get connected with the NOVA/DC scene and they can help you out. Not sure which is the best one for your location, but find "Potomac Paddlers" on FB and post there. They can get you going in the right direction.

nova as in northern VA? How close are you to the potomac? It's got some fantastic beginner sections. Angler's Inn/the chutes are a great place to cut your teeth, and the Mather gorge run can be good for beginners depending on the level.

Also figured I'd share my friends site http://dckayak.com/
which pulls data from the american whitewater site to show what's running in the area.

Thanks everyone, that water level site is really helpful but brought bad news; hopefully next weeks rain will raise the levels.

I just bought a new ww kayak, local spots are dry, any good beginner spots in NOVA?