So, I've noticed there are two very different types of skids (maybe more i don't know about) in riding a fixie. The first, which I've so far figured out how to do is more of a trick type skid, with all my weight forward, not really a casual stopping skid, which would be my second type.

I was just wondering if there are any tricks to making stopping skids easier. When I say stopping skids I mean the little half fishtail'd ones I see people doing as they commute to slow down a bit.

Thanks for any advice guys

i'm no expert on skids, but i run 48/16 gear ratio, and find it very hard to skid. i think if the gear ratio is lower, you could skid easier, but yeah i have friends who could do little quick skids barely standing up.

I find that a very stylish skid is done when the rear and front swap ends at the finish.
Weight is kept forward, and inside foot comes out at the end of the spin.
Observed this watching my 8yr old neice. Who can swing it right or left.
Singlespeed not fixie, mind you.

I hardly lean forward at all when I skid now. I just stand off the saddle a little to unweight my rear wheel and then guide the direction of the wheel with the inside of my back leg.
When it's a little wet out I usually don't even leave the saddle to skid.

Honestly I think it looks kinda janky when people are all nuts to stem.

I run 48/18

I run 48/16 and find it easier if I lean a little forward to initiate the skid and then transfer my weight back towards the saddle afterwards... it seems to work pretty efficiently

Just whip skid and you can do it every time no matter what your ratio.

I'm at 49/17 and can really only skip/skid short when I'm in the saddle, but if I stand up and whip it, it's like a coaster brake.

Skidding with the nuts on the stem is tarck.