This boat is versatile, well-built, and has lasted more than 10 years, which is saying something in its own right. I bought it for surf kayaking, but frankly use it less for that than for just day tripping. It is fairly light and easy to get on the car. I am sure it is great for surfing; my reason for doing that less is the sketchiness of the sport itself. I just find a boat of this size in waves a dangerous proposition. The good news is that this boat is versatile enough to use for many purposes. I have not used it in whitewater on a river, but I suspect it would be great
