I don't have any skateparks near me either, but I do have my license and a car so if I really wanted to go to a skatepark I could go downtown. However, I live near multiple schools while quite a few stairs/rails so I have somewhere decent to skate. I could start skating as soon as I get my shoes/board but it's been a little cold around here recently. :( Th...the deck ITSELF is 75-90$? Jesus Craps. My friend skates Blinds, he always has. I've tried it out a bit at a local park and it's slightly heavy [for my tastes, I usually skate Enjoi], but good good concave and are pretty durable. Nah, it's complete. No way I'd shell out $90 for a deck. :P As for it being heavy.. That might be ok. Do you know anything about Element boards? I saw one I like so it's kind of between the Blind board and the Element board (both complete). When you're just starting it doesn't matter much, it's mostly just getting used to a board and the basic skills. But I used to skate ALL the time. I still remember how to do the few tricks I'd learned and I've got a lot more confidence now so I don't want a crappy Wal-Mart board. I'm getting a job so I'll be paying and there's no way I want to waste money.. Yes it doesn't make diference ESPECIALLY when you start, companies are all the same, although i like flip those are kinda sick, those stay poppy for a while more then otehr decks! btw i live in vancouver and there is a great skatepark less then 5 minutes away form me. or take metro to sakte plaza- 15 minutes. there are like 30-40 parks in vancouver and half of them are withing 10-40 minutes skate