Good question.
The other question to ask is which style of kite. Bow, hybrid, 5th line C, peter lynn arc, flysurfer foil....
If you can afford it, go new. The new bows and hybrids are more refined than the kites from last year. I suspect bow kites can wear out pretty quickly too, because of high pressure leading edges and different construction issues.
Having said that, there are some cheap kites around that claim to have only been used a few times. Most kites 2005 onwards should be alright.
Sounds like you're on the right track, shop around, ask advice, search for reviews on the forums, a secondhand board will be fine.....
Have fun!

you will trash your first kite, go second hand

I bought new kite as a beginner last season when the bow kites were just out on the market. If you got the cash then go for it hey - knowing your using gear that’s new and under warranty and hasn’t been misused or thrashed by previous owner makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside as your being face planted and draged on the beach.. ! Seriously you will crash your kite more than enough times though in the beginner phase and do other stupid stuff that will increase your chances of damaging it. If you haven’t got the cash go second hand lots of last seasons kites about, wouldn’t go older than last season, I know of dudes who have had two years experience more than I but are on 03 kites still cant go upwind - more kite than user I think is at fault.

Even better would be to go for the same branded kite you have had lessons on. It can seem like your being hoodwinked after a lesson when the teacher gives you advice on a kite to get but logically it makes sense to go for the kite you learnt on for familiarity and also because school kites used are more user friendly for beginners.

One thing as a beginner would be the QR - you will use it or in the least need to practice in using it so make sure it’s suitable for you. For example if you’re left handed make sure its quick release is in the middle of the chicken loop not on the side of the chicken loop... Also if your going for a kite with a long depower throw (like a bow for example) make sure you get a leash that's long enough to clip up to the middle line for flagging the kite - which incidentally is where a leash should be clipped for anyone not going to ride unhooked.

Second hand boards are fine but if you got the cash nothing wrong with going new – I have heard several stories from newbie’s loosing boards but yet to hear one about busting kites.. Maybe that a wrong representation but that’s what I have heard in any case. (I am sure that will change in the next few posts though )

hope the info is some help

I think I crash more now than when I was learning,
I started on a second hand c kite, used it for a month or so then demoed a bow (SB1) from there I was sold. My learning progression really sped up. Dont be scared of buying new just because you think you might drop the kite.
FF

there are total bargains out there, you just have to know what to look for