A couple of weeks ago, I decided to buy a longboard. Mind you, I have never owned a skateboard of any kind and it was actually kind of a random thought. However, with school coming up, I figured that I wanted a quicker and more fun way to get around the large campus that I am living on.

While I have enjoyed riding the board, I have been teaching myself how to handle myself on it, considering the fact that I don't know anyone who also rides. Here are some thoughts I've had with my new longboard.

1. Will buying this longboard from Target be a mistake?

Okay, so, moment of honesty: I bought my longboard from Target instead of a skate shop. Why, you ask? Well, I didn't really want to spend a whole lot of money on a board that I'm not sure I'm going to ride often. Plus, if I'm only learning to ride my board, I don't think I necessarily need an expensive one.

But then again, since I bought my board from Target, is it going to break in half easily? We'll have to find out as time passes.

2. I don't know if I will consistently ride my longboard.

As I said, I am enjoying my board. However, I only ride it maybe three or four times a week. What if I lose interest? Well, at least I tried.

3. This could be my excuse to not go to the gym.

I've grown increasingly busy since the start of the Spring semester back in January, so my exercise routine has greatly declined since. While walking is a good way to get around campus, longboarding could be another good way to get some exercise. Perhaps it won't be as effective as walking, but it will get me to move faster as I kick the board and try to balance myself.

4. How do you turn the board?

When I first started riding my board, I had difficulty shifting my weight to turn to the weight. It felt weird when I started getting the hang of it - the board was literally shifting along with my weight, and I was afraid I was going to fall.

5. Am I planting my feet properly?

I know I could easily look this one up, but as I'm learning, it has been tough for me to put my feet in a good position while putting one foot forward on the ground to give myself a kick. Once I get this down, I will be able to improve my balance.

6. Why won't the board keep rolling?

I know the road might not be ideal for boarding, or maybe I'm just not kicking fast enough. Either way, I'm trying to figure out if there's a tactic to keeping the board rolling for a longer period of time.

7. I need a good road to roll on.

I've already discovered that this is when boarding is best. When the road is straight and smooth, I can be cruising.

8. I'm waiting for the day I fall right off.

It hasn't happened, but I know it will sometimes. Let's just hope I end up okay.

9. Will I ever learn any tricks?

Probably not. I'd definitely have trouble committing to wheelies and jumping curbs and what not. As much as I'd love to know how to, I'd be too afraid of injury. But who knows? Maybe I will get it.

10. I know riding down a hill is a bad idea, but it keeps me going.

I'm trying so hard to fight that urge. I know I'll get hurt in the end, but I like going fast.

11. Buying this longboard was a good decision.

No matter how good I am at boarding, there's no doubt that it's still a good hobby for me. I do not regret trying something new.