Boards are meant to be ridden.

The best part is conquering a new trick. I've never done a 180 on a rail, much less a switch 180. I had a smile on my face from ear to ear. The worst thing about riding rails: You can hurt yourself.

I'd like to see women get on to boards and run companies despite the fact that men occupy the citadels of power.

Some domestic riders, like myself, have ridden a lot of against those guys. But for many of the guys, it's a chance to show what they can do against some of the biggest names in the sport.

One is sometimes meant to reassure the reader that she's qualified to write about a certain topic.

So if you want your 7-year-old to join you, they'll be able to. And if you haven't ridden in 10 years and want to dip your toes in the water, this is something you can get your bike out, put air in your tires and give it a try.