Joubin,
I can't speak for the others because I've never paddled them, but the West River (WR) is a big boat. I'm 6'1" and 165 and I felt like I was paddling a giant tub. Granted, it is an excellent handling, stable tub, but it still felt like a tub. Then again, I like a faster more sporty boat. I spent a bunch of time testing various CLC boats and the WR is a nice one. For you, day tripping, and being smaller, perhaps instead of the WR you should consider one of the Chesapeakes (16 or 17LT I would guess) from CLC or something similar from other suppliers. All of these will have reasonable storage for day trips or camping excursions and will likely fit your frame better. By the way, I just bought a NorthBay from CLC as my first ever boat so I'm similar with the situation you're in, though I didn't come from the sailing side of the house. I've only paddled a few kayaks outside demo'ing all the CLC boats, so I am definitely a novice as well.

By the way, Surfing in a kayak is pretty much the same as surfing on a surf board. A long swim from land is what is meant by open ocean. Protected water generally means a bay or somewhat less open (though it can still feel open) and rivers are fairly obvious.

Welcome to the sport.

Frank