I agree that skateboarding is dangerous but I tried taking it up last year and although I constantly have bruises and scrapes all over...it's a lot of fun- and a great form of transportation too. I say give it a go! Just start with a board with big soft wheels-- easier to get over cracks.
Unless you enjoy broken bones, I'd stay off the skateboard. Snowboarding provides a nice, soft entry into the Action Sports world. Plus, you can cover yourself to the point of being unrecognizable if you do anything to embarrass yourself!