I spent a lot of time gathering information about foiling and finally did it. This forum has been extremely helpful and I wanted to make a contribution. First session, I was able to go back and forth for long distances with rare crashes. I was up and down a lot but definitely did a lot of flying. Towards the end of 2 hours, I was able to transition to toeside in one direction. I am a very average kiter and so was pleased with how things went. I think these are the things that really helped:
1. Floaty board. (2016 Alien Air) Allows slow touchdowns without sinking.
2. Foot hooks. (NSI) Provided perfect amount of support but feet always came out quickly during crashes.
3. Short mast. (Slingshot flight school) Can't imagine why one would not learn with a short mast
4. Low aspect foil. (Liquid Force Rocket Foil). Fat wing and long fuselage which really helps.
5. BRM Cloud. Used the 10.4. Kite behaved perfectly allowing me to focus on the board.
6. Experience with directional board. Especially strapless, helps with getting weight forward.
My first session was super fun and now foiling is all I want to do.