So I'm about to get into some video editing... I'd like to do a wakeboarding video. Is there any user-friendly software that would be good for someone who has never edited any video before? I'm more than willing to take the time to sit down and try to understand new software conceptually, so even something a little more complex is fine. I'm just looking for good recommendations, honestly. Thanks!

P.S. - Also building my first computer, so any suggestions on hardware upgrades would be good too. (Have 2 NVidia 8600s w/ SLi)

-- Yeah, Rick. I've been meaning to tell you. You should probably lay low for a while. You're probably wanted for murder. --

I would suggest trying 'Virtualdub'. It's not the easiest to use, but it's excellent for simple editing. It has tons of neat options and it's 'free'. I use it for AVI files.

I use 'Mpeg2vcr' for editing MPEG files. It's pretty easy to use and I like it's controls.

One other thing I might mention. I have had lots of problems with some AVI and almost all MPEG2 files. They have a tendency to loose audio/video sync after editing. I do all my recording to MPEG1. They always edit very nicely.

The above are good for 'simple' editing. You might need something else for the fancy stuff.

Videohelp.com is a good place to get some help.

I'd recommend ImTOO Video Editor to you,It is multifunctional video edit software comprising functions of Video Joiner, Video Splitter, and Video Cutter. Using this video edit software, you can accomplish almost all common video edit works with excellent image quality output.
So I recommend you this tool,you can see detail and free download it here: http://www.kooksoft.com/software/DVD-Video/Video-Editor/200808/21-603.html

I am using it. It is very cool. Hope it helps.