In the Navy we call the first outing a shake down cruse, I would say you passed,,, as for the ramp, sometimes I am on crutches, and go pretty slow,,, all I can say is Every one has always been the tops, not one complaint in a very long time, and most of the time they offer to help,,,, keep working on your set up and yes give new area a try, you may get skunked ( i do) but you learn. and welcome to the best fishing site on the earth,,,, Period.