Hi all, I've been enjoying surf kayaking (I have a flat bottomed 9foot SOT surf kayak) here in Virginia Beach for 2 years, and am thinking about also taking up sea kayaking as well. Part of the motivation for me is so that I can build one of those BEAUTIFUL strippers! I've done woodworking my whole life, from plywood boats to living room furniture, to decks, so I'm not real worried about the skills/tools required; Especially with all the really good material I've found on the web. But I am concerned whether a strip boat, in particular the design I'm leaning toward, the Cape Ann Storm, would be a good first sea kayak. I've never been in ANY kayak other than my SOT surf boat! I don't *think* it will be a difficult transition, but then, I have little basis for opinion! I can manage my surf boat in all sorts of situations, swell, breaking waves, soup, etc... and can do the basic braces/strokes proficiently and usually roll up when I get hammered.

Any comments on the transition to sea kayaking, my choice of the Cape Ann Storm, or using a strip built boat as a first sea kayak are welcome.

Incidentally, Im lucky to have a wide range of conditions available to learn in, starting with shallow flat water bays, the chesapeake bay, and of course the atlantic.