Saving Your Knees Through Better Foot Braking

Saving Your Knees Through Better Foot Braking

Yara AbdiBy Yara Abdi
Recovery & Mobilityknee painfoot brakinginjury preventionlongboard healthstretching

Why does my lead knee hurt after long sessions?

Ever finish a cruise through Prospect Park only to feel a sharp twinge in your front leg? That nagging ache often stems from poor braking mechanics rather than the board itself. We're looking at how to distribute your weight during a foot brake to save your joints from unnecessary impact. Getting this right isn't just about stopping—it's about staying on your board for the next twenty years without a brace.

How do I foot brake without losing balance?

Most riders make the mistake of 'stepping' off the board to slow down. Instead, think of your board-side leg as a shock absorber. You need to keep about 80% of your weight on that front foot while the braking foot lightly brushes the pavement. If you drop too much weight onto the ground too fast, you'll catch an edge or send a jarring shockwave straight into your hip. Check out these