Shapers......
The main problem is that most custom shapers are working with old materials.
Same old foam cores and crappy glass..... and some even claim that polyester gives you a better ride. The stuff is even ecologically disgusting.
They will also refer to everything else as pop out boards.
From just most shapers you won't be able to get anything with the kind of construction you would get from Surftech or Aviso.
Good news is that both Surftech and Aviso are offering high tech boards that also come setup for kiting.
A while ago I spoke to a kiter that told me so and so shaper (a big name in kiting) was building him a board. Saw it a few weeks later... absolutly identical to one I'd previously seen.
I've also found shapers to not be receptive at all regarding new designs and ideas.
I tried to find a shaper to make a custom directional board for low low wind and racing.
Couldn't get anyone to do it because all they are really into is poping out the same or really similar designs.
I finally made my own. Looks terrible and smells like a park bench... but works like a charm. Great low end and terrific stability and speed in chop.
Just because the construction required a faom to abs core and a tail that was way thinner than any surfboard they did not want to build it. Custom shapers my ass.
There are loads of industrially made shapes that are built to very high standards out there and designed by the best people out there.
Just take a look at Aviso's vast array of shapes and special hulls.
They can make kite surfing editions of just about all their boards.
http://www.avisosurf.com/Boards.html
Slingshot will be marketing Aviso construction boards very soon.