Trying to relearn the Game of Go: Need tips and advice

[MixMasterLar]

So I was never really good at Go and haven't played in probably a decade. Friend of me wants to get back into it as sort of something for us to do and we agreed to relearn/practice up while we shop for a decent board (I could use paper scraps for what it's worth, he wants a nice wood set) and find the time to play.

Thing is, I suck at the game and I know at one point he was actually ranked (fairly low) in it so I don't really want to walk up and get my ass handed to me.

We have a pretty varied community here so I know someone has had to played the game more serious then me. Any advice/strategies for a beginner?