If you’ve been practicing your skating skills and you’re ready to take it up a notch, why not learn some tricks? These will really impress your friends and family, and learning something new will keep your mind sharp over the summer.

• Jumping. This trick is simple but looks cool. First of all, learn how to glide for long distances, and make sure you know how to fall safely. Then practice jumping and landing on your skates by hanging on to a low wall for support. Once you’re comfortable with this motion, start from a long glide. Bend your knees, bring your feet close together, and jump straight up! While you’re in the air, make sure you straighten up a bit. Bend your knees before you land.
• Barrel Rolls. A 360-degree turn is easier than it sounds. Lead with one skate forward, then push the other across it and turn your body in the same direction. Shift your weight onto this foot and drag the first behind. By the time you’re done, you should be facing your original direction.
• Heel-Toe. This trick is deceptively simple but requires a lot of balance. Essentially you’re going to move forward on the toe wheels of one skate and the heel wheels of the other. Your strongest foot should be the lead skate–lift the toes of this skate first. Once you’ve balanced like this, lift the heel of your other foot and you’re all set!

Not quite ready for these tricks? Don’t forget that Skate World Pasadena offers beginner skate lessons!