Outrigger Rocks!
Shawn, like you I enjoyed kayaking for some time. When I felt the need for speed and a better trainging tool, I tried a surfski. I found that I spent as much energy keeping my balance as actually paddling forward. I live on the East Coast, and had never seen or tried an OC-1 when I ordered one. Since I got it, I have never looked back. My kayaks now sit unused unless I take my kids out. The OC-1 is a great workout, and I like the single blade paddle for power and technique. I enjoy the "high seat" position of the OC-1, versus sitting down on your tailbone with your knees up in a surfski. Also, I can put less effort to balance and more to hammering down the paddle, so I am much faster than on a surfski. That said, a surfski is still SLIGHTLY faster in the hands of an experienced paddler, based on race results here and in Hawaii. However, I find outrigger to be a blast, as you really feel like a part of the canoe and the waves you ride. I know several senior athletes who took up OC-1 after years on surfskis due to back and arm problems, and they find the stroke of the outrigger to be a far better workout with less stress on the joints. Be sure to try out as many canoes as you can before buying, definitely check out local clubs; most outrigger paddlers are happy to introduce necomers to the sport. Good luck!