Well I think the bug has bit me, I'd love to get into foiling. I currently mostly ride a TT out of Altona (started in 2012~) but had a season or two off to focus on other sports. Anyhow, I would love to know the best way to progress into kite racing (strong sailing racing background). Gear -
*Can I use my existing LF NRG 8 & 10m kites to learn on (when and if I start racing I'd head down the R1 path) but I'll worry about that later.

*Board - I understand riding a race board would be a huge progression and possibly much more difficult to learn how to foil, so is it worth buying a 'beginner board and larger more forgiving foils' or go down the race board path and just spend a bit more on foils?

Lessons -
*Are there any yacht clubs, groups or lessons that are recommended to get into foiling and progress into racing (what is the racing scene like in PPB for foiling)?

Location -
*Altona can get very shallow unless you spend a bit of time walking out, would St.Kilda - Brighton be recommended? (I'm spoilt as I live near altona and it's my local so I have spent very little time on the other side of the bay).

Safety-
Helmet and impact vest of course.

Anything else that I've missed? Just for my own info - how do Foilers go if they get caught out by change in wind strength in a race/long run? How much depower do the R1 foiling kites ect have? Thanks again!