Ever since I was a little kid, I have loved roller skating. There’s just something about sliding around on those four wheels that is so much fun. So when I first tried roller skiing, I was hooked. Similar to skating, but with the added benefit of skying through the woods and down hills, roller skiing is an amazing way to get around. But before you can start enjoying all the benefits of this sport, you need to know how to stop on roller skis. In this post, I will give you some tips for doing just that. Read on for more!
There are a few reasons you might want to stop on roller skis. Maybe you’re out on a leisurely ski and see a cute bunny rabbit that you want to take a picture of. Or maybe you’re skiing down a hill and see a car coming towards you and realize that you need to stop quickly. In any case, it’s always good to know how to stop quickly and safely.
Things You’ll Need
To stop on roller skis, you’ll need a few basic materials. You’ll need roller skis, of course, and ski poles. You’ll also need some braking devices. This can be anything from a hand brake to a set of railroad tracks that you can put your skis into to stop quickly.
The type of braking device you use will depend on your personal preference and your skiing terrain. A hand brake might be all you need if you’re skiing on a flat surface. But if you’re skiing on a hill, you’ll probably want to use something more substantial, like railroad tracks.
Methods to Follow on How to Stop on Roller Skis
Method 1: Braking Device
This is probably the easiest method to try. Many people choose this method because it doesn’t require anything other than your roller skis and ski poles. All you have to do is place one end of your pole in a braking device on the ground that will hold your roller skis in place, like large metal tracks. Then, push down with your pole until the roller skis are securely in place. You can also use the flat end of the ski poles to stop by pushing them into the snow instead of using a braking device.
To use a braking device, follow those steps:
Step 1
Put your roller skis in a braking device, like metal tracks
Step 2
Push down on the pole until the roller skis are securely stopped
Method 2: Hand Brake
Many people prefer to use a hand brake rather than a braking device. This is because it takes up less space and gives you more control over how quickly you stop. A hand brake will allow you to stop in a shorter time than using the braking device but isn’t as sturdy.
To use a hand brake, follow these steps:
Step 1
Put your hand close to or on the brake when you are ready to stop
Step 2
Push down hard with your palm to quickly lock up your roller skis
Method 3: Bunny Hops or a Snowplow
One of the more popular methods among those who prefer to learn how to stop on roller skis is bunny hop or snowplow. This method allows you to create a more stable stopping surface by digging into the ground with your ski ahead of you as you come to a stop. In addition, this method gives you more control over how quickly you come to a stop and how far your skis stick out in front of you before stopping. Hence, it is great for those who prefer to go very slowly or don’t like how close together their roller skis get when they use another method.
To use a bunny hop or snowplow, follow these steps:
Step 1
Put the ski in front of you with your heel slightly up to make sure you are on the right track
Step 2
Slowly dig into the ground at an angle until your skis are securely stopped
Method 4: Changing Your Speed Mid-Ski
Another option is to change how fast you are going while taking the roller skis down a hill. This option is great if you have time to plan how you will stop or want total control over how quickly your stop happens. To do this, turn your body so that you are skiing in reverse. Then ski downhill backward until you reach a safe and comfortable speed to stop without having to do anything else.
To change how fast you’re going, follow these steps:
Step 1
Turn your body so that you are skiing backward and continue doing this until you feel like you can stop safely
Step 2
Ski backward until you reach a safe speed to stop
Method 5: Skis Crossed or One Ski Down
This method of how to stop on roller skis is more for those who want to try something new. It’s how many professional Inline Roller skiers learn how to start, but it can be a bit dangerous. To do this, cross your skis or leave one down like you would on a snowboard.
To ski with one ski down, follow these steps:
Step 1
Make sure to hold onto your poles and be steady before putting the heel of one skate on the ground
Step 2
Put the toe of your left skate in front of your right and make sure you have a firm grip on your poles
Step 3
Put the heel of your left skate down to stop
Method 6: Getting Help
If you’re struggling with stopping on roller skis, ask for help. Some people want to help you learn how to ski, and they would be more than happy to give you pointers or even let you try their roller skis. Just make sure to be polite and nice when asking for help.
Be Courteous
If a roller skier is going a bit too fast toward you, it’s okay to ask them politely how they do the bunny hop or slow down. They will understand that you’re new to roller skiing and want some pointers on not to crash into them.
Asking for Help
If you have tried all of the above methods and how to stop on roller skis has yet to become a natural part of how you ski, ask for help. There is no shame in asking how to ski from those who are better at it than you. Also, remember that asking how to do something correctly shows your willingness to learn how to roller ski and not crash into others while you do it.
Other Breaking Methods You Can Follow on For Stop a Roller Skis
Snowplow or Wide Stance Stop
The snowplow or wide stance stop is another way to stop on roller skis. This method is great for those who want to take their time when coming to a stop. You will need to put your skis in a wide stance and then slowly dig into the ground with the ski in front of you. This will help to stop you safely and allow you to maintain control over how quickly you come to a stop.
Slalom Stop
The slalom stop is another way to stop on roller skis. This method is great if you are looking for a change in how you get stops done quickly and easily while also using it when going how fast or slow you want. To do this, do the bunny hop with both skis off of the ground simultaneously. This will cause both skis to come off the ground and stop you almost immediately.
Rolling into Grass
If you are on grass when trying to stop, it is best to try the snowplow or wide stance stop. This is because the grass will help slow you down more quickly than if you were on pavement. Put your skis in a wide stance and then slowly dig into the ground with the ski in front of you. This will help to stop you safely and allow you to maintain control over how quickly you come to a stop.
T- Stop
There are several methods for stopping on roller skis, the simplest being the T-stop. Just push your toe into one ski while sliding back your heel. Then, repeat this action on the other ski. Of course, you can reduce friction by twisting your legs inward to get a more stable stance, but it isn’t necessary.
Last Resort Techniques
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to stop quickly and the T-stop isn’t working, there are a few more methods you can try. One is to skate off the edge of the rink, which will cause you to slide to a stop. Another is to perform a hockey stop. Put your weight on one ski and drag the other one behind you to do this. Then quickly switch legs and do the same thing.
Conclusion
Roller skiing is a great way to improve your fitness and have fun outdoors. However, it’s important to stay safe while roller skiing. So make sure you follow these tips to stop on roller skis safely and enjoy your time on the slopes! Thanks for reading our post about how to stop on roller skis.
