Hi Tristan, I wouldn't say there's a practical difference as much as a personal preference,ok since we're all practical people around here: more efficiency and smoother transitions in rough water=coho, maneuverability= Tern. They're both big boats so if you're on the 150lb side of life they are more boat than necessary for day paddling and learning. A Shearwater Merganser might be a better choice in that case. That said I built a Coho for a friend in a touring/instruction company and will say it's an excellent all-around do everything kayak for a 175lb++ paddler who might want to carry 100lbs of stuff.