Smooth in flatwater, comfy waiting outside a shore break, stable, smooth surfing. If you own this boat and haven't paddled it in ocean surf, you're missing out on a lot of fun.

While I wouldn't recommend this boat for someone's 'only' boat, it can be very fun and challenging in a way that will make you a better paddler. (not in the pulling-you-hair-out way) It's pretty solid, will take a beating and LOVES waves. in smaller surf (3-5') laying backwards with the tail down and your back on the surface - and letting the wave pick you up and push you is a lot of fun. Don't worry about pearling this thing and pulling an unplanned ender. you probably won't. if the sets have a long period and are smooth in the valleys, you should be able to catch almost any wave you miss also. very fun in standing waves too. when it's at speed, everything falls into place smoothly. Also - this has enough vertical volume that wet re-entries will usually result in less cockpit flooding than lower boats. watch your tail when paddling out though - as the lack of tail rocker can make this thing stand up if the waves are tall in the shallows. I hope this helps.