Here's what I want to know:
Can I ocean surf with this boat?
Will it handle class IV (if/when I ever get that skilled)?

I took it on the lake last night and paddled around a bit.
I noticed that it is incredibly responsive, but the back end swings around if i stop paddling and I do a 180.
Is this normal?

Any tips?

i think this kayak is made more for whitewater type kayaking. i have one and i tried it in the ocean. it quickly was swamped by the surf. no fun at all. i also have a sit on top that is a lot of fun in the ocean.

my boat is also very responsive when on calmer waters than the ocean. almost too much so.

i live down south of fayetteville. there is a kayak/canoe club in this area that you might want to check out. it is the lumber river canoe club. they float somewhere just about every weekend all year long. it is a very active club. they do a lot on the lumber river but they also paddle all over the state. they have members in sanford and raleigh areas. i'm sure you would find some of their trips of interest to you in the g'boro area.

i don't know their web presence off hand but you should be able to google them and get on their email list which list upcoming trips.

btw i want to get rid of my gtx in exchange for a canoe or 2 person kayak, if you know of anyone interested in the gtx. i can be reached at [mail address protected from spambots with javascript] .

happy paddling!

Definitely a whitewater boat, and class IV would be no problem with it. While I haven't personally paddled that boat, I can tell you that most any whitewater kayak you try will be very responsive and will not track well in flat water unless you are actively paddling.

For any ocean surfing or whitewater you will need a spray skirt to avoid the swamping that dw9922 mentioned.

Hopefully that was helpfull