Hopping into the Storm for the first time is like trying to drive a sports car with an unfamiliar clutch: It's extremely twitchy at first, but once you get the hang of it you'll appreciate the precision.

While it's plenty of fun in a Class II hole, the Storm ($1,068) comes alive in bigger, more powerful hydraulics because its sharp edges let you make quick transitions between moves. It also has an extra-wide planing hull. Thoughtfully, the wide, cushy backband can be adjusted while you're in the boat, so you can sit back and relax on easy water or tighten it up to put yourself in a more aggressive position for whitewater. Novices need not apply.