Starter camera for skateboard/longboard?

I'm starting to get into photography and plan on taking a class at my school this summer. I have a bunch a friends who long board and really want me to be their photographer and I was wondering what would be a good overall camera and would be good for capturing at some quick rates. I had a friend recommend me a Nikon D300, any recommendations? (Also lenses would be great as well)

Added (1). Sorry I meant d3000

The Nikon D300 is an excellent camera. However, it doesn't do videos. You will need the D300s for that. If all your shots are daylight shots, the 18-105mm kit lens will do everything you need. If you have some low light shots, the cost begins to skyrocket.

The Nikon D5100/D5200 may do all you need for a lot less $.

For pictures, the D3000 should be enough. I would recommend the D3200 as it's the latest incarnation of it and is far much better.

Lenses? The 18-55mm that comes with it will do but for action, I'd feel safer with at least a 35mm f/1.8 because it sees almost exactly at the same angle of view as human eyes. If I had more money I'd go for the 28mm f/1.8 for more wide angle and if money is not an issue at all, the 24mm f/1.4 would be best. I'm pushing for wide angle so that you can stay close to the action while taking everything. It will allow you to see the whole person and board while you lay on the ground as they jump over you. Let's just hope they're good enough to miss you completely, especially the lens and camera.

The Nikon D5200 is a very good suggestion because it has an articulating LCD which will be important if you want to take shots from more interesting angles. I'd say that was vital really and the whole point of skateboarding is its dynamics and risk-taking.