Skier here. I can board, but I've been skiing since I could walk, so naturally, I don't board. There is a skiing/skating parallel, but I don't know how much it will help you. After all, the rink is not sloped downhill, and skis go a whole lot faster than skates.
That said, skiing has to be way safer than boarding. I've only blown up one knee, broken both feet, cracked 2 ribs and been concussed once. Very safe sport.