Nearly thirty years have passed since I first stepped upon a skateboard. Since then, I have never enjoyed any more recognition as a rider than a few local contest victories and a couple of brief shop sponsorships, and my skating declined significantly while finishing my university degree, pursuing my teaching career, and recuperating from two serious injuries. Nevertheless, I remain fascinated with four-wheeled rolling and turning, and I still manage to push my little piece of wood around the neighborhood as often as possible. What I have lost as a rider to age and a workaday life, though, I have gained in understanding and eloquence on the subject, I hope. Using these skills to return to skateboarding as much as it has given me over the years has become one of my highest priorities. My book is my first and most comprehensive effort. I have also contributed to THE SKATEBOARD MAG, THE SKATEBOARDER'S JOURNAL, and MONSTER SKATEBOARD MAGAZINE, thanks to the generosity of their editors.