I've padlled the RAD 175 for nearly a year and can give a good account of what the boat would be like for a medium level paddler.

I really like the shape of the hull - it bounces nicely and carves well and is really fast on the wave. This can be a problem for beginners as I have learned because it is hard to stay in control on small or fast waves, it takes a lot of practise to get the feel for it.

The outfitting in the boat has problems, the elastic on my backband tore recently, the seat will need to be tightened to the max to stop it moving and the footrests are nothing special. The ratchtets also rust but mine are still working so they're not too bad.

My boat has a habit of leaving in water and I have tried a few decks on it and it is still happening, maybe putting rubber washers on the seals might help?.

Also, compared to many of the new playboats this kayak weighs a ton, which must lower your chance at big aerials.

When I first bought this boat I couldn't even flat spin. After a summer surfing ocean waves I learned to air blunt and donkeyflip, you will probabaly improve quickly with this boat, it pushes you to work it. It spins like a dream on river waves and is good fun on the rivers as well but warning: be careful coming off drops because if you hit a rock the hit goes straight through the front underplastic takes go straight to your feet, OUCH!

Hope this helped,
Tom