I don't have the answers to your questions specifically because I just got out in my Matunuck for the first time yesterday. We were surfing a 3-5 foot spilling beach break. My only point of comparison is surfing the same waves in plastic boats (with and without fins).

The Matunuck paddled out very nicely, it was much more friendly than my Redline because of the long nose. The bow slid through the waves with only a little problem from the low buoyancy in the stern (ie I only flipped over backward once).

The boat took of like a rocket and slid smoothly down the wave faces. I found the bottom turn very smooth and easy to get started. I did overturn several times, I think because I'm used to my soft-railed Redline.

I think it will have the speed for dumping reef breaks, however, the nose might be longer than is ideal. I see guys surfing boats a foot shorter on that type of wave. The rail felt sensitive enough to maneuver on steep faces.

I put mine together (from plans) for a total of about $400 in materials. That's a small fraction of the cost of any type of surf boat. Even the kit cost makes for an excellent bargain.

: Good day all,

: Yes, 'tis me... long time viewer and strip kayak builder, but I've been off
: the site for a while as a poster because I've been out of the building
: stages. I am considering the Matunuck surf kayak. I'm wondering if any
: surfers/builders can give me a review of the performance. Looks very
: well-designed for its purpose, not surprising of Nick's designs. Has
: anyone found its limits yet? Does it surf the big stuff as well as the
: little stuff? I mostly have reef breaks down here. Anything to share?

: Many thanks,

: Malcolm