A surf ski for the masses?
I was recently pondering over the recent balstic growth of SUP vs the comparatively slow but steady growth of surf ski paddling. As a long time surf ski paddler and enthusiast I was having feelings of jealousy. I recognized the negative feeling as 'tribalism" and thought more on the reasoning. SUP is easy and fun and pretty much anybody can do it, and....well.. Surf ski paddling is a little bit difficult and takes a commitment to master the sport. Probably one of the reasons why some people are drawn to it and others can't be bothered.
Surf ski paddling is great for fitness, the boats are light to carry and have incredible glide, and paddling with and surfing waves is so much fun. The problem is many surf skis are a bit tippy. Now I can hear many of you saying, "A bit tippy?" Well they are better than they used to be back-in-the-day. Another huge benefit of surf ski over let's say sea kayaking is that once you get your balance you don't need to know how to roll. If you fall off the ski, with practice you can easily remount.
I was thinking that what the surf ski world needed was an entry level ski that most people can paddle. The thought bubble had barely escaped my brain when I opened my computer to see an email from Epic Kayaks announcing their new V8 surf ski. Greg Barton, Epic's CEO and boat designer, had taken Epic's popular "Fast Sea Kayak" the 18X and morphed it into a surf ski. Same stable hull but with a new surf ski cockpit. A stroke of genius.
The Epic V8 surf ski will allow a wider range of paddlers to experience the thrill of downwind paddling or enjoy flat water efficiency with out the fear of imminent capsize.
I haven't actually seen the surf ski in real life but I have put my money where my mouth is. I quickly ordered 6 for Deep Cove Kayak's rental fleet and ordered another 10 for retail. One of which has been pre-sold.
Specs:
- Based on the Epic 18X, Epic’s popular sea kayak hull
- 18ft (5.48m) long x 22in (55.9cm) wide
- 15kg (Sport) or 17kg (Performance) layups.
Here are a few articles on the Epic V8
Order your V8 Today 604-987-22202
