In terms of the board to learn on, I am in favor of a larger board to learn on. You can always use it as a light wind board.

I tried to learn on a directional (surf style) board when I started (stone age) for about ten hours, 'cuz all the mags were saying it was easier. It was hard. Then I swithched to a wake style and was riding instantly (downwind, of course).
For me, the wake style board was TONS easier than the directional.
Your choice of board sounds good to me.

Good luck kiting.