PHOTO GALLERY: Ankeny's Kickflip Kids

A group of Ankeny kids braved the heat Tuesday for a lesson in the basics of boarding.

The kids were participants in one of three skateboarding classes offered by the city of Ankeny's . The classes are taught on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and student ages range from 6-13.

The classes are taught by 16-year-old skateboarder Donnie Brooks.

"Most of these kids just enjoy being here on their skateboards," Brooks said. "They really like doing it and I get excited to see them learn new things."

Classes currently taught are Skateboarding I and II. This session began July 12 and continues through July 28.

Skateboarding I teaches kids the basics, such as foot placement, turns and safely approaching ramps. The course also includes an introduction to an "ollie" and "dropping in."

Skateboarding II is designed for more advanced riders. The class helps student master skills and turns, as well as teaches them basic boarding tricks.

Brooks said he wanted to teach the classes because he wanted to give back to his community and skateboarding often gets a "bad rep."

"This shows people (skateboarders) aren't all punks," he said. "It's just another sport, like cheerleading or something like that."

Brooks said skateboarding also is a good way to keep kids active.