I caught my leg in a white water kayak and i believe i tore my meniscus. should i go straight to an orthopedist or a regular physician, what should i do?

Perhaps: It is reasonable to try anti-inflammatory medicine and rest it for a few weeks. If that does not work then going to orthopedic surgeon would be the next appropriate step. If you tore your meniscus they will probably order MRI and recommend arthroscopic surgery but before you get the MRI need to try conservative treatment which would be the anti-inflammatories.

May not be meniscus: It may or not be meniscus. If you do not have swelling in the knee (knee cap still visible). Taking an anti-inflammatory ( like Ibuprofen or naprosyn) and icing is reasonable for a week. If your knee is swollen, won't straighten, or you can not walk normally, then a sports medicine doctor or an orthopedist is a good choice.