"The more complex a movement is, the more it's worth to take it apart to it's elements in order to learn it. Googles and snorkel are required so that breathing, which coordinates the whole process, can be left to be practiced at the end, while fins are to aid proper body pose and technique. The board allows the movement of legs and arms to be practiced separately, and I've noted swimsuits too, because too often you see newbies wearing beach shorts at the pool which act like flimsy breaking chutes in the water."