I skateboarded from my early teens up to my mid thirties.
Did you do it mainly for fun, or as a method of transportation?
Oh, it was definitely for fun.  It was mostly street skating, with the occasional trip to a vert ramp for good measure.
There are a lot of different skateboarders that have influenced the skateboarding culture.  Did you follow anyone in particular?
Alva, Hosoi, Hawk, Mountain, Natas..  I like all of the early influencers.  I'd say my favorite to watch is Rodney Mullen.
Rodney Mullen is pretty amazing.  He invented several trips, including the 360-flip.