Which would you choose for a surf class?

Advice
#1

I’m likely heading to a surf kayaking class in the SF Bay Area this Sunday, and they (Sea Trek)offer the following choice of sit-on-tops:



Islander Hula

Ocean Kayak Frenzy

Perception Torrent

Perception 5-0



Which of these would I get the most out of in an all-day class? For reference, I’m a smaller paddler (about 5’5", 130#), and as far as skills go, I should be about BCU 3-star equivalent with a solid roll (not that that should matter with the SOTs). I did one surf class last year in a whitewater boat, but spent more time out of the boat than in it, as I only had the beginnings of a roll. Thanks, folks!

#2

Never Rode An SOT
but I think the Islander Hula and the Perception Five O are supposed to be surf specific. The Torrent is white water. When in surf, use a surf specific boat when given the chance.



Here is a link to UK site with photos:



http://www.kayaksandpaddles.co.uk/canoe/kayak/uk/shop/sit-on-tops.htm



Have fun, you lucky dog. Left coast have waves. We don’t right now.



sing

#3

I Agree With Sing

– Last Updated: May-20-04 2:32 PM EST –

The only boat listed I have surfed is the Frenzy. It is certainly the most forgiving, but the 5-0, or Hula would be more fun in small to medium surf.

The 5-0 has trouble with larger boaters over 200#, but should be fine for you.

The most popular surfing SOTs out here are the Cobra Strike and Wilderness Systems Kaos. I am surpised they do not offer them.

Where is your lesson? Ocean Beach?

#4

Recommendation
Other than the Perception 5.0, none of the others is a surf specific boat. You can still have fun on the others…but the design of those boats will somewhat limit your ability to have a true paddle surfing experience. I too am puzzled by the absence of the two most popular SOT roto-mold surf craft - the Strike and the Kaos. My guess is because they are primarily wave riders and don’t have the versiatility an outfitter likes for their store fleet.



Recommendation: The Perception 5.0

#5

I’ve got an islander hula
and like it a lot,can’t speak for the others but I sometimes regress and lay down and surfboard paddle it when punching through waves and have stood on mine forgeting I’m supposed to be paddling,old habits die hard.

#6

Jerry is Right. Go with the 5-0.
Go with the 5-0. You will make the most progress at actually surfing down the line. You won’t be able to make bottom turns and cut-backs with the other boats, they will tend to hang up on the foam pile.