-- Last Updated: Jun-20-12 12:16 AM EST --
The problem is the ocean does not cooperate with the best laid plans, if you paddle on the open coast you will discover winds and rogue set waves can change what you thought was an easy safe day. The big problem with boats like the glide is the big cockpit fills with water and it is a big hassle getting it back to shore, in bad conditions more than a big hassle, just not worth it.
I have several kayaks SOTs and SINKS and waveskis and I surf and paddle the coastline in San Diego often, and come up to Ventura and Rincon to surf every fall. One of my favorite boats for doing what you want to do is an 8'2" necky jive whitewater kayak, very sea worthy and you can surf it, play in rock gardens, it just doesn't go very fast. My other favorite choice is a 9'6" Cobra Strike Sit on Top, I actually do most of my coastal paddles in that boat, just cruising the rocks and caves and looking for places to surf. You can usually find both of these boats used on Craigslist for $300 -350.