I've been using a 5'10 NSP cheap and cheerful in the surf for a while now. I put straps on it and replaced the plastic fins with some FCS fins. Total cost about $150.
Recently picked up a nearly as cheap ($250) Slingshot SST 6'2 board. I've been riding both boards back to back for a couple of weeks now and apart from the size difference I'm surprised how similar they both feel riding waves.
I'm no expert wave kiter but I guess the moral of the story is in average conditions you can get out there on pretty much anything and not be too disadvantaged by not having the lastest, greatest kite specific wave board.
The NSP is bombproof and i feel quite happy jumping it, the SST looks more fragile so I'm not so inclined to jump it. The SST goes upwing better and picks up the wave a little easier because of its size, and is a bit easier to gybe.
Yep, i agree a cheap surf board or just something you have had laying around fore ever can actualy handle kiteing verry well. I have a old 5'10 fish that i love riding strapless edges super hard, no real damage to it yet and it has handled a lot of harsh chop etc in the last couple of years. Would be a sad day if it did break.
Doesnt look as nice as my new 6 ft fone BambooST custom. 
Your not pimping a rebadged firewire again are we, Mr waxman. And its ok he jumps kiteboards, opinions for some not others! The firewire is $750, you then need straps put on. Cheaper than paying f1 , $1350. 
So your saying they shape it and get firewire to do the rest. Eps blank a .2mm of laminate on either side cover it in epoxy, thats $.1300 .Sounds steep to me, liquid force ,pat rawson models are the biz if you want to pay over a thousand and no i am not sposored, and yes i copied that after i purchased one a year ago, and fine tuned it for me.
