Hi Kru,
I had that '06 154 Haze, I believe it really hindered my progress. I think a piece of plywood would be better. It may be good for half a season, learn to get up and ride downwind. But, trying to go upwind, a little gust would hit and my edge would release and I would skid far downwind before I could get the edge to dig in and track again.So frustrating!
I just got a new board, 137 X 41 Sugar Skull, WOW what a difference! Suddenly I could go upwind easily, my skills learned by snowkiting (downloop transitions, toeside, jump transitions etc.) could be applied to the water.
My stats; 180lbs (80 kg), 9m and 12m kites, 2 seasons snowkite, 1 season on water, gusty inland conditions.
Life is short, you can't buy time, have him spend more buy a modern light wind board. Unless you're thinking of buying that Haze from SPI (mine is on consignment there), then ignore this post and buy it .
Tony