This is what you should know, or at least I think would help:

1.When you smoke, it would almost be better to use a bubbler or a bong to start with, but that might seem like a shock to someone who has never smoked before, so you'll probably end up using a pipe.
2.When you inhale, do it slowly until you start to feel a little burning sensation, then stop unless you want to or can cough where ever you are.
3.Try not to cough your lungs out right away, take a few hits first in case you don't want to anymore after you have a coughing fit.
4. Don't puke. It's not common if there is no leaves, but it has happened to me, so once again, don't take a hit to the point where you can't hold it in and its burning the hell out of your throat.
5. To cover it up? I usually never do because it is a faint smell most of the time, but if you need to, change clothes or walk outside for a while.

Hope that helps, and have fun