braking

Question
Hi there,

I like your profile you obviously have lived and seen a lot.

My question is ... do you have any tips on braking? I am a beginner and realise that this is very important.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Thomas

Answer
Thomas,
You left out an important piece of info - are you a blader or quad skater? I am going to answer this assuming that you are a blader & if it turns out that you are a quad skater contact me again & I'll give you a heads up on that too - I teach both (in the  same class as a matter of fact).
Set up your stop by bringing your feet parallel & close together, no more than 2"apart. Your knees  should be bent (MOST IMPORTANT) so that your lower shins are pressing  against the  tongues of your boots. Arms are extended side & slightly ahead of you, hands at waist level, palms parallel to the ground to help your balance & to keep your upper body still. Your focus should be ahead of you, torso erect - do not look at your feet or bend either forward or back from the waist - Shift your weight totally onto the left (balance) foot (if you are braking with the right) - roll the right (braking) foot forward till the toe of you boot comes off the ground (not because you have raised your toe but because you have rolled it forward forcing it to lift). Let the  brake touch the ground like a feather at first, then gradually add a steady pressure till you come to a complete stop. Your braking foot must be directly in front of your body since it is your body weight being directly behind your foot that makes you stop.
This is the most basic stop. There others more difficult & more effective. If you are in the NY area & are looking for instruction you can reach me at [email protected] or call 212 777-3232. I hope this  has  been a help. Roll on.........Lezly (Lezly Skate  School)