yeah "looks" is different to actual
what size sail and board did u have up?
Me and another guy went out in similar conditions to that, was the same day as the wave sailing comp, everyone had left so we went out for a quick blast. All was well for about 20m, was having a ball out the back. Until a fairly large lull came along. I was on a sinker so got absolutely pounded by the mast high white water even out the back. Repeat x3 and ya day is done :(
Should u still choose a floaty board in those conditons at middleton? both have drawbacks i suppose