NewB looking for another rider.

[ricki]

Eric, you've had some quality pro kiteboarding lessons yourself?

[BizGuru]

The best thing you can do at this point it hit up a nice Flatwater spot with some lessons. You will waste so many windy days trying to get everything figured out on your own, as well as risk injuring yourself or others. I would suggest going to Tampa, Miami, or the Keys to learn. Spending 3 hours with an instructor at one of these areas will substantially increase your learning curve and get you to really understand the safety aspect of the sport and make sure your gear is set up right. These areas have shallow flat water to learn on. Waves make learning 10x more difficult. So rather than spend 20 days learning to ride up wind and not having fun, spend 3 hours that will get your riding upwind with a few more hours of practice. Also be careful about intercoastal areas, even for advanced riders these can be VERY VERY tough and dangerous to ride, even the little bit of land around can lead to vary gusty winds, also you have boaters and currents. The flat water may make it a tempting spot to learn, but the crazy wind and currents will lead to a very tough time.

I would recommend,

Miami - Miami Kiteboarding - http://www.miamikiteboarding.com/ 305-345-9974
This is where a teach part time, They have the best spot in Miami. There is a huge shallow flat teaching area and the use the latest gear.

Tampa - http://www.facebook.com/TritonKiteboarding
Great Crew, with again some great flat water to learn at.

Otherside Boardsports - http://www.othersideboardsports.com/ 305-853-9728
Again Great Crew, Flat water for any wind direction.

Miami Kiteboarding is the only group listed I am affiliated with, the others are spots I like to drive to and ride and first class operations I have seen there.

Any of these places will get you up and riding and enjoying kiteboarding in no time.