AboutLezly Ziering Expertise Ask me technical questions about how to skate, where to skate in N.Y.C., what to look for in a skate, where to learn to skate indoors or outdoors in N.Y.C. Where to buy traditional skates (quads). Do not ask things like - give me a list of skates from the best to the least desireable or prices of inline skates.
Experience
Past/Present clients Head instructor & Director of Lezly Skate School since 1979 where I have taught in excess of 10,000 skaters both traditional & inline skating. I trained most of the cast of "Starlight Express" (Broadway & road companies) & have coached Donald Sutherland & Michael O'Keefe for film roles involving skating.I am the artistic advisor to the New York Express Roller Dance Co. & founder & chairman of the Central Park Dance Skaters Assoc.
Question Hi: i used to ice skate quite frequently when I was a youth. I just purchased a set of k-2 roller blades with the break in the back. Ive noticed there are also roller blades with out the brake on them. How do you stop on the roller blades with no brake block on them??
Answer Hi Brian,
There are several ways to stop without a heel brake. The most common of these is the "T Stop". For advanced skaters there is also the "Power Slide" - similar to a hockey stop. There is alo a stop I call the "T-Jam".
The "T Stop" I teach in 4 stages:
1. With body erect, feet parallel - no more than 2" apart, bend knees deeply as you roll forward
2. Keep shoulders & chest facing forward extending your right arm forward, palm down at waist level - left arm to the side, palm down at waist level*. Lefties may wish to extend the left arm forward & the right arm to the side.
3. Roll forward with all your weight onto your left foot (the balance foot) for right handers - right foot might be the more comfortable balance foot for lefties.
4. Do not lift but drag the inside edge of the back foot (the braking foot), with all wheels in contact with the surface, into a "T", drawing the instep toward the heel of the "balance foot", easing you to a smooth stop.
Note: Knees remain bent, The weight is centered over the "balance foot", the "braking foot" is unweighted behind, in a "T" & does not touch the "balance foot" remaining from 2" to 4" behind it & the arms remain one forward in opposition to the breaking foot & one actively stretching to the side to keep you centered over the "balance foot".
*If you are right handed you will probably feel more comfortable stopping by bringing your right into the braking position. Bringing your right foot into a "T" tends to make 2 things happen a. it makes your right shoulder pull back which can spin you around b. it can make you fall to the right.
To counter those tendencies, it helps to bring your right arm forward, palm down at waist level, to square that shoulder forward & check the spin & stretching your left arm to the side, palm down at waist level, to help balance you over your left foot. The reverse, of course, would apply for Lefties. It takes practice, but when you get it you won't need that cubersome heel brake.
The "T Jam" requires performing a "Spread Eagle" or "C" turn, knees well bent, then bring your feet parallel & roll backwards for a count of 2, & keeping your shoulders square to the front & your weight on the forward foot thrust the other foot straight back, jamming it's inside edge into the ground in a reverse "T" stop. It is important to keep the weight totally on the forward foot & maintain the shoulders & the "braking foot" perpendicular to your line of travel.
If you are in the N.Y. area you register for my classes by calling 212 777-3232 or emailing me at SkateGuru@aol.com
I hope this helps.
Roll on!...........Lezly (Lezly Skate School- NYC - estab. 1979}
