5hrs+ since I started to learn backflying, and still not up to head-up static. What was your journey like?

I know that everyone learns at their own pace, but I just wanted to hear from others experiences.

Since starting to learn backfly, I have now spent about 5 or so hours in the tunnel. I am still only up to back-belly transitions (barrel roll, over the feet). Feels close, but still not there, and I'm feeling like I'm learning quite slowly.

How long did it take you to go through the process of learning backfly, transitions, and head-up?