You're absolutely right. It is his airplane and property, so he should go right ahead, but I will guarantee that he will have some significant repair bills, which is OK if he's prepared for it.

In my limited time back in this hobby, I've seen a couple of guys discouraged by early crashes for which they weren't prepared, either financially or skill level. That discouragement saw them get right back out of the hobby before they were into it which is sad for them.

I'd recommend at least getting hold of a simulator and flying that for a month or two and being able to land competently first. That's where all my early mishaps occurred, from base to touchdown.

I'm not saying that you can't teach yourself, but the chances of success are remote compared with going down the simulator and instructor path first. Wilbur and Orville did it 100 years ago, but they also had some significant repair bills; both airplane and physical.

Your choice!