Some ideas to help you get going in the lighter stuff, ABSENT squalls of course. There have been a few riders rigged big, working hard to milk what they could out of lighter winds when they got slammed with STRONG gusts from a rain squall. One guy hit a tree and fell to hit pavement head first, entering a coma with another pro rider almost getting lofted into powerlines and traffic over 150 ft. from the water.
Anyway, consider using a larger board, one with more wetted surface area. Skimboards have gained in popularity in this regard. Some directional kiteboards are quite good at the lower end. Case in point, last week I was out with another guy about 15 lbs. less than me. We were both flying 13 m kites. He was on a 130 cm TT, I think, and I was on a 7.5 ft. directional! He ended up walking backup wind a lot, a few hundred yards at times, while I was able to ride upwind of the launch area at times.
Surfboards can also offer at lighter wind advantage. Well waxed up or with a full deck traction pad they can provide a different feel for kiteboarders and bet sinking in lulls on too small a board.
Try body dragging out past the breaking waves before water starting if you can do this safely. It takes a fair amount of kite power to blast through waves at times and if the wind just isn't there it can be frustrating.
Pay attention to how you trim your kite. More ideas about this appear at:
http://fksa.org/viewtopic.php?t=622
I am amazed at how few people do this or even consider it to be worth bothering with.
Considering using longer lines or 10 m line extensions made out of Q Line. It may not help your jumping but if the wind is marginal anyway the longer power stroke may help you move out more efficiently.
If you have a choice, try to find an area WITHOUT waves. Riding through waves takes extra kite power that you may not have to spare.
Get further offshore, within your swimming abilities, impact vest, etc. You will often find the wind is a bit stronger around 1/4 mile away from the beach. Stare at the water and look for wind lines.
Check ikitesurf and see where the wind is up. A road trip may be in order. Just watchout for the storms and unstable weather.
BE CAREFUL nearshore and bystanders in the lighter winds, launching, going out and landing. It can be EASY to stall your kite and wrapup bystanders. Take pains to stay well away from others. You are the guy in control not them.
Other ideas out there?