For all of you people out there who think skateboarding is the coolest thing, here is an article to help you become a hard core skater. First of all you need to understand that even after you have been skating for a few months you will still suck, and be looked down upon by other real skaters. That's ok, think of it as a test of your strength.
Now you will need to purchase your first board. It is good to go to your local skate shop and find a simple board that when you stand on it your feet hang off of both sides a little. I would recommend a 7.75inch deck since it seems to fit most people. Basically look for something cheep and simple, don't go crazy over graphics, despite what you might think they are not the most important thing in a skateboard. After that ask for “everything else that makes a board” and you will need bearings, wheels, trucks, and grip tape. I suggest a medium suspension for trucks, since you don't know if you will be more a park or street skater. Have the person at the shop assemble it and there you go; your first board.
Now get comfortable rolling around. Surprisingly this can be harder than it sounds. I learned on my garage pad, nice smooth cement is much better to learn on than the street. Find a nice sidewalk, plant your feet on your board and get pushing. When you fall off, pick yourself up and try again. However, if you just can't find your balance, chances are you might be standing the wrong way. If you like standing with your right foot at the back of the board, you are a "regular" skater. If you prefer to have your left foot at the back, you are a "goofy" skater. Don't spend to much time figuring this out, basically choose one and stick with it. You will learn to ride fakie (the way you normally don't i.e. if you are regular then you ride goofy) soon enough.
You will want to stay on this stage for a while. All it takes is dedication and practice. If you try once a week, fall and try again next week, then skating is not for you. You need to practice everyday for as long as possible.
Now that you are on a roll you need to start learning tricks, hey if you made it this far more bruises won't hurt!
See “very beginning tricks” to actually become a skater.
