adjusting brake

Question
Hi - I just bought a pair of K2 Exotech inline skates. I LOVE them but the brake seems too high...it is hard for me to access and brake with it. I am only 5'3" and a relatively good skater (can hold my own :) Do you know if these can be easily adjusted or lowered? Thanks! Linda

Answer
Linda,
Since I am not familiar with the K2 Exotech I had to do some research. None of the skate shops in my area carry it. I called K2 & they just got back to me today.
As I suspected, there is no way to lower or adjust the brake. K2 confirmed my opinion that there is no reason that your height should affect your ability to access the brake.
I believe that you need to adjust your braking technique & K2 agreed that there should be no reason that you should not be able to braake if you use the proper technique.
When you need to stop, bring your feet parallel & very close together. Shift your weight to your left foot & roll your right foot forward directly in front of your body (not on an angle, since it's your body weight directly behind your foot that gives you the leverage to stop. Roll your foot so far forward that your toe is forced to come off the ground. This reaching forward should put your brake in a position that will allow it to touch the ground. If your foot is too close to you, you may experience the problem of your brake not touching the ground, so rolling it further forward should do the trick.
I do hope this helps. If you have any other questions you can call me at 212 777-3232 or email me at [email protected]
Roll on!!...........................Lezly Ziering (director - Lezly Skate School - estab. 1979) www.SkateGuru.com