There was a Turbulent ditched in shallow water in the UK recently, and the pilot was unable to get out by himself as the aircraft came to rest upside down on the cockpit. Luckily it was an airshow and he was rescued.
This has completely changed my views on potential water landings. I would now either choose to land on a beach or further out to sea, but never in the surf.
If I were flying a high wing aircraft such as a 172 I would be more likely to choose to land in shallow water.