Hi Taut
Just give it a try, it is surprisingly easy on the Carafino board.
I found the water start was the most difficult part. You have to angle your foil board in just the right direction and put some pressure from your feet on it. Of course the board is sideways at first, but when you dive your kite you can push it down in the water. Once you are up riding, you will have no trouble and if you are like me you will leave the straps off. I actually feel safer and certainly more free without the straps.

CG