By "recreational surf photography" are you referring to "surfing action photography" ? As an avid action sport participant, I can tell you that one of the biggest frustrations that I have experienced with point & shoot cameras is the shutter lag. As you very well may know, the exact timing of a good action sport shot is crucial. A fraction of second either way can make or break an otherwise perfectly executed once in a life time maneuver. Make sure you investigate this aspect in further detail in order to save yourself future aggravation. I'd personally be very interested in how you make out.
Good luck, bro !