So, now that we've got a little distance, I'd say skateboarders eventually came out on top in the Rollerblade vs. skateboard feud of the '90s. I'll never understand why. In-line skating seemed so cool! The futuristic spandex, the sleek, graceful figure of the skater—I would have sworn it was the sport of the future. But in-line skating has fallen on hard times as of late. Luckily for the die-hards, there are still isolated communities across the country where in-line skating is embraced and supported. If you're looking to dust off those relics and proudly coast down the sidewalk protected from jeers and scornful looks by the sheer number of your compatriots, then the Huntington Beach FunRoll is what you're looking for.
The FunRoll is a skate group open to all ages and abilities. In fact, you don't even need to be a skater, as bikers are more than welcome to join—and if you're a fan of the old-fashioned skates, well, that's cool, too. The group meets every Saturday morning near the Huntington Beach Pier—ah, heaven—and skates a roundtrip of 16 miles at a steady pace comfortable enough for everyone. If you've only recently purchased your blades at a garage sale and haven't quite gotten the hang of it yet, don't worry. The group will make numerous stops during the trip so everyone has a chance to catch up. Don't lag too much, though, or the skateboarders will get you. After the skate, the group invites everyone to join them for lunch within the area to cap off another successful skate. So lace up those boots proudly, Orange County. The Huntington Beach FunRollers have your back.
The Huntington Beach FunRoll meets north of Huntington Beach Pier at the amphitheater, 315 Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach; www.funroll.com. Every Sat., 10:30 a.m. Free.
