+ 1 for lessons.
You learn a lot about self rescue and how to deal with other marine traffic that is hard to figure out alone. Lessons propel you into a self
sufficient state in much safer / faster time than fumbling on your own.
40 miles is CLOSE for a good launch ! Drift launching is not worth it with a good launch that close ! The boat traffic makes it an even worse idea.
Yes, 3.5m FB to a 15m depower is about as big a leap as you can take ! What make / model is this kite . Are you choosing it because it's a good deal
or because the shop owner says it's the best size for your location ? I find it odd the shop owner isn't pushing LEI if water is your goal ?
I say, take a few lessons. THEN you will know what size + style of kite is best.
Kites: 2.5m Profoil , Quadrifoil XL kitesurfer, NPW 5 Danger.
Flexifoil: 1.7m Sting, 4.9m Blade 3, 9m Blade 2.
Flysurfer : 19m Speed 2 SA, 7m Pulse
Peter Lynn :18m Phantom, 15m Synergy, 10m Synergy, 1200 Farc, 460 Sarc, 130 Tarc, 5m Peel, 4.2m , 6.4, 8.5 C-Quads, 3.5 LS2 single skin.
Rides: Flexi / P.L. Frankin'Buggy , Shaped + straight skiis, sand skis, Coyote blades. Core 95 ATB. RKB R2 ATB .
Ken (K2)