LARPing and Me: How do I get started, I wonder?

Live Action Role Play has always struck me as something that would be loads of fun. I’m a tad theatrical, plus I think I have nice “character” ideas. That said, I spent some time on Youtube checking out the different LARP-related videos they have, and all they’ve done is make me want to do it more.

Where do I begin? I found a site (I think it was called larplist.com) but there seems to be a lot of dead links there. Are there stores to buy some gear? I can’t imagine any “toy store” gear would be considered good enough… and I would like to “fit in” if that makes sense.

There are Sci-Fi ones as well as Fantasy or Mid evil ones… they all sound wonderful :)