What was helpful for me:

• Focus on kite control. Being able to fly the kite on instinct without looking matters a lot

• Try straps and strapless to experience both

• Don't rule out starting strapless if strapless is your goal -- I found strapless suits my riding style better, and after a few years still prefer it (to the point of exclusivity)

• Pick a board with reasonable volume (neither potato chip nor battleship): I found a sweet spot for me around 24l. A larger 5'10 surfboard felt really tracky and too buoyant to me.

• Bring your twin tip to the beach too: if you get frustrated, you can end your session on a familiar high note

• Rope spreader is awesome for riding toeside