I LOVED this episode! Props to you for learning this as an adult, that's really cool. It was wonderful hearing about the sensation of euphoria you felt when you first did various maneuvers. It's easy for me to forget when this feels like because it happened so long ago for me. I was a competitive skateboarder on halfpipes in the 80s and have a ton of experience, so if you ever need a human being to talk through any of this with, hit me up. It will be fun for me. 

Glad to hear you will be getting some safety equipment, but you did not mention one of the most important safety items, a pair of wrist guards. Most of the time when people fall they put their hands out to catch themselves, and it's very easy to break a wrist this way. Get yourself some good wrist guards because because you're going to need your hands.

Have fun and be safe!