While a Pivot will definitely work and is an extremely versatile kite there are other options that might be better to consider.
What kind of wind strength are you going to be riding in? Will it be gusty?
I'm a big fan of single strut kites for beginners (and experts too!):
- they tend to fly well when oversheeted instead of backstalling (the most common rookie mistake)
- they tend to avoid overflying another common mistake
- if you do overfly them they are much harder to hindenburg (this is hindenburging
https://m.facebook.com/113328052012550/ ... 6260663704)
- they are generally good gust handlers
- they are very versatile
- they stay in the air down to 8 knots (many 3 strut kites will fall in the water if it lulls down to 10 knots)
- they have large wind ranges
- they cost less than 3 or 5 strut kites
There are some downsides to them though:
- they don't powered loop very well, you get tip flutter
- dogs have a tendency to run over them on the beach which puts holes in them (they lay flat on the sides like a picnic blanket)
- they wont boost as high as a high aspect 5 strut kite (this is can also be considered a positive for strapless riding)
I myself fly LF Solo's and am very happy with them.
As for learning on a TT vs. directional I think that it's fully possible to start with a directional, you just need to pick the right board. You need to get a board that rides well both forwards and backwards.
Boards like:
- Shinnster: by far the best first directional to learn on, very fun, very smooth, rides perfectly backwards
- OR Jester/Duke: very fun directional, Duke for bigger guys, only issue is even though it looks like a surfboard it doesn't surf waves well at all
- Wave Bandit Performer 4-10: my one board quiver, I love this board but I'm only 75 kg, dunno if it would work for you at 90 kg