I need advice on skateboarding.

I recently just picked up skateboarding as a new hobby and my friend introduced me to it. I looked on Craigslist for a used board, but wasn’t able to find one. Also, my friend told me to just buy a new one so I would pick what I like.

What I’d like to know is how can I learn about skateboarding materials, brand and types. I want to know about what different woods or concavity, trucks, wheels or bearings do and their quality. I want to learn about tricks and how to assemble/repair your own deck. I want to learn what shoes are good for skateboarding and etc.

I googled skateboarding and a bunch of skateboarding magazines came up, so it is a bit overwhelming.

I just want to be pointed in some direction.

Thanks