DetermineSlacker. You seem to be well versed. I live in a building next door to a skate shop. I regularly (I admit it is very annoying) see/hear people using our lot and front ramp as a 'practise' park. I am assuming one gets to try a board out befor purchase.

But I wonder too if some skate shops might rent out boards so that one might determine if skating or the board is right for them.

I have one last comment, this is for Literary Lark. How do you find your balance? Mine has been significantly affected by my medication. So much so has my balance deteriorated that I have become unable to kayak any longer as I have a difficult - and scary - time trying to stay upright. I also blame my poor sense of balance for my corresponding difficulty walking across packed snow and ice without slipping and falling. So too it is difficult to wear a high heel.

Just something you might want to think about.