When you say you're new to kayaking--how new? What experience in what type of kayaks? Before you jump in, I would suggest that you at least visit a kayak store--a real one and not merely a sporting goods store that happens to carry a few kayaks. Sit in as many kayaks as you can and if possible, do some in-the-water demos.

How committed are you to this sport; enough to justify a fairly hefty budget? If so, get the best kayak possible and the best paddle and pfd. There will be all kinds of other things, but those are the base to build on. Determining the "best" is a part of the fun.

Valley of course builds very good boats. I'm not familiar with the Skerray.