Advice for black slopes

Well even though I have not been either snowboarding or skiing for a few years now (damn I miss it too, boarding being my fave) the best advice I can give regardless of the fact that there are black slopes and BLACK SLOPES (I seem to remember when in Europe black slopes where a lot harder than the black slopes in North America/Canada as far as on piste goes anyway - Im probably gonna get flammed for saying that now, I should add that my fave resort is Whistler/Blackcombe in Canada - go if you can) is dont push yourself to go on a black, go if you feel ready, you will soon know if you are not, if you can handle reds with your eyes closed then you can handle the lower blacks, make sure your are confident enough with your parallels and balance on steeper slopes especially if you are a boarder, nothing worse than seeing someone sliding down a slope because they found it too steep and could not control the skies or borad enough to stop before its too late, also choose your first black so that its is one you can handle, dont let pride or showing off to your mates make you try that double black with moguls that people are bragging about having done in the bar, if you are on your own, its also a good idea to hire and instructor for a couple of hours to go with you or make friends with a local who has done it before. I dont think there is any real rule book as its all down to your ability and confidence in your ability, and of course respect for Mother Nature, anyway have fun and I hope you catch your "Black Diamond Rush"! Sorry I forgot to ask, you a boarder or skier?