Andrew,
I'm a beginner also, 6 total runs (in the last 3 weeks); Big Bend to Salida 4 times, Salida to Salida East once, and Salida to Rincon once. Big Bend to Salida is a good run to build confidence, and I never felt like I was out of my comfort zone. Stay right at the put in and for about the next 1000m to not get stuck on the low water rocks, then stay left the whole way to the dam. Watch for little ripples (low water rock beds), mostly in the middle of the river. A good arm workout if you get stuck. At the dam, you can get out and scout the 3 boat chutes. The first drop throws you a little to the right, so angle a little left (maybe like 10 o'clock) going in to be lined up for the second drop, and the third drop is a gentle slide. You'll probably drag a little after the third drop, and there is an eddy to the left at the end. If you don't feel comfortable, the protage is easy and short around the 3 chutes. I swam the first time, but that is because I wasn't lined up correctly. If you swim, there is an eddy on each side in the chute area. A lot calmer than it looks. I was able to pull my boat to the side without the assitance of my instructor. All the other times going down, I didn't swim. Going into Salida, watch for a few places with low hanging trees and branchs on the right, it is easy to steer around them. The first playboat wave in Salida has a second little wave to it. I assume it is due to the low water, I didn't notice it the first 3 times we went down that run. Just pay attention, it can grab you if your not aware. This run takes about 1.5-2.5 hours depending on how much paddling you do. A nice finish after a break in Salida is Salida to Salida East. Nothing more strenous or increase in CL, just some faster water. This takes about 45 minutes and the take out is free. Big Bend, if you leave a vehicle is a $7 charge.
Have Fun,
JJ