Tycho,
Lessons are the best way to learn safely.
I recommend you start now - the winds are improving and you'd have the whole of summer to practice. The seabreezes die out at the end of March and, while you can kite in winter, spring/summer is the best.
I work for one of the kite schools, so I'm biased and won't comment on any by name. My only suggestion is you consider a school that is IKO affiliated. The IKO is an international organisation that requires affiliated schools to use IKO-qualified instructors, trained to a known and consistent standard.

Thanks Duckman! You've convinced me, I'm going to book one early December:)

Thanks again, deanrobi:)

Did my instruction through kite republic last month. Absolute dedication and passion for the sport from those in the shop, and both instructors I was involved with.
If your looking to do lessons now,, my only suggestion is go mid week, or go to someone not on. StKilda beach!
The beach was so busy Saturday you would be better off playing observer than waisting your hard earned to be in the middle of so many kites.
Just my 2 cents worth, but I wouldn't have been happy to have paid to be there Saturday arvo for lessons

There are other schools out of St Kilda, on both the West, East and southern side of the bay, that you do not have to worry about the crazy crowds, If you do go with lessons at St Kilda I agree with the previous comments go during the week, you will have a much better experience.