Conditions arent that bad, provided you're willing to watch the weather and travel a bit.

It is however tricky to get started, because until you have the confidence (and perhaps the gear too) to go out in a wide range of conditions, you can spend a lot of time sitting out, waiting for it to be 'right'.

got airush flows 7m 12m & nobile555 etc in november so i am raring to go

if you've got all your gear you might have more luck just meeting up with people and giving it a go yourself i'm sure someone will be there to give you some tips. i use a 12m and get out in most winds as some of this lot will testify, and i'm not lightweight