It may sound mad, but...

• Speed isn't for everyone
• Braking allows you to go faster, safer
• And allows for variation, expression and flow!

Just look at Paddy's face as he brakes from 30mph+ to a gentle jogging pace to make it safely around a soggy hairpin; this weekend braking was a crucial aspect of making it down the hill at Tregz Freeride.

But whether you're cruising the beachfront, navigating the city or have your eyes on a local descent, knowing how to slow down is a skill worth mastering as soon as possible. It'll bring joy to your sessions, flow to your day and open up new spots that you never thought possible to skate.

 

 

Not really - but you will do one, and it highlights that learning to fall is just as important as the braking itself... as is the appropriate safety gear.

Even for cruising around, we always recommend wearing a helmet. It won't do anything 99.99% of the time, but it'll save your life the rest of it!

Also: a big thank you to Shanna and Max allowing me to share their Tregz photography. You can view their complete Tregz imagery via the links above and give them a follow on Instagram here: @s.shanna_ and @beholder_media.

 

 

The first step in slowing down - its like pushing to get going, but in backwards.

You don't have to bend down and grab your board like this - mostly it happens stood up straight. Here British downhill legend and fastest in the world, Pete Connolly, grabs on to force more weight through his shoe and increase his braking power.

Advantages:

• Can be done with little to no warning
• Can be squeezed into tight spaces
• Relatively easy to master
• Works from 1mph to as fast as you like

Disadvantages:

• Doesn't brake as hard as other methods in an emergency
• Tricky to do in anything but a straight line
• Bailing out can hurt as you're stood up tall
• Eats shoes!

There's a nice how-to on lushlongboards.com that'll save me writing instructions out here.

Mastering the footbrake isn't difficult, but will take some practise and is worth building up the speed incrementally to avoid any sketchiness.

Gluing footbrake soles to your shoes is highly recommended to increase their lifespan by about a million times. Many moons ago my mother was not best pleased when I wore through a brand new pair of trainers, plus my sock, in the space of an afternoon session...

 

Lesson 2: Sliding

Happy Lil Izac here shows us some great form with a heelside predrift.

The idea here is that using slide gloves you put a hand on the floor, taking weight off your wheels allowing them to break traction. Think rally cars drifting into corners - that's what we're doing, but even cooler.

Advantages:

• Lots of braking power
• Can be done in straight lines and in corners
• Crashes aren't too bad as you're already so low to the ground
• Every hill becomes a playground
• Feels and looks awesome

Disadvantages:

• More of a learning curve involved
• Tricky in tight spaces where a footbrake just fits
• Chance of flatspotting wheels with poor technique

You'll also likely want to invest in some kneepads if you're serious about this one - it's worth it.

It's a good idea to start by learning the coleman or the toeside pendulum: solid emergency stops that you can depend on.

Once you're comfortable going sideways, you can refine the slide into "predrifts" - poking it out as you enter a corner without the slide going over 90°:

 

 

You may notice Bumpy in the back there doesn't have his hand on the floor. Without any weight on his hand, all his force is going down through his wheels. He's very good at that.

Standup slides are the highest-level, most effective way to brake on a skateboard... the most fun and widely applicable, too!

 

 

Not really.

Advantages:

• Beats rolling off a cliff or hitting a tree

Disadvantages:

• They're not as soft as they look
• Costs organisers money if they're destroyed

There exists a fine line between trying your best to avoid them, and being very grateful they exist should you need them...

 

 

All sounds too much?

Don't worry - there is no braking necessary to come along and enjoy the Bristol Board Meeting on the 8th September!

There'll be longboards, cruisers, surfskates and rumour has it, even a few e-boards in case you need a lift... Also a BBQ... and did we mention the massive raffle?

All proceeds will be going to MacMillan Cancer Support and we can't wait to see you there.

Thank you Brianne Collective for another epic Tregz Freeride, and to all my friends old and new for the good times.

Now I'd better get to sleep, there's a few of you wanting boards packaged up in the morning,
Matt @ Vandem