Hi I'm just learning and would like to buy my first kite, but not sure how much I should be spending and what to look for.

lol second hand kites are not risky at all, in fact reccomended as you will likely trash it. Basically anything these days would be fine to learn and progress just avoid c shapes if possible. Cant help anymore without weight location etc but anything newer than 2015 should still be good enough nic and safe enough at reasonable price.

I"m a school so I'm bias but go get lessons at your local kite school and take there advise . Not all gear is made for a beginner and wind conditions vary all over Aust
Hope this Helps
George

the gear is all so amazing these days.
I'd personally stay away from Cabrinha due to the lack of traditional bar structure.
I'd stay away from anything more than 4 lines.
I'd stay away from C-style kites (Cabrinha chaos etc).

wave kites are usually a bit easier to relaunach but these days I'd get a big air kite because everyone wants to have at least one and they are easy to use.

I.e. In the UK I would get a 8m big air kite and then for summer later a 12m kite of a different variety. Either another big air kite or maybe a wave kite or hybrid/beginner kite as an allrounder for easy relaunches in summer.

I currently just have a 10m mono quiver for north queensland.

Ask the kite shop if they have any x demo kites or last season's kites.

I bought a new learner kite -airush DNA and got lessons thrown in. Was my way of managing cost. In my case its true that learning on new gear is hard on the equipment! However was able to sell and trade up when I felt I was ready. Wouldnt criticise second hand gear if in good condition and made within last 3-5 years. this is due to safety systems getting better. As someone else said stay away from c kites. my second kite was a slingshot rally- delta shape and easy relaunch. fun forgiving kite to fly. Shop around as it's free and talk to locals including people on this forum. They will usually give their opinion and then make up your own mind. It's all part of the journey of learning about the sport. Good luck!

While i recommend talking with your local shop, 2nd hand gear can be a prudent choice as many people give their first kite a hard time.
Also, once you are confident at riding you may want to change or add to your gear.

As mentioned, the size depends on your weight and the wind conditions at your local spot.

Smaller kites (8m and smaller) turn and move much quicker than larger kites. I recommend large kites (10-14m) for several reasons.. 1. They move slower . 2. More powerful (the most common mistake I've seen beginners do is pull the bar in too much, and stalling the kite). 3. It means you can go out in lighter wind conditions.. this is a major safety point. And it also means the water will be not as rough as a windier day.

I recommend surf style kites (Drifter, Reo, Neo etc).. as they stay in the air in more situations ie they drifter easier and are more mellow (powerful kites like Rebels and Switchblades are a lot of fun, but when beginning can yank you off your board).
Also.. and this will.be contentious, learn on an surfboard with no straps rather than a twintip (i taught my son, took him only 2 hours). They solve then main learning hurdle (stalling the kite) by keeping planing.

Hth
Tim

Kiting is for the gays
You sound do something else
Unless you're gay

Always rig for the lulls

My first kite was a 10m north evo from 2011 I think (kite in my profile photo)
I didnt struggle learning on it at all
I did pop its bladder the other day though
I got it for 100 bucks with a harness and a bar