The brake pad at the heel of a recreational skate — the most effective and gentlest brake for beginners.
Plenty of beginners take the brake off first because it gets in the way — exactly the wrong reflex. It stops you more effectively than any other technique and spares both equipment and joints. The technique: skates parallel, push the braking leg forward, bend the rear knee and lift the toe of the braking foot until the pad bites. What matters is bending your knees rather than leaning back — the centre of mass stays low and between the skates. The brake usually sits on the right and is a wear item; once worn to the marker, replace it. Speed and aggressive skates don't have one by design, and there you need the T-stop.