It takes 2-3 hours to go over the initial material during the unleaded class ( $125). This covers safety, set-up, control, wind windows and launch
If you weigh less than 140lbs, it will be hard to learn up here in NH since we have very gusty conditions
You will not get into the water until you can pass the Level 1 test. This is to make sure your safety is put ahead of your will to launch yourself 30 feet in the air.
If we don't have wind, there is no lesson. We need 8-15kts of NE or SE wind to teach at Seabrook Beach, NH
Nobody in my 8 yrs of teaching has gone from knowing nothing to getting in the water in one day. You need 5-8hrs with a trainer kite ( we rent them) since we work in deep water with gusty conditions.
A used set-up costs around $800 for everything. New gear will run $2200 ( kite, board, harness, wetsuit)
Every single kiter owns a trainer kite. You do not practice with the real stuff, you'll get hurt and you'll ruin your gear. Think ATV for kites, that is what we use.