RE: New to Waterfowl
You can have a very enjoyable time hunting ducks without going overboard on buying everything advertised. Main things that'll help you enjoy your times hunting ducks, imo:
Hunt with guys/gals that have your same values, similar interests. A hunting buddy or 2 is someone you can trust and depend on.
Have a good retrieving dog that you spend time working with during the year leading up to. Hunting with a good dog to find those tough birds and swim out to get those birds is a real joy. Treat the dog well and he/she will do the same for you.
What equipment you do buy, make it good quality that'll last and function for you in all kinds of weather. Buy Gore-tex or other waterproof outer wear and layer of warm clothes for those cold, wet or even snowy days in the blind.
Have a good quality shotgun that you can use for all kinds of waterfowl and other hunting and take care of it.
Let you buddy use his decoys, until you've had some time to decide what you need.
Good maps / map books help a lot to find Wildlife Mgmt Areas and other spots to hunt.
Practice wing shooting, if you haven't much before at a sporting clays or similar target range. I like sporting clays, because it helps you adapt to all different target presentations that are more than the flushing bird look trap provides. Anyway practice.
Then have a good time, try new things when things aren't working. Enjoy yourself and be safe!