I didn't see the firsst part of the question, but IIRC the boardwalk has v-brakes....so you have to squeeze the 2 levers of the brakes together and slip the noodle(curved) thingy out of the brake holder

that allows the v-brakes to open and you are able to slide the wheel off....it is still a tight squeeze depending on the v-brake and how close it is adjusted

also getting that noodle off the first couple of times is a pain...but eventually it gets easier