The powerslide is a braking method used in
inline skating
Inline skating is a multi-disciplinary sport and can refer to a number of activities practiced using inline skates. Inline skates typically have two to five polyurethane wheels depending on the style of practice, arranged in a single line by a ...
where both skates are quickly moved into a position perpendicular to the moving direction of the skater. Whereas braking this way is quite common in
ice skating
Ice skating is the self-propulsion and gliding of a person across an ice surface, using metal-bladed ice skates. People skate for various reasons, including recreation (fun), exercise, competitive sports, and commuting. Ice skating may be per ...
(where it is called a
hockey stop A hockey stop is a specific and primary way of stopping on ice skates while playing ice hockey.
The hockey stop allows the skater to change directions quickly, keeping up with play. It takes practice to effectively stop facing both ways, most skate ...
), any irregularity on the surface can make a novice roller skater easily lose balance and fall.
The powerslide offers an effective way of coming to a stop within a short distance to advanced skaters due to the friction the wheels incur on the surface. As powerful as it is, it does cause wear on the wheels, can cause the wheels to wear unevenly, and can only be performed with definitive success when the surface is familiar to the skater.
Techniques
The forward powerslide or full frontal powerslide starts with the skater skating forward and spinning sideways to a stop. In a backward powerslide, the skater starts out skating backward. A roundhouse powerslide starts with the skater skating either forward or backward, spinning to face the opposite way, and in the same movement executing a powerslide.
External links
*{{YouTube, RyG_4YUCbFk, Powerslide tutorial
Roller skating elements
Inline skating
Aggressive skating