For anyone interested, I just talked with Ole Mau who is on the island using and selling KiteWing-s and offering lessons / rentals. His websites are
https://zenlifestyles.ca and
https://zensports.caFrom what he told me, it seems to handle quite nice. You need a size maybe 0.5m less than an inflatable wing to get similar power. He says probably 4.6m for Squamish. Xply is the recommended material as it doesn't soak up water like dacron. Sounds like it's a bit harder to flip over when lying upside down in the water than inflatables (it's more like a windsurf sail in this regard), but on the plus side it doesn't need a leash on the wing. It does float, but doesn't tumble away if left alone. I get the impression that just like the more rigid inflatable wings, it's best for freeride – good power, and gives good air on jumps.
Looks promising overall. I'll try to rent it when I get a chance.