Hi Peter, In this video it is a 5'6" x 19"(I think...it's been awhile). The some width here will help a lot more than lengh in general if you are looking for stability. Not sure why I was riding that board this day though, usually I'm on a 5'3"x18.5" in flat water.

Yes, depending on the conditions. Often in offshore winds if your board will washes in (in being upwind upwind, especially into rocks/reef it can be almost necessary). In side/side on wind I try to avoid using a leash as it is much more dangerous with the bounce back of the board. Offshore winds you still need to be very carful not to get pulled by the kite too hard to have the board whip back at you but generally your kite will pull you out and your board will be behind you so it will not get washed into you from a wave while in onshore wind your board will end up outside of you and then a wave can easily push it into you. It's worth practicing in flat water to get used to it and using a helmet as it can lead to a bad injury. I've personally had some close calls due to a leash...

Cool, many thanks for your reply. I’m just learning to ride strapless here in east coast scotland. Where are you based in USA?

Hey Sarah, yes this can be hard especially in side or side off wind as going over the wave can create more line tension especially when edging and therefore lift pulling you off the board. Try to ride very slow and follow the wave up with the kite as you ride up it so your kite is high at the peak and then dive it again as you drop over the back. Depending on the wind direction relative to the wave you may need to do a but of a downwind swerve as you ride over it to keep from getting lifted off your board. Keeping the kite generally high and going slow is key.