Lots of great suggestions on the forum here. I would just start on smaller lakes until you get the hang of it. Start with short trips, and invest in gear that makes you comfortable ie good waterproof insulated boots. Never step on ice without picks, and even though its not the "funnest" piece of gear get a good spud bar. Safety #1. Im sure a lot of us on here have some old gear to sell, including myself, so don't be afraid to ask on the forum if anyone is looking to part ways with old gear. Most of us on here have extra buckets of tips etc sitting around as we upgraded our gear.