i could give you a few tips. -When you first buy a board, buy ONLY at skateshops. NEVER buy a board anywhere else (Walmart, Zellerz, Toys r s), jsut trust me, your walmart board will break in a week (mine broke in 4 days). A real board could last you for as much as a year. -Skate in skate shoes otherwise your sneakers or runners will get ruined in a matter of days. -If you have a skatepark by your house you are saved! Don't be shy jsut ask some older guys, they know what's up! -Go to http://www.skateboarding.com to "TrickTips" and find a trick named "Ollie" that'll be the first trick u learn, watch some videos and stuff. Also youtube might help as well -This one might sound stupid but don't give up! i know SOOO many people that give up skating cuz they can't learn a trick. Teenagers are like that, if you can't acomplish something in a short period of time, screw it. Just keep skating and you'll be fine. -Also I never wore safety pads you might want to, they'll save you your elbows and knees:)