I'm older & fatter too @ 32 years old...:lol:
8" is perfect , Indy 149mm trucks and depending on his preference a 54mm-58mm wheel is perfect , I skate bigger wheels ( * DAO groans ) , but that's just me . Shop decks are just as good if not better than most companies out there . If your local shop has decks made at Penn's Woods , or anywhere in the U.S.A. then the quality will be decent . And you're not a dumb bitch asking a bunch of skate dudes questions . I'd be honored if my Fiance came here and asked ?'s so she could buy me a new setup . :cool: