So you want to start skateboarding?

For some reason or another you've decided that you want to start skateboarding. You might wonder what do I need to buy, where can I skate, and how am I going to avoid getting hurt?
The first thing you need to worry about is getting a skateboard. Don't even think about buying one of those cheap 15 or 20 dollar skateboard completes from any department store. They make the wheels out of hard plastic that will chip off and the decks will not grind correctly, the grip tape with fall off, and the board will feel boxy.
I recommend that you first go to a sports store. They will have complete blank skateboards(the decks with only one color and a brand name) and they are usually priced around 35 to 50 dollars. If you are just starting these are perfect because they will allow you to learn the basics without destroying a more expensive board and will let you decided if you want to continue skateboarding or not and will save you a lot of money if you decide skateboarding isn't for you.
If you want an extra layer of confidence for skateboarding it would be a good idea to pick up some knee, elbow, and wrist pads, keeping in mind that most skateboarding injuries occur when beginners try something above their ability level in the first 2-4 weeks of skateboarding. If you want access to the local skate park it might also be a good idea to pick up a skateboarding helmet that is vented and fits comfortably without inhibiting eyesight. Make sure it is a skate helmet, not a bicycle helmet that is only designed for one impact.
Now that you have your new skateboard it would be a good idea to get a pair of some decent skate shoes. Skate shoes differ from any other pair of shoes in that they are protected in the areas of the shoe that come in constant contact with the board( the toe of the shoe) and that they are have a flat bottom designed to grip with the skateboard, as you can see in the design of the shoe. You should be able to find a skate shoe that is acceptable around 30 to 40 dollars at a department or shoe store. Do not buy the shoes priced around 15-25 dollars that look like a skate shoe, as these will wear down extremely fast and are too cheap to properly support and cushion your foot when your skateboarding. A general reference for a good shoe is a shoe that has a back somewhat below the tongue of the shoe with added protection around the lip of the shoe and is flexible enough to bend the lip out of position to any side.
Now you have to figure out were you are going to skate. Make sure that its a place that's clear of rocks and debris and doesn't have too many cracks. It also should be completely clear of all vehicle traffic and anything that can break, because your skateboard is about to go flying in every different direction, and as I've seen from personal experience frantically waving and screaming at a senior citizen to stop usually causes your skateboard to get ran over as they drive away as fast as they can. Usually a school or empty parking lot will suffice.
Now you are ready to start learning.