I agree with "switching" the colors as well. With green for "good to go" and orange for new rider. They make some really, really, bright oranges that are highly visible.

I remember Zack painted over my paint job on a board I sold him with that bright orange stuff. No kidding, the further away he got, the more easily you could see him... WEIRD.

Green meaning "good to go" makes sense too, like Steve said.
Also, once on the water, it won't be that distracting of a color.