actually boardin with people who are really got helps you i think, motivates you to do things u wouldnt otherwise do and improves your skills. So follow them psychos goin down the trails who laugh at the thought of speed checkin. Althought this advice is only for someone who has gone at least 2 or 3 times and knows how to stop and such :P
yeah, supastar & magnum are totally right. That is how i learned. my first time i took a group lesson & learned NOTHING. They showed me how to skate around a little that's it. I ended up bruising my ribs when i hit a pole b/c no one taught me how to turn or STOP!!! Let your friends teach you. They will be more brutal but you will learn faster. go aggressive.