On any river - Point at what you don't want to hit and back away. First time rowers get in a lot of trouble when they try some of the forward stroke moves that they see guides or their freinds use. I would pick a wide river to start on without a whole lot of drop. This gives you a chance to figure out how to run your plugs without having to think about everything else. Its also good to get used to telling your buddys to sit right in the boat so it will trim.. Nothing worse than a dude who has to lean his back on the side of the boat. Make that an issue with them right off so they don't get tired of you bitching at them. Oh yea, most of all. Get used to watching other people catch fish. You won't get to reel in many running the sticks.