The Petrel looks really
: interesting, but I would like to learn more about it from the experience
: of others before I decide.

...sometimes a picture (or video) is worth a thousand words:
http://www.guillemot-kayaks.com/guillemot/blog/rough_water_sea_kayak_play_video

Also see the "Blue Hill Falls" link on Nick's blog. You can certainly get a sense of of the boat's handling, at least when handled by a master.

--S