Thanks guys,
I'm actually a beginner who is desperatelly trying to be an intermediate, but the label is relative.
I've done the beginners course, then the straps and harness, but don't know how to water start. Still struggling to get into straps, so I step on them

.
I believe an outdated gear is holding me back, but this is a lame excuse when you see Robby Naish jumping the beginners board...
I start by stepping on the board in the shallow water, then I plane if wind is sufficient (at least 20kts), and stop deliberatelly when the water is up to my waist.
Then I do a huge step (no water start yet for me) and the board sinks and turns into the wind. I then first swear, then try again, and again, and again...

Grumpy, your advice is good, however, I live NOR and Safety Bay is a long way. Try before buy sounds really tempting though...
Obelix