Damn, what a. I was considering taking up skate boarding. I still have two books from my school's library, that I borrowed a few months back. I just haven't saved up enough money yet. I plan on buying a seven layered plywood canadian maple deck, then building a board all myself. When I do start, I first go freestyle and streetstyle, then if I'm good enough, I'll try a little of verticle at my downtown skate park. Damn, I wish I had all the money I need. Any of you guys wear helmets and all the padding, including gloves, when you skate?