When and how often you go out will be related to your skill level and kites/board wind range.

I never stop. Just keep kiting all year round. Selecting smaller/bigger kites and boards as the conditions allow.

for an 11m you want to look for 16-23 knots. Don't go out in wind gusting over 25 knots at this stage.

I completely agree with psychojoe ... as a Perth local who kites all year round I would say to beginners don't kite in winter or unless you have nice consistant summer breezes as it will either hurt you or frustrate you.

Melville waters is cr@p and gusty and I've almost been killed a couple times by beginners people having no idea what they are doing .. you will never see me there again.
The coast is great but dont go out alone and you wont know how to self launch or land and there will be noone there if you get into trouble.

18-21kts is perfect to learn on but I do stress the importance of getting lessons, it's all the little things you pick up that make a difference to both your safety and your progression as a kiter..

dont be affraid to tell other kiters at a location your new and they will help you launch / land and give advice.

and most of all just dont be in a rush to get out, set your gear up properly, double check it and steady as she goes..

my 2c.

Some great advice, thanks. I should have mentioned that I'd had lessons and been out a couple of times alone before
I packed my kit away for the winter.
I was really looking for an indication when to get out again and in what wind.
i think that after this long break it'll be like starting afresh again so I'll definitely concentrate on body drags and other basics initially.
Buying a smaller kite isn't an option at the moment. So, the ideal wind range for my kite seems to be 16 - 21knots,
thanks

Stan, if it's onshore, and under 25kts you'll be alright on your 11 and you won't be the only one out. go where there are other guys, stay out of their way(ie get a launch then go down wind or go upwind a couple hundred meters and get someone to come up and launch you)

know your depower settings for your kite, shorten rear lines for lower wind when you want more power (if it's backstalling you've shortened them too much or you need a 14m) & lengthen them for the 20kt+ wind. some guys never touch their settings but it makes a big difference. get out there

Thanks for the advice. I presume a slide launch is the same as self launch?

I tend to get help launching and then get into the water and move away from the crowded area's.