How would you define a beginner vs intermediate vs advanced paddler?

[@tomiday66]

I would add wave knowledge as another factor. Those of us lucky enough to have grown up in the ocean riding all sorts of vessels and equipment have a built in awareness of the factors that can cause us harm or lead to a dangerous situation. Flat water is great for a workout but the real fun comes in the bumps or swell. I've recently come back to the surfski after a 25 year hiatus. And even though I regularly surf a waveski and SUP, I won't take the surfski anywhere near seriously bumpy stuff for a while, at least until I get my mojo back. I'll embrace my intermediateness for a while yet.

[@DawidMocke]

Hey Tom, that is very good point yes!

[@duncanking5272]

I think a lot of emphasis on stability to simply balance the boat is not the right approach. Paddling is about stroke efficiency and power. I would think it’s more important to be able to execute a proper catch and rotation through the stroke. I’d suggest if you can carry out a correct stroke drill with a pause with the paddle in the air after the recovery and maintain stability then the boat is suited to your ability. If not you’ll struggle to improve stroke.

[@DawidMocke]

That is a great test. Thanks for the comment.