Hi Brad,
I too am a relative novice at Tenkara, I started last summer. Go to http://tenkaraflyfish.webs.com/apps/webstore/ . They have a nice selection of relatively inexpensive Tenkara rods and leaders. I purchased the 12 foot Caddis and the 12 foot combo leader kit, which is a 12 ft mono leader, and a 12 ft furled leader to which you add a 3 to 4 ft. tippet and fly. It is a 6:4 action and 3.4 oz. in weight. It's very easy to cast especially for a first timer and a whole lot of fun to fish with! The mono leader requires a bit of stretching to straighten, the furled leader not so much. The furled leader is easer to cast, but with practice the mono leader will become almost as easy. So for a small outlay ( $75.00 to $80.00) you can see if Tenkara is for you.
Bill.