You'd love snowboarding mate - on the hard stuff is like skating, but on the soft stuff is like surfing - honestly gives you that same buzz but the wave lasts for a mile... big 150ft carves is awsome.... As for skating, yeah I was old skool too... started on the old ones with krytonics... then moved on to the Bones Brigade stuff when being able to slide and ollie was cool - these days they are something else, kids start by learning kick flip shove-its as basic stuff - I can't do that stuff lol... I have a long board now, with Kryp's and big wide trucks is great to find a nice long hill with a fair gradient and as the board flexes in the middle is great for carving....

Not sure when I'd be down your way as I tend now to go to France, as is just as cheap for me these days.. but if I do, maybe let you know... Get some pics in the day and some beers in the night...

Gar