How to Stop on Rollerblades
Rollerblading is a fun activity for those who have a passion for skating. You can traverse different surfaces and can even do tricks if you are good at it. Before you can rollerblade freely, you must learn one of the most basic moves, which beginners normally have a hard time doing - stopping. It may seem tricky at first, given the footwork required. However, once you get the hang of it, you can stop on rollerblades anytime you choose.
Three Ways of Stopping
There is more than one way to stop on rollerblades. Each of them is categorized according to skill level, so you have to be quite good to pull off the hardest one. Here are the four ways of stopping, with the corresponding skill level for each.
Novice: Hold on to a Wall or Rail
Intermediate: The Knee Bend
Moderate: The T-Stop
Expert: The 360 Stop
On normal occasions, the ways of stopping are done progressively, however some learn the knee bend first, since stopping on your own is more convenient than looking for walls or railings.
Holding on to a Wall or Rail
Novices have a hard time controlling their movements, including stopping. They skate slowly, often having an unsteady balance. Naturally, holding on to a wall or rail is the safest and easiest way to stop. A novice skater can go for a full stop by simply clutching a rail or any surface, given his or her slow speed. The rail, which keeps the rollerblader from falling, is also a means of safety.
The Knee Bend
The Knee Bend, as its name suggests, involves keeping your feet close to one another, as you bend your knees, en route to a gradual stop. It is the preferred means of most rollerbladers, since it is simple to do. However, a full stop with a knee bend takes longer than any of the other methods.
The T-Stop
The T-Stop is an edgy means of stopping on rollerblades. A combination of foot actions is required for you to slow down and gradually stop. It’s really easy. All you need is proper timing and concentration, if you’re a beginner.
Procedure:
Skate freely.
Move one of your feet behind the other then twist it horizontally, forming a T.
As the rollerblades slow down, you have the choice to make a full stop or pace at a different direction.
Many rollerbladers end the learning curve at this means of stopping, since they already have three choices, which is enough. Serious skaters are usually the ones left to learn the final way of stopping.
The 360 Stop
The 360 stop is challenging given the small area required for you to move. You’d probably wow crowds when you pull off this maneuver.
Procedure:
Skate speedily.
Make a really quick turn, as you travel in circular motion, preferably a small circle.
The rollerblades, holding you in one area, then slow down until you make a full stop.
Attempting the 360, at first, might reward you with a few bumps and bruises. When you are able to pull it off consistently, you can start learning tricks. You already the necessary tools and skill at this point. Who knows, an X-Games career could be slated soon?