Just a small update.

I was paddling in the English Channel off Hastings the other day in about a force 4 wind and sea state 3, and to my surprise and joy I was able to surf almost effortlessly on the 2-3 foot waves, albeit with the bow buried to the front hatch. Keeping straight was easy (with the skeg down, though) and I had a smile plastered to my face.

So I think the problem in Greece was the period of the waves.

My only real problem with the boat is the recessed cockpit rim, which was unfortunately a mistake, as my knees barely fit below it. Another time I would make a conventional cockpit rim for such a low-volume boat.

One more question (if anyone reads this) - would this kayak look better with a curved deck, rather than peaked?

I feel the urge to build another one, and am considering either a curved deck or one a bit like the petrel.