Both are super fun; just remember (for all of us, not just beginners) that staying within your limits of safety and controllable speed are paramount!

Wear the helmet; it's the most important piece of safety equipment. Learn to brake well!

The other padding helps prevent sores, scrapes, and roadrash, but do not let wrist guards fool you into thinking you won't break your wrist. Studies show that impacts with rollerblade wrist guards don't prevent fractures -- they just change the type of fracture. Be careful out there and have a BLAST!!!

Lisa
(who can't wait to get back to her 'blades after a too-long summer of tri training)

ps -- investigate gel wrist "sliders" -- they cover the part of your palm most likely to get nasty road rash without completely limiting your wrist and grasp mobility -- I adore mine!