An In-Line Education

Not ready to strap on all-terrain skates and head for the hills? In fact, maybe you aren’t even ready to hit the sidewalk in front of your house. Rollerblade has the solution for you.

Blade School.

Founded in 1993, Blade School is the largest skate school in the country, helping more than 20,000 students from ages 7-60 learn to skate.

The program is designed for in-line skaters of all levels, whether you are strapping on your first pair of skates, want to master backward skating or learn to jump curbs.

“These are great classes for beginners and also skaters who want to improve,” said Dan Joyce, director of Blade School. “We teach not only how to skate, but how to skate in a safe manner. It’s great for people who are tentative or scared but want to learn to skate.”

The classes are taught by professional instructors who are certified members of the International Inline Skating Assn. The lessons are $20 for adults and include loaner skates and protective gear for your knees, elbows and head.

* Huntington Beach: Sport Chalet, 16242 Beach Blvd. Thursdays: 6-8 p.m.

* Irvine: UC Irvine, Crawford Hall, call (949) 824-5848. Tuesdays: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Classes held on the lighted basketball courts near Crawford Hall.

* Laguna Niguel: Sport Chalet, 27080 Alicia Parkway. Second and fourth Sunday of each month, 9-11 a.m.

* Mission Viejo: Saddleback College, 2800 Marguerite Parkway. Fridays: 6-8 p.m. Classes are held in Lot 5A next to tennis courts.

* Newport Beach: Newport Elementary School, 13th Street and Balboa Boulevard. Saturdays: 3-5 p.m. Classes are held on blacktop behind the school. Call the City of Newport Beach to register, (949) 644-3151.

* Tustin: Market Place, 2771 El Camino Real. Saturdays: 9-11 a.m. Classes are held in front of Chick’s Sporting Goods. Skate the Irvine bike path the last Saturday of each month, 8:30 a.m.-11 a.m.