No guts no glory can turn you from hero to zero real fast. I don't want to add insult to injury but learn how to brace while riding in on the white water. Its kinda natural to lean away from the wave but if you do, like you found out, you'll end up swimming. Also if you fall off while bracing you'll be in a position where the wave will push the yak away from you and not in to you. The best surf landing kayak I have ever used was a cobra fish n dive. At 12 feet long and 36 inches wide it might not be quite the dimensions of a PA but it is still a wide short yak. It was super stable, like the PA, so I could lean way out in to the white water with the paddle. The PA seating is taller but it still might work. Maybe practice with out any gear. I found this vid that shows a few a few landing options and good examples of bracing. Mike
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qRdYMIU3Di8