Hey Tonto,
you're right the normal railride can really hurt thems shins. Or balls.
In some of my vids at
www.youtube.com/profile?user=pierrec45, I've been asked why I wear shin pads sometimes...
I'm an Aussie stuck in inland north america. Ain't no waves nor even reliable wind here in thems parts, so I longboard and freestyle on yard sale cheap equipment.
Sticks out like dogs balls, but makes a point and is fun.
Cheers,
P.