Growing up in Southern California in the 70’s I was introduced to skateboarding early on.  I have a vivid memory of skateboarding down the street near my house trailing behind my dog, Max (a large Standard Poodle) holding his leash while riding.  I thought it a good idea to grab a tennis ball I found in the gutter and throw it and jump back on to have Max drag us along.  Hmmm… not such a good idea as I went tumbling when my board hit a rock and I still have to this day a scar on my elbow.  When my daughter asked for a board last year I did…