Its all about riding the small board and small wheels. Makes the board a lot lighter. This of course is personal choice though.

I would recommend starting off on a wider board, 8". Get some fatty wheels so you wont get caught up on every pebble that gets in your way. Start big, then when you start getting comfortable start down-sizing. Before you know it, youll be landing ollies and kickflips!

G'luck...

Heh heh...yeah yeah yeah, I know this is an old post...just had to throw in my two cents. :-p

I prefer smaller boards. I roll on a krooked small deck, its 7.5" wide and symmetrical (there is no front or back). I run Indy trucks and 60mm vision wheels with red bearings.

I suggest going to a skate shop with about $120 and pick out a nice looking deck. Tell them that you want bigger wheels (more stable, but can't go so fast). You should also run at least a 1/4" riser (keeps the wheel from hitting the deck, which throws you off).

you might want to wait until it cools down and wear a thick hoodie, so falling doesn't hurt so bad.

510 skateboarding on telegraph ave in berkeley can hook you up as well (the shop boards are pretty cheap)

thanks for the info blue!