a skateboard braking apparatus comprising a brake actuator having a lever extending above the skateboard and a contact portion extending below the skateboard . the brake actuator is pivotably connected to the rear end of the skateboard at a connection point on the brake actuator such that when a user applies a rearward force on a forward facing face of the lever portion of the brake actuator , the brake actuator pivots about the connection point so that the contact portion makes contact with a surface on which the skateboard travels .