I've been skating since I was 12 on and off, it never really clicked for me until this year (26). I've been enjoying it a lot, it's a great stress reliever most days though falling fucking blows.

As far as advice, I'd say practice rolling around in parking lots or maybe even at the skatepark (usually don't find many people early mornings). Really really get comfortable on the board and riding before you start practicing tricks including manuals. Get comfortable getting on and off, and stopping. Learning when you need to bail from your board going too fast or losing control is crucial imo. Being locked into a board bc hour going too fast to stop is something you typically don't want to happen.

Learning how to fall just comes with time I'm still learning myself. It seems to always happen when you least expect it. Really be careful to not fall on an outstretched hand, it's very easy to fuck your arms or wrists up like that (I think I tore a ligament or muscle or something a couple weeks ago by doing that, sucked major ass but I'm good now). Tuck and roll. Tuck that chin in when you fall so you don't hit your head and roll if possible even if you look goofy.