Couple new to skating.

Question
Hi! My girlfriend and I are wanting to pick up rollerblading this summer as a
fun activity as well as exercise.
We don't really know where to start, we looked over Rollerblades at Dicks
Sporting Goods, checked the prices. But we didn't really know what we were
looking for a in skate.
Also if you have any techniques that we could use to start to learn together.  
We don't want to spend the money and time on the wrong things.

Answer
Stephen,
I'm sorry I took so long to answer you - I have been in the hospital & out of commission for several weeks. I'm on the mend now & have  little time to answer you.
When you go for skates ask for recommendations from your skate shop - they know their products as a rule, if they are a reliable shop with a good track record.
That said, the most important thing to consider when buying skates is the fit. If possible try more than one brand Rollerblade & K2 are  good starts. Stay in the skates for at least 15 minutes - bend your knees & roll your ankles & knees from side to side to see if a sore spot develops. If so try another skate. Make sure your toes are not jammed up against the front of the boot. Fit is the key to happy feet.

Look for wheels that are not too tall - under 90mm (I'd recommend 78 to 82mm) & if you are skating outdoors, look for 78A durometer (hardness) wheels, a softer, more forgiving wheel on the hard outdoor surfacs.

The bearings are ABEC rated 1,3,5,7 & 9. Stay in the 3 to 7 range 1 is too slow - 9 is overkill - 5 would be a good starter but 3 or 7 are OK too.

The new technology is quite good - but you'll save money if you keep it simple.

As far as tips are concerned. My main tip is with your feet parallel, about 2" apart, bend your knees (as you push them forward) as  far as you can, keeping your body erect (don't stick your butt out) & your heels on the ground - that's level 5. Straighten your knees completely - that's level 10. Bend gradually in equal increments to 9,8,7,6,5 to get the feeling of the degrees you can bend. Come gradually up to level 7 - from there bounce from 7 to 5. That should be your range of operation - your knees must always stay within those levels for balance & for leveraging your edges (by pressing your foot to it's inside edge or outside edge makes you turn) If you skate with straight knees you will almost certainly fall.
I recommend you find an instructor for learning - I would have to produce page upon page to guide you. If you are in the NYC area you can take my classes - they are reasonable & extremely helpful. You may email me at [email protected] or call me at 212 777-3232. Good luck!!

I hope this has been helpful & in time to give you some direction.
Roll On!!!.....................Lezly Ziering (director - Lezly Skate School - estab. 1979) www.SkateGuru.com