline Skates

Learning to stop is one of the most important skills for safety and control when inline skating. No matter if you are a beginner or expert, perfecting your stopping skills is important. There are several different ways to stop successfully. Consider the following and use the one that works best for you.

The “T” Stop Technique

The T-stop is a great stopping method as it provides skaters with a huge degree of control. When you are moving forward, keep your knees slightly bent. As you prepare to stop, lift one skate and place it behind the other. Your skates should form a “T” shape. Drag the back skate on the ground lightly and apply pressure gradually. To ensure you maintain your balance, keep the majority of your weight on your front skate. This helps you come to a controlled stop with ease. However, it can wear out your wheels a little faster.

The Plow Stop Technique

The plow stop is a common method to slow down and come to a halt when skating. It is a gradual stop, so if you have some time and space, it is an excellent option. As you are skating in a forward motion, be sure your feet are shoulder-width apart. Turn your knees inward and push your heels outward simultaneously. While you are doing this, bend your knees a little and apply pressure to the outside of your skates. This formation is the same as that used by skiers to stop when going down the slopes. However, this stopping technique is best done on flat surfaces for skaters.

Heel Brake Technique

If your inline skates have a heel, this is probably one of the easier stops to learn. Some skates do not come with them, so be sure to check before you get started practicing your stopping technique. When using this technique, keep your knees bent. Extend the skate with the brake slightly in front of your other skate. Press the heel break down by straightening the leg with the brake. Leaning slightly forward is helpful to ensure you maintain your balance. That being said, be sure to keep your weight centered to avoid flipping backward.

Tips for Perfecting Your Stopping Technique

If you are new to skating or putting your old skates back on, practicing your stopping technique is important. Consider the following as you begin your skating journey.

Start on Flat Pavement

Start practicing on a hard and flat surface. It is helpful to practice on open pavement to reduce your risk of injury. Once you find the techniques that work for you, then try stopping uphill and downhill to fully master your method.

Practice Frequently

The more you skate, the better you get at it. Similarly, the more you practice your stopping technique, the better you will be at stopping safely in your inline skates. After you warm up, practice the stopping techniques that work best for you. Keep practicing every time you skate until you fully get the hang of it.

Roller Skate Shop

If you want to get back to skating, check out the selection of roller skates at Crazy Skates today.

Inline skating is a great form of exercise and a fun activity for people of all ages and fitness levels. It is a great way to spend time with friends and family, in addition to burning calories. Inline skating offers several benefits when it comes to your physical fitness and mental health. Regularly skating can help boost your mood, improve your muscle strength, and boost your confidence. Skating outdoors is a great way to get some vitamin D. However, there are inline skating rules on the road. Consider the following rules to ensure you stay safe!

Inline Skating Rules of the Road

Safety is the number one priority when it comes to getting outside and skating. Consider the following rules before you put on your skates and get rolling.

Safety Gear: 

Safety gear is important, and it can come in several forms. Consider wearing a helmet, knee pads, wrist guards, elbow pads, and protective clothing. This can help in the inevitable event that you fall. Falling is normal even when you are a seasoned skater, so it’s important to know your skill level and be prepared. This is especially true if you are new to skating. You should also purchase size-adjustable inline skates to ensure you have the right fit. Safety is key if you want to spend time inline skating. 

Self Awareness: 

Being aware of your skill level is key when it comes to inline skating. If you are new to skating, use extreme caution, as you can easily get hurt. Avoid doing advanced tricks or taking unnecessary risks. Skate at your level, as even slow and steady skating can offer several benefits, including balance, coordination, and muscle strength. Skates are a fun activity, but they can be dangerous if you don’t exercise cautiously.

Follow The Law: 

Follow the laws of your locality to ensure your safety. They are rules for a reason, so consider looking up the rules of the road before you start skating. You are required to follow the rules of the road even if you are not in a car. This includes traffic signals, yielding to pedestrians, and using hand signals to turn. This can ensure your safety and the safety of those around you. 

Maintain Visibility: 

Skating outdoors is a fun form of exercise and a great way to get some vitamin D. However, it’s important to remain visible to those around you. Even if you skate during the day, be sure to wear bright clothing. Skating at night can be dangerous, so use caution. Wear a headlamp and reflective gear and stay off the road, as cars still may not see you. Consider online roller and inline skates that are also a bright color to improve your visibility.

Stay Alert and Sober: 

You may want to jump on your skate after a few drinks. However, it’s important to skate sober. This is especially true if you skate outdoors as there are a number of potential risks that could hurt you or those around you. Staying sober and alert can reduce your risk of injury. While it may not be what you wanted it’s an important choice to make.

Communicate With Others: 

When skating around others, be sure to communicate with them. This includes letting people know if you need to pass them or even if you have lost control. This ensures that they get out of the way so there aren’t multiple injuries. It can also benefit you in the event that you get hurt. Having help from those around you can increase your level of safety and improve your overall experience.