I am interested in how you like it compared to the Hobie. What model of Hobie did you use?

I have a PA 12, and wanted to get into it and know what I'm messin with.  Took it out to Berkeley boat launch on a windy day and headed out just north of the pier.  Strapped everything down, secured tackle in the hatch, and flipped it over.  Boy!  Talk about Pro Tankler!    . Trying to propel yourself up and over to flip it was impossible, unless you have swim fins.  While upside down it sits in the water so tall.  With its wide beam, getting under water, grabbing both side handles with push/pull technique & trying to flip it is nearly impossible.  After grimacing and letting out a whole lot of gas  and pulling a muscle, I was able to get it up and over.  Whew!  Heavy!  Glad I didn't have to swim it in!  Rescue ladder a must.  Front hatch took in about a gallon of water.  Definitely practice self rescue.  Hope this helps.

I have only launched my PA where launch access is easy, never tried a surf launch/landing with it.  I love mine but it is a barge.  I've owned an outback, revo and PA and the PA is by far the slowest and worst to deal with in the wind.  I've heard people claiming they can hit 6-7mph on a PA but that's hard to believe.  For the surf launches, I'd prefer to stick with the outback or revo.

Stability  wise the pa12 and the outback is neck n neck.both of mine were on a trailer but I mostly  launch from the boat launch.as to have it come in behind you in surf that sounds really dangerous  given the weight of the pa

That's what the yak-gina in the OB is for.  Heck, isn't that why they put scupper holes in yaks?