Yeh I agree, you should be cruising in no time.

In saying that, a few ex-windsurfers over here have traded up and currently trying kiting with little to no progression so far. Their kite spends more time in the water than in the air.

Did you fly a 2 line stunt kite when you were younger? Have you flown any steerable kite before?

If no, then you may struggle at first. Or you may be a natural. It just differs for different people. Somepeople are useless, and some are ace.

Remember, its 85% kite, 10% board skills and 5% balls.
You should be able to fly your kite with you eyes closed, and still be comfortable and in control.

If I were you, I'd be looking at a brand new Slingshot T3 11m. Soooo cheap and its got the best safety on the market. Plus a great warranty.

Otherwise Best Waroos are cheap, and 07 Rebels are cheap now too. The T3 will have much better windrange and relaunch tho.

Board wise. I'd buy a cheap 2nd hand 140+. Bigger the better when starting out.
Then when you have it suss, buy an 07' 132 or 135. (check out underground FLX)

Oh yeh, and do you have a 'V' ironman chest on ya?

If not you might benefit from a seat harness. But you should already have one from windsurfing anyway. Just check its not rotten from 20 years of sun and salt.

Good luck!!

ROFLMAO - Doc you have waaay too much time on your hands. That's a bloody huge post!