Following a discussion in another theread that touched on the topic of wooden surfskis &oc1, here are some links for anybody interested. I can see no reason why traditinal s&g/stripped kayaks could not be be built as open cockpit craft which would suit warmer climates. The HP skis require some skills but the entry level models (20feet x 20inches) are surprisingly stable. I would think that the majority of kayakers could handle one of these fairly easily.

http://www.surfski.info/latest-news/item/112-hayes-homebuilt.html
http://www.surfskidev.info/content/view/655/
http://www.surfskidev.info/content/view/978/147/
http://www.blueheronkayaks.com/kayak/index.html kayakfoundary - launchings forum
http://www.marzanboats.com/HtmlPages/Islandraceroc1.htm