I wish there were something similar for kitesurfing. As it is, you basically need to spend 2 grand for equipment, 1.5 if you go second hand but then you need to be knowledgeable. That's a pretty big threshold for beginners that aren't sure about it.
Kites are too manufacturing intensive. Kiteboarding and surfing are apples and oranges
That said. I have a quiver of second hand North kites for under a grand. A good board will last you 6+ seasons
I know, that's why I wrote "I wish there were". I also know you can get second hand cheaply - I never bought new, but most beginners wouldn't know what to look for. Maybe a second hand buyer's guide would go some way.
Some people are working on another way to lower the barrier to entry, if it works out I'll post about it on HN!