Why It’s Not Always the Best Advice To Tell a Beginner Inline Skater To Remove It.
There’s a prevailing belief in the inline skating community that learning to skate without a brake is perfectly fine because there are other stopping methods available. It’s a mindset that has gained traction, and become prevalent. Many new adult inline skaters find themselves either starting without a brake or removing it shortly after purchasing their skates. The reason? Advice from more experienced skaters who claim the brake is ineffective, unnecessary, or even dangerous—especially when performing forward crossovers.
With so many skaters opting to skate brake-less, it’s no surprise that the pressure to ditch the brake has become so prevalent. Unfortunately, this trend is often accompanied by heel brake shaming, creating an environment where beginners feel discouraged from using this tool. As a result, heel brakes are frequently discarded, despite their clear advantages for new skaters.
But let’s take a step back and consider the real-world consequences of this decision. If we observe a group skate anywhere in the world, it’s not hard to spot a number of skaters struggling to stop, especially when it comes to stopping quickly from moderate speed or handling downhill slopes. It’s clear that if alternative stopping methods were truly as easy to master as some claim, there wouldn’t be so many skaters in this predicament.
The reality is this: All non-heel brake stopping techniques are more technically demanding than simply using a heel brake. They require a higher level of coordination, balance, and skill, which makes them far less effective for beginners or those with limited experience. So, advising new skaters to remove the one tool that provides them with the most basic control is, frankly, misguided—and it can lead to a host of negative consequences, including:
- Feeling unsteady and lacking confidence
- Slow progress in all aspects of skating
- Fear of not being able to stop
- Anxiety when faced with slopes or hills
- Foot pain from unconscious foot tension
- Falling due to the inability to stop in time
- Injury resulting from a fall
- Giving up skating entirely because it feels too intimidating, difficult or painful
On the flip side, skaters who learn to use the heel brake during their very first session gain instant confidence, knowing they have a reliable way to stop when needed. This sense of control boosts their overall skating ability, from striding and gliding to improving their average speed. These skaters are also far less likely to experience the kind of nasty falls that often lead to new skaters quitting before they’ve really had a chance to get into the sport.
So, where do you stand on this issue? If you knew that advising a new skater to remove their brake could result in them falling—or worse, giving up on skating altogether—would you still recommend they ditch it? It’s something worth considering.
If you’re determined to learn inline skating as an adult and have made the choice to go brake-less, then I encourage you to focus on mastering 2-3 other non-heel brake stopping techniques. Just be aware: these methods are much more difficult and require a higher level of coordination, balance, and skating skill. Here’s a list of stopping techniques, ranked from easiest to most challenging:
- Heel Brake Stop (Beginner)
- Plough Stop (Beginner)
- Stepping Plough (Beginner)
- T-Stop (Intermediate)
- Spin Stop (Intermediate)
- Lunge Stop (Intermediate/Advanced)
- Soul Slide (Intermediate/Advanced)
- Powerslide (Intermediate/Advanced)
- Powerstop (Advanced)
- Magic Slide (Advanced)
- Parallel Stop / Hockey Stop (Advanced)
The most essential of these techniques can be learned online through Skatefresh’s Online Stops Courses: skatefresh.com/stops-slides
But why should we be so quick to dismiss the heel brake? Instead of shaming beginners for using it, wouldn’t it make more sense to celebrate their progress once they’ve mastered 2-4 other stopping techniques at higher speeds? This approach would be more logical, compassionate, and—most importantly—safer for new skaters. We should be encouraging learners to feel supported and confident as they develop their skills, not pushing them into techniques they’re not ready for.
Think about it: When learner drivers take to the roads, they display “L plates” to show others that they are new to driving. This simple symbol encourages compassion and patience from other road users, acknowledging that the learner driver may not have the same level of skill as a seasoned driver. Imagine if heel brakes became a similar symbol in the inline skating community. Rather than ridiculing beginners for using brakes, we could offer them the understanding and support they need to grow.
But that’s just my perspective. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the “Great Heel Brake Debate.” Please share your opinion on social media.
And if you’re ready to master the heel brake stop or take your safety to the next level by learning non-heel brake methods, check out Skatefresh’s range of Online Stops & Slides Courses. Choose the techniques that suit your needs and start progressing safely!