ONLY if the waves were very tiny or nonexistent (as they often are in the Gulf). If only small waves at the beach, you'd be ok, once you got out past the breakers. Oh, and the above, only if you are an experienced canoeist (who would know which way to lean the boat relative to the current or waves). Lean the wrong way on either, and you are taking a swim. In short, I wouldn't recommend it.
But you'd probably be fine inshore (bay), like others have mentioned (unless it was really windy, with waves there).
My last trip to St. George I watched a guy in a sit in trying to get out past the breakers.After the third attempt he wisely gave up.Once that first wave broke over the bow it was over and he was sunk.
Why you should use a SOT. Guy was in a creek, and looked up to see a branch in his face. Ocean would be much the same result.
Imagine being well off shore like this.