Using brakes on inline skates involves several techniques, most commonly the heel brake, but also other methods like the plow stop, especially on skates without a built-in brake.
Stopping safely on inline skates requires practice and understanding different techniques. The most common method involves using the heel brake, a rubber pad located at the back of one skate.
The Heel Brake Method
The heel brake is the standard stopping mechanism on many recreational inline skates. To use it:
- Skate Stance: Roll on both skates evenly.
- Prepare: Move the skate with the brake slightly forward, keeping your weight primarily on the back skate.
- Engage: Lift the toes of the front skate (the one with the brake), pressing the rubber heel brake down onto the ground.
- Control: Apply steady, firm pressure with the brake. The harder you press, the faster you will slow down.
- Maintain Balance: Keep your knees bent and stay low. Your back leg acts as support.
- Stop: Continue applying pressure until you come to a complete stop.
Braking Without a Heel Brake (or at Slower Speeds)
If your skates don't have a heel brake, or if you are moving at slower speeds, other techniques are necessary. According to the reference, for skates without a brake and when moving at slower speeds, you can "Try the knee squeeze. Or the plow."
- The Plow Stop: This is similar to the snowplow in skiing.
- Push your heels outwards and bring your toes inwards.
- Keep your skates parallel to each other but angled inwards, creating friction to slow you down.
- Apply more pressure outwards with your heels to increase the braking force.
- The "Knee Squeeze" / Deep Bend: While "knee squeeze" might refer to specific drills, the core principle emphasized for safe stopping in the reference is bending the knees. A deep knee bend lowers your center of gravity, improving stability and control while attempting various stops, including the plow or other friction stops like the T-stop (dragging one skate perpendicular behind the other).
Importance of Bent Knees
Regardless of the braking method used, a crucial safety tip highlighted is to "be sure to keep the knees bent until you come to a complete. Stop." Bending your knees lowers your center of gravity, providing better balance and control throughout the stopping process. It also helps absorb shock and prepare you to recover if you become unstable.
Mastering multiple stopping techniques allows you to choose the most effective one based on your speed, the terrain, and whether your skates are equipped with a heel brake. Always practice braking in a safe, open area before attempting it in higher-traffic environments.
