Hi Leeboy,
New is always nice, there is something special about removing all the tags and bits of protective foam etc from your kite and having that lovely crackly waxy feel to the canopy and of course knowing it has a warranty, and is the latest in safety and hasn't been worked over etc etc.
However, 2nd hand is definately much cheaper and it is true, you probably wont have the skills to know the difference between a new or last years model for a while yet.
It all comes down to you really, do you want new or is cost a huge issue. "Many a good tune is played on an old fiddle" my old man used to say, I think he was refering to the old lady Yuck!
If you can't afford a new kite, then you have your decision. I have just started selling our last years school and ex rental kites so maybe have a look or a test fly of some of our last years gear.
At the end of the day, you have to be comfortable with your purchase, if you're not comfortable, don't go there.
Good winds,
Darren
Anyways, have a look for something similar to what you did your lesson on
pm me if your keen. But my advice buy new they can take a fair bit of a thrashing and you will progress so much faster
