Hey Chris,
due to the howling wind conditions on the northern beaches (

), actually, I haven't had many opportunities to take it in the surf, but once down the coast, on light wind... And once up the coast on howling wind (in a "barely touching the water" session...)!
My first impression was that it was doing the job as well as the Rebel (I first thought that it was turning a bit slower, but I since took that one back: it does achieve the same turning speed (May be even more....just need to be a bit more direct with the bar, that's all)). I didn't think it would be the case, but I actually find this kite awesome in waves (good depower, turning like a rocket...). It does the job so well that I'm not using my Rebel any more (when I thought I'd keep it for wave riding!)... But remember, I'm pretty pathetic in waves, so may be a more experienced rider's feedback would be more objective... But I'm stocked with this kite!
Rebel or Rhino, from my point of view, I'd say it depends if you want something that's user friendly and forgiving (the Rebel allows you to do a lot more mistakes than the Rhino!), or something punchy and aggressive...
They are very different kite, the rebel is a lot more gentle, and the big plus of the Rhino, to me, really is the boost and hang time. It's a kite way more radical than the Rebel...
I'd let you have a go with mine for a smile if you want, so you can check it out yourself...