Hi Doggfather,
You need two lessons unless you have had reasonably extensive trainer kite flying experience. Your buddies will be fine to take it from there.
Mates can teach you how to ride fairly easily, but usually fail at trying to teach you how to be safe and independent. As a soon to be member of the kitesurfing fraternity, you owe it to your kiting mates to be as safe and as well versed in ALL the parts of kiteboarding, not just how to ride. Especially if you are going to ride at Melville

.
Cheers,
DM