I have a Tipsy and it is a great plane, but I personally do not believe that it makes a good first plane. It likes to fly a little fast for a first plane and a newbie would probably tend to over-control it. With too much rudder and not enough elevetor, you will find it headed for the ground before you know it.

I believe that a GWS Slowstick or Tiger Moth make much better first planes, but this is just my opinion.