text: First few years, they looked kinda lame, flash-y zip-throughs of Miami harbour real estate...not my cup of tea. Wave attempts were pretty weak, unable to stay in the wave and surf it.
  I am unsure if this is a change in the technology or they are finally getting them in the hands of people who can use them to their potential. I guess the 2nd part of that question, if it's the latter, can regular folk actually surf these things or is next level skilled (and I am not talking about standing there on an unbreaking wave....but getting some stylish turning and top to bottom riding)