Greetings,
I think it's a real good idea to start out practicing while the cat is still on the beach. Have someone sit on the opposite side as a counter balance while you adjust for proper height and practice coming in, and going out on the wire. Once you have things dialed in on shore drop it in the water and try it.

Righting the cat should also be practiced on the beach first.

Kind regards
ML

"House prices have risen by nearly 25 percent over the past two years. Although speculative activity has increased in some areas, at a national level these price increases largely reflect strong economic fundamentals." – Ben Bernanke – 2005