Epic V8 Pro Review (by a non-pro paddler)

We've put almost 70 miles on our loaner Epic V8 Pro with the Performance layup, and this is our review of this versatile surfski. We've paddled the V8 Pro in rough water, flat water, surf zones and on downwind runs, and here we share our impressions regarding strengths, weaknesses, who should paddle a V8 Pro and more.
We would love to hear your comments about the V8 Pro - let us know in the comments how you would compare the V8 Pro to other surfskis you have paddled.

[@MarkNechodom]

TOTALLY LOVE the comment at 11:17 "It's a whole lot faster to be IN the boat than it is to be swimming...". Meanwhile, the camera catches his buddy swimming by the V10. What a classic line. And a great review video overall. Thanks for being diligent about us non-elite paddlers who prefer to spend most of our time "in the boat" rather than swimming!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Thanks for the kind comment, Mark! That's a lesson we learned early on!

[@slabbyrider8665]

I'll correct that for you....it's @11:12

[@danbell502]

I’m a novice paddler ( 3 lessons to date). I simply could not stay upright in the V10 sport and was ready to give up the sport. I then tried the V8 and loved it!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

That's good to hear! It would be a shame to give up the sport, for sure! Glad the V8 is working for you!

[@russidan6548]

I love the rough stuff. The rougher the better. My V8pro does cross swells off reefs and beaches whilst paddling into a 3 metre swell with ease. Paddling into a mess is almost as much fun as turning around after an hour or so and surfing back into the beach!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

You sounds like somebody we would like paddling with... :)

[@63mbob]

I have had a V8, V8Pro and a V10 Sport. Nice job on the review! I'm a beginner surfski paddler overall. The V8 is much more stable than the V8Pro. I found the V10Sport to be very challenging to paddle in rough conditions. First time in the V8Pro, I could surf downwind without a swimming lesson. This may say more about my lack of skill than the hull. In a 10K time trial, the V8Pro was only a tenth of a mile per hour off the V10Sport. Hope that helps perspective buyers.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We appreciate those comments, Robert -- it's good to hear from someone who has paddled all three.

[@b1lyb]

Stability in rough conditions comes from the paddle catch. The paddle entry is made at a 45 degree angle so you push down as well as back initially. Pushing down allows you to lean on it and gives you stability. It also helps a lot to place the paddle towards the top of the swell as it begins to lift the boat. When the swell is lifting the boat it is not supported equally and becomes unstable. So create the stability with the paddle down force at the same time the swell is lifting the boat. If you really want to learn then the best program out there is the online course with Dawid and Jasper Mocke. Great videos and the best teaching. Both of them are world champs. You have to study to master the required skills.

[@andreteixeira5635]

Excellent and very comprehensive review, thank you!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bernardoevo]

I'm considering a V8 Pro and this was so helpful! Thanks very much

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@barryblackburn5910]

You did a great job with this video and review of the V8 Pro. Epic definitely has a Surfski for every paddler. I still fall out of my first generation V10 when the water and wind is crossed up. I’m ok with that personally but in more than one downwind session others smoked me because they were in a more stable Surfski... so just because I have a “faster ski” in the flat water, it may not be the faster ski in the messy conditions.

[@stevealperstein8836]

The bungees in front of the feet can be used to hold and clip in a small waterproof bag for phone or keys.

[@waverideraus4882]

I had a V8 loaner for a month having holed my V10sport as I started in the V10 sport like yourself the V8 was like a tank and gave me the confidence to play in the rough stuff without the reservations of the tippier boat. This substantially improved my confidence by the time I got back in my own. As mentioned a V8, even more so than the v8pro, soon starts to feel like a slug trying to keep up constant high speeds which is more noticeable on flat water. My conclusion is that the V8 is great and encouraging to get folks into the sport but unless you intend sticking to the big stuff as you improve you will soon grow tired of it on the flat as it starts to feel more "kayak" than "ski" feel. Starting in a V10sport is doable, but not easy, starting in the V10 is high on impossible, even if you can stay upright you will struggle with developing any decent technique. V8pro sounds like the best starter compromise for sure Great view from developing paddlers view point

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Great comments. Rod's experience was similar...paddling the V8 Sport for a month made the V10 Sport feel more stable. Probably due to improved confidence, like you mentioned, and hopefully improved technique. Barry started with the V10 Sport for a few sessions, then moved to a Gen 1 V10, mainly because it was a good deal, and he's handling that well now, for sure. But he doesn't mind falling over, so where most people would get frustrated, he just saw it as an investment in getting better. 'Not sure that a good approach for everyone, though, for sure. We're hoping to get into a V9 soon -- it will be interesting to see where that falls in the spectrum.

[@b1lyb]

The Bungee straps in front of the feet are a great place to put a Camelbak water bag. Then you attach a long hose to it, run it back to your life vest and attack with velcro.Use velcro because if you tip over you don't want to rip it apart. It is used when you want to sip water during a race but do not want to stop paddling. Watch some racing videos and you will see it.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Thanks, Billy B -- we've seen that setup, with the hose running through the notch in the bottom of the footboard, yes? We'll have to play with that. Thanks for the input!

[@svendkristensen8676]

Thx for a great trustworthy review 👍

[@ThePaddleChannel]

You're very welcome -- we love paddling, and we love to learn about paddling. So glad this was helpful!

[@barryblackburn5910]

At the 11:16 mark in the video you see Rod in the V8 Pro pass me as I enjoy a piece of humble pie in the First Generation V10. Thus, proving a point about a more stable ski in the bumps!!

[@rodclayton6917]

I only put that in there because it's the one and only time I've passed you... :)

[@mphdemon]

Bungee is just for basic storage. I've put my water bladder up there, my gps watch, cell phone dry bag, etc.

[@rodclayton]

We always put the GPS watch on the foot strap, and all the other stuff in PFD pockets. Probably out of fear of losing things while on the ocean. So the book holder guess was way off, then? :) Thanks for sharing, Chris!

[@waverideraus4882]

@@rodclayton I also put gps watch there, too far to adjust it on the water, but more in your field of view than on the footstrap

[@ThePaddleChannel]

'Hadn't thought of that -- we'll have to try it.

[@stevealperstein8836]

The bungees in front of the feet can be used to hold and clip in a small waterproof bag for phone or keys.

[@kayakadrift5249]

My flip flops

[@aircanuck]

With the the bungee on the forward cockpit, I secure a waterproof case and a GPS time/speed/distance display. Extremely useful! Agreed on the V10Sport vs V8 Pro stability, I am running both and feel much more comfortable in the messy stuff with the V8pro.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Thanks for sharing that -- it's always good to hear other paddlers' experiences.

[@paulgriffin8566]

Many thanks for a great review. I have been paddling a V8 Gen 1 for about 10 years and am looking to upgrade soon. I have been out in a V10 Sport a couple of times and they are great but lack the stability of the V8. With time I'm sure I would get better in the V10 Sport but I really want something that gives me confidence to go out in all conditions and at present the V8 does that in spades. The V8 Pro however looks like the perfect upgrade a little faster but still with the stability I want. Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work, would love to get your thoughts on the V9 if you get a chance.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

The V8 Pro might be just what you're looking for -- we haven't paddled a V8, so we cannot really compare the V8 to the V8 Pro. Our friend Jim has a V9 and has invited us to sample it, so we will definitely post something on that after we've tried it.

[@madogblue]

I just bought a Gen 1 V8. Beginner surf skiier, staring with mostly flat water. love the ski. Curious if you got a new ski and your thoughts compared to the old V8.

[@waverideraus4882]

You guys ever thought about doing a vid on how developing paddlers can deal with long hauls in broaching waves. Its a buzz paddling into, or running with the waves but its when you try to turn around or cross the prevailing conditions that it all suddenly becomes iffy

[@ThePaddleChannel]

If we figure that out, the yes, the would be a great idea. :) Right now our approach is "just do it." Do you have any tips on that?

[@waverideraus4882]

@@ThePaddleChannel I tend to zig zag going across the waves as a result of being less than confident going directly across. I know it helps if you can put plenty of weight on the catch and avoid leaning back, and minimize air time with the paddle

[@ThePaddleChannel]

@@waverideraus4882 that is similar to what we've been discovering. Leaning forward slightly and "keeping the stroke out front", as we call it, and ensuring the paddle gets out of the water quickly without letting it travel too far back (which is just a long way to say "minimize air time") seems to work best for us.

[@madogblue]

Great video. Curious as to the approximate real world flat water speed difference of a V8 to V8-Pro of similar construction? Does one foot and a narrow stern really make much difference?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Thanks! We haven't had a chance to do a good speed comparison between the two -- it would be good to know. The difference in rocker might make a difference, too. Maybe someone can chime in with their experience with the two surfskis. Thanks for joining the conversation!

[@kayakadrift5249]

What kind of rig did you use for your bow camera?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/maCpc2ykYtWGfrc

[@elroybeauzec4155]

Hi guys, thanks for the great video. I'm a small framed paddler. I started off with a V7 and upgraded to V10 sport and I think it was too big a jump for me. It's okay in the flat water, but feel very tippy and big on the rough water. Considering a V8 Pro or V9 and I want to know if a lighter layup would handle easier for a small framed paddler? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Both the V8 Pro and V9 should feel a bit more stable than the sport. Lighter boats typically feel more tippy than a heavier version of the same model. But definitely easier to handle off water (loading and unloading, for example). V7 to V10 Sport is a big jump -- we found the Sport felt tippy in rough water when we were first starting out, but just stuck with it, willing to fall out as we became more stable. So that's one approach you could take. :) Both the V8 Pro and the V9 are great...the V9 is going to feel a little tippy at first in rough water, but it's a sweet ride for sure. Are you able to test drive those models prior to purchasing?

[@elroybeauzec4155]

@The Paddle Channel thanks for the comment. No, unfortunately I'm remote from any epic dealer. I was going for less drag with the lighter layup, but I understand it will feel more tippy. Therefore it might pay to consider a more forgiving and broader boat like the V8 Pro perhaps. Do you have any experience with Ultra layup for comparison?

[@MrCoolerman69]

@@elroybeauzec4155look for a FENN bluefin that is a stable ski I had one that was 12kg super ski to paddle

[@craigmills7280]

Hi all.. I am looking at an epic rotomould v5 or v7.. these are both the same price.. how to decide which would be better?? Any help appreciated. My background is only sot kayaks so far and no surfski experience..

[@ThePaddleChannel]

It's difficult to offer any valuable advice without knowing more about where you paddle, the conditions you will be paddling, etc. I will say that "new-to-surfski" paddlers we know have chosen the V7 over the V5, simply because it's a little more sleek, but we also have friends that paddle their V5 in all conditions (including downwinding) and love it! If you're looking for a little more speed and less drag (and you have room to store it), V7. Since you have sea kayak experience, you can probably handle the stability, or at least grow into it with a little seat time. If you're looking for ultimate stability, then V5. Of the two, we would lean toward a V7, but that's just us.

[@realgains1538]

Do you think the V8 Pro is stable enough for an athletic novice or should I go for the V8? How would you compare the two ? Weight is a big deal I have read and the V8 you tested was in the lightest build while the Pro was in the heaviest build. ALSO, the new gen Nelo's are reportedly super good(Oscar has modified) and even their 520 is faster on the flats than the V8 and noticeably a better downwinder with initial stability about the same as the Epic but secondary stability being better......as is their 540 compared to the V9. Have you guys paddled any Nelo's ? I bet if you contacted Nelo they would let you demo for a review reason since your KZbin channel is good.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Everybody's mileage will vary, but for us, we would probably go with the Pro if choosing between the V8 and V8 Pro -- but we didn't mind falling out a lot during the early phase of paddling. It really just depends on how comfortable you are. Having said that, we have a buddy who is quite comfortable on the water, but he opted for the V8 after paddling both. It's hard to go wrong with either. What kind of water will you be in? Flat water, ocean? That will be a factor as well. We haven't paddled any Nelo craft yet, but would love to! We do have a friend who has a Nelo 550, and he loves it...but we haven't connected with him yet to try it out. Some day soon, we hope!

[@b1lyb]

The V8 pro (33LBS) was harder to paddle in flat water because it weighed more than the V10 sport (27Lbs) and you had to displace more water. 6 LBS doesn't seem like much but it makes a difference.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

No doubt, Billy B. The elite layup V8 Pro is probably one sweet ride at 23 lbs. It would be fun to compare the V8 Pro ultra to a V10 Sport ultra, too -- maybe a little more "apples to apples" comparison.

[@chrispickering8899]

@@ThePaddleChannel that's a comparison I'd be interested in for sure! Keen to see a variant this stable but with that reduced weight.

[@zavman109]

I realize this is 3yrs old at this point, but I have a question on speed versus a Futura 2 I have, if anyone has gone that route. Having fairly wider hip bones, I hope I can fit something faster than the Futura.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We don't have an firsthand experience with the Futura 2, but maybe somebody else can chime in here. We have some guesses about the relative speeds, but they're just guesses at this point... :)

[@Iaapwm]

STABILITY before ABILITY. Only wish someone pointed that out to me a long time ago.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We at The Paddle Channel have taken completely different approaches to this...Barry went with ability before stability, and because he didn't mind lots of swimming early on, it has paid off for him. Rod prefers stability before ability, and that's been a good approach for him. Different strokes, literally -- but unless a developing paddler is okay with with falling out (or nearly falling out) quite a bit during the progression, a stable ski is a good way to go.

[@cykelbin]

those front stretchy straps i would use to stow my beach shoes.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Handy! Thanks for sharing.

[@chenkarp]

The V8 pro is the ultimate all-around model

[@ThePaddleChannel]

That seems to be a very popular sentiment -- it's a great 'ski.

[@chenkarp]

@@ThePaddleChannel I just tested the V9... it is the new ultimate model. stable enough to manage in rough ocean and a bit faster than the V8 pro.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

@@chenkarp Rod got to test the V9 in flat water, and that was his impression, too. Very stable, but nimble and slick. We're hoping to get one into the ocean soon! Thanks for getting circling back and letting us know!

[@tommycheshire5508]

Is this a good beginner ski for a 75 year old man?

[@tommycheshire5508]

I am at Ocean Isle. I think that you are near.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Hey, Tommy! That's a hard question to answer "remotely" -- it's going to depend on fitness level, experience on the water, what type of craft you've paddled before, how often you're willing to fall and climb back in, intended us, etc.... The V8 Pro is usually considered more an intermediate craft, but may work fine to begin with on flat water if you have a fair bit of small craft experience. But the V8 or V7 might be better choices. If you haven't seen it, check out kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJXad4F8g65piac where our friend David, a surfski beginner, test drives a number of surfskis and makes his decision on which to buy and why. Because there are so many variables, it's always best to test drive if you can. You can contact Jim Smith in Wilmington for the best advice and opportunity to test out different craft (www.epickayaks.com/dealers). Let us know how that goes and what you decide, or if we can help in any way!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Not far at all -- we paddle mostly in Kure Beach.