"I want them to learn with smiles and have fun in a safe way. I also hope they walk away after the class with a sense of accomplishment," said Shepard.
Two Mountain Avenue Elementary School students, 9-year-old Tom O'Connor and his 8-year-old sister Clair, were the first to arrive and said they hoped to learn how to "hop" on their boards.
"I want to hop like a bunny on my skateboard," said Clair O'Connor.
Jack Phelan, a Palm Crest Elementary School student, was very anxious to have his dad help him put on his pads so he could get on his board and give it a try.
Parents lined the fence watching as the pack of skateboarders took off. Karen Gilmour, whose son Matthew attends La Cañada Elementary School, said, "I like the class because of the safety aspects they are teaching."
Tom Adams, management analyst for the city of La Cañada Flintridge, watched from the sideline, his skateboard at his side. Adams said, "Iris Le Cheminant, one of the skate park employees, suggested the idea [of a skateboard class] and the city and the Roger Barkley Center worked together to make it happen. By the looks of it, everyone is having fun and learning techniques. I may even get out there toward the end of the session."
According to Megan Browne, activities director for the RBCC, the class filled up to its limit quickly.
Session II will start Feb. 26 and run four consecutive Saturdays. Advanced registration is necessary and can be completed at the Roger Barkley Community Center, 4469 Chevy Chase Drive, La Cañada Flintridge. There is a $50 fee. Additional information can be obtained by calling 790-4353 or by visiting www.rbcclcf.org.
