I recommend Mike Mather as an ACA swiftwater instructor, whether you take a CMC class where he is the instructor, or one he is doing independently. He has a strong background both in rafting and kayaking. Wildwater at the Gauley should know how to contact him.
If you want a rescue vest, check out the Astral Aquavest 300R. Its effective, fits a variety of folks very well, and is easy to adjust when you put it on.
www.astralbuoyancy.com
-KO