Thanks for the informed reply...but the Hobie Wave does OK in the surf from my experience. I agree that the Hobie 14 is better in the surf. My family lived in Hawaii from 1972 until 1986 and I had a Hobie 14 over there where I learned to both board surf and Cat sail. The 14 was a blast and better than the Wave I agree. My friend Harold ran the sail and surf concession on Ft. DeRussy beach in Waikiki (next to the Hilton Hawaiian Village). I would hang out there and go surf my Hobie at "number threes" and "Pops". I've never surf sailed a 16 but I'm sure it is quite good.

The reason the Wave is still a fun boat in the surf is you can take more chances and not risk major breakage to the boat or seriuos injury...if you stuff it the boat will often pop right back out. If you have an old 14 or 16 that's probably a better boat, but the Wave is fun for all sizes and ages.

The Wave reminds me of the foam top surf boards that are used by the surf schools now...no "real surfers" would admit to wanting one or owning one, but they are actually OK to surf on...Not as good as regular fiberglass or epoxy board but great to learn on and fun to goof around on.

I went out on the Hobie Wave surf sailing today in 3 foot to occasional 4 ft sets at High tide here on Tybee. Water temp was cold in the high 50's but it was still a good time with my 4/3 wetsuit and a spray top.

Stay Wet,

Jim Stone