Abstract: According to one aspect, an apparatus for reducing the speed or acceleration of motion of a skateboard and its user is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more friction elements that are removably affixed to a substantially flat resilient member at a location near the first end of the resilient member typically proximate to the rear wheel mounting truck; the resilient member is then affixed by fasteners upon its opposite and second end to the underneath face of the platform of the skateboard, typically proximate to or forward of the center of the platform.

Abstract: In one aspect, an apparatus for measuring a tension force on a net cord of a sports net is disclosed. The apparatus may include a housing configured to connect to a static post. The apparatus may also include a slidable member and attachment members. The attachment members may be configured to engage a portion of the net cord. A resilient member inside the housing may be connected to the slidable member, and an indicator member may be connected to the slidable member within the housing. The slidable member may be configured to move within the housing in response to and by a distance proportional to an amount of tension force on the net cord. The indicator member may be connected to the slidable member such that a portion of the indicator member may be exposed through a slotted opening defined in the housing.