A mate asked me the other day if I had to only choose one,
which would it be (note I've been surfing for 10 years and kiting for 2).
My first reaction was that for sure it would have to be kiting. Even though I'm not that good at strapless yet, you can catch twice as many waves in half the amount of time (or more). Plus riding flatwater on a twin tip is awesome as well.
But after thinking harder about it, there are those surf's that are just amazing. I haven't had one since Bali, but you know what I mean. 20+ barrels in a 2 hour session that in my opinion, nothing tops.
So even though I find kiting more enjoyable like 95% of the time, I think I would have to choose surfing, just for those phenomenal sessions that keep you stoked for weeks!
Curious to know the opinions of other surfer turned kitesurfers on which you would pick if a gun was put to your head?
Tom
I did it the other way around.
Have been kiting for about 8-9 years.
Surfing for the last 4.
For me I enjoy a good surf better followed up by a bakery smashing. Surfing is so much more laid back and challenging. For me kiting is just get smashed up, occasionally I have a ripper session but yeah at the moment the stoke definitely is in surfing with a few mates. Mind you I can't do either now that I'm injured 
Maybe that's why I am always neggin out.
EDIT: That being said in Perth not really ever asked to choose between them so they compliment each other nicely IMO. Completely different stoke.
I enjoy both and each has its pro and cons. More importantly, I just enjoy the fact that I can do either/or as I choose and have the ability. There are others who aren't so lucky, so I don't think about it all that much as long as I am enjoying it. Let's hope you would never have to choose.
If it is offshore, 6 foot and barreling - surfing every time.
For the other conditions that we get most of the time - kiting.
Though if you had to choose one over the other, i would go kiting as you just get some much more bang for your buck - and you can surf the waves as well as getting out the back is so much easier.
Surfer 37 years
Kiter 10 years
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