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Best Band/Frequencies to Start on CW?

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pjxii:
Okay, I finally learned morse code and can know copy at a slow rate (think longwave NDB speed). I'd like to start using CW on the air, which band and frequences would be the best for me?  I am aware that there are portions of bands I should probably avoid to keep from annoying the experienced CW operators.  Thanks for any advice, all would be appreciated.

ThaDood:
Just my opinion here, but how about testing with friends locally on the 10M CW portion of that band? Then, when you get more efficient, move to 80M, or anyplace else in HF. If you have HF/6M rig, you can even try 6M CW. The weird thing, my last CW contact was a VHF / UHF June Sweepsteaks in the mid-90's on 432MHz. (I knew the other station's ops, so they were patient with me. Hi-hi...) Why??? That's where a majority of weak signal activity was, and probably still is, on 432MHz, and even 2M 144MHz. Of coarse, with the upper HF bands being dead, you can also do 12M, 15M, (Plenty of elbow room there.), 17M, and the CW / Data only 30M band. Oh... Why did I suggest 10M for a CW start? Well, the trend today in starting into Amateur Radio seems to be CB'ers, with the export 10M rigs that are MOD'ed for 11M. However, when they get their Tech ticket, they already have the Tech portion of the 10M band from 28.0000MHz - 28.5000MHz open to them, and I've talked to more new HAM's on 10M, than on 2M, which use to be the gate-way band for Amateur Radio. Again, just my take here, and I'm on the assumption that you are new into the hobby, when, (For all I know.), you could be a near 30 year veteran. I really want to brush up on my CW as well, since I haven't really applied it since 1996. Good luck!!!! 73!!!!!!!

Matt285:
Generic response would be any frequency that has CW activity and that you are licensed to operate in. However with that being said, even if you hold an Extra the first 25 Khz of all the non WARC bands such as 80,40,20 and 15 meters is where all the seasoned speed demons hang out. I can hold my own in most qso's and at least copy what I need for a proper exchange, but there are some guys that are on another level. There QSO's sound like a blur. Again with that being said there are plenty of people who will work with you and adjust to your speed as best they can. Sometimes you gotta give them a min also to adjust to a slower speed. It is a bit tough. I personally never avoid a QSO because the person is slow or there spacing is off. Most CW op's want to do whatever it takes to encourage others to stick with it. No one started sending and receiving at 25 WPM. There are differing opinions on how to start, but I personally recommend an Iambic paddle with a radio that has electronic keying . Total respect to the straight key ops though. I hope I have time one day to concentrate on that method. Best of luck to you!

Matt285:
One thing I would like to add is that DX stations calling CQ that are working 5/6 exchanges per minute will not respond below 10/12 per mins unless you wait for the pile up to slow down and you have a good take off angle towards them. I don't want to discourage you. I just want you to know it's a thing so your not let down the first time you hear someone in Europe or Africa etc coming in 5/9 plus and wonder whats up. They are likely able to copy you on their awesome antenna system, but their all business most of the time and early in your gonna be buried in the madness.

pjxii:
Thans for the replies!  I don't have a 6 meter rig but I can understand that advice. I'm one of those no-code Extras that finally wised up and realized that CW adds a lot to enjoying the hobby and will make the most of my 10 watt TS-130V. Staying away from the high speed ops is what I wanted to do so thanks for steering me away from the lower portions of the bands.   

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