I just made
this post in another thread.
I understand that you need to get your own gear for lessons, but you're still better off to learn the kite handling with a small kite before attaching yourself to a big one. Getting the kite handling skills first will also help you avoid destroying whatever full-size kite you eventually end up buying.
As an aside, it's getting a little late in the season to start learning--especially if you don't have a good wetsuit already. I'm not saying it's impossible, just that you might need to temper your expectations a bit. The upshot is that snowkiting is the best training you can have before getting out on the water, and you'll have ample opportunity for that soon enough. The foils I mention in that other post are great for both training in a field, and screaming across the snow on a blustery day.
As for the big kite, ask the locals what their main size is and look for something to match. You'll want a 4-line SLEI/Bow/Delta shape with 'good depower range' and 'easy relaunch'. For the board, you'll want something a little larger to get started. Then you'll need a harness and a wetsuit. I also consider an impact/flotation vest or a PFD and a helmet to be required equipment. Even if you find some stuff used, expect to spend almost $2000.
This kiteboarding calculator is a good place to start to get an idea of what gear sizes you should be looking at.
Whatever 'deals' you find, remember that you can get a
brand-new (2012) kite (plus bar, lines, pump, bag, etc.) for just over $700 + tax from Silent Sports. I'm not a fan of the Cabrinha bar from that year, but what a deal.
So, keep that one in mind. This
used Crossbow they have for sale might be a tiny bit expensive for its vintage, but they do an inflation test on all the used kites they sell, and I'm sure they wouldn't send anything out the door with worn bridle lines--Which are only two of the things you have to look out for when buying used gear.
For the beginner, there's a risk associated with used gear: it's tough to know what to look out for; and you could get screwed with a poorly performing kite. You'd probably have to tune the bar, etc. etc. etc. The benefit is that if you kill the thing, you haven't spent a ton on it. I'm a fan of buying close-out gear from the previous season, it's new so you know it will work--just not the latest and greatest, and can usually be found at a good discount.
Really though, get the trainer first and fly it. It will give you the healthy respect you need to have for the kite before you put a 12m death machine into the air.
Cheers!