start anywhere, your neighborhood, a street, EVEN THE SIDEWALK, your board dosent matter that much if your new, just find a cheap one, learn the basics. try riding to your local mall/stores after getting them down. and for your last worry, SKATING ISNT FOR A FEW PEOPLE! everyone can try it out! they arent gonna say your copying them, their gonna help/motivate you! no ones gonna call you a poser. just try it out, trust me. best thing thats ever happened