Thanks for the thoughtful reply.

surfing unless you are surfing a kayak and even then I am sure it's
different.
Please take some classes or contact a local kayak club and don't assume
that
surfing has completely prepared you for sea kayaking.

A year or two ago, a ways down the coast, a group of avid kayak-fishermen
were humbled by a strong offshore wind that prevented some of them from
getting back in. About five years ago six of our local outrigger paddlers
were knocked loose in heavy seas and two of them drowned. I've seen enough
to realize that I'll need to take baby steps. But, I'm a little concerned
that the Wind Dancer might be less safe than a sit-on-the-top-type kayak.
I've decided to pass on it unless someone tells me that it's an absolutely
incredible deal. I like the idea of the rudder, but I usually prefer simple
designs and the Wind Dancer's combination of the rudder, necessity of a
skirt, difficulty in reboarding at sea, and flotation concerns might take
away from the fun.

This looks to be a good time of the year to buy a kayak in this area, so
I'll probably just switch my sights to a used Ocean Kayak or something
similar.