Hi, I recently moved apartment and started skateboarding to work. I have a nickel board, so more for cruising than tricks.
My question is: what's the best way to slow down and stop on sidewalks?
I've watched several YouTube videos about different techniques for slowing down and stopping, but they tended to assume an environment with more room and smooth ground. Where I ride, it's a sidewalk with cracks and leaves and changing terrain. It is also somewhat hilly so I really need a way to slow down on sustained (not steep though) downhills.
One of the best techniques I found was called pumping, basically the opposite of pushing. This works well on any terrain and on skinny sidewalks. However, it's really hard on my ankles, and I actually made my right ankle swollen. So I figured I need a better way.
I don't particularly want to use techniques that scrape my shoes. And I'm not sure powerslides are the best idea on the uneven terrain.
Surely there's something better than just dismounting? Do I have to ride on the road to do powerslides?
I would greatly appreciate any and all advice!! I'm quite new to this so anything is helpful
Most of times I brake using my back foot on the ground. Little taps when i'm going slow, and rubbing when i'm fast. When i'm too fast i slide, but it's hard to do (like speed checks on a snowboard) you need quite a bit of speed with soft wheels. Hard wheels it's easy, just powerslide. Hit me if you need more details.