I ended up getting hold of an S model quest 11'2 , it's the same as a normal Quest but has a white bottom instead of the blue graphic and it is a bit cheaper
going to give it a good run on the (extended) weekend.
She paddles great and it's very stable , even when the wake boarding boats go flying by.
Its also very easy to stand up the back and spin it about.
only been to the river so far , but am very keen to find some where with little calm waves to give it a surf.
already started looking at more boards , maybe a glide 14 gtw 
good you got a good paddle too.