Join Colorado Whitewater Association real soon.
www.cwwa.com I think.
Visit cool shops such as Confluence Kayak in Denver and ask questions.
Get some polypro under your drytop and paddle some more before ice out.
Buy, rent, borrow, steal videos. Eric Jackson is a master boater, but to be blunt, a poor teacher. Good for "holy cow" but not good for "Here is exactly how to do it." Ask for video and book suggestions at your local shop.
Get pummelled a few times and learn to appreciate your excellent combat roll which you have been working so diligently on.
Ask questions from everyone you see in a boat. Believe about 1/2 of what you hear.