been doing surf and whitewater for 36 years--board surfer long before that. Enjoy both types of boats in the surf. But the guys in the pure surf boats surf circles around me and catch 2x as many waves. WW playboats are shorter and because of rear rocker are not as fast, but spin and back surf better. playboats are harder to paddle out though. pure surf boats are NOT good for river however. Fins ...recommended. I've been putting removeable fins on plastic river boats for years. Angled aluminum 3/16-1/8". cut and grind your own. bolt to bottom with light screws. DOESN'T WEAKEN BOTTOM. I like older necky boats--Rip, Gliss are best crossovers. [you will get differing opinions on this but I AM the world's greatest expert on what I like]. I envy you just getting into the sport. half the fun is trying new stuff. Enjoy. bob