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

[@matthewpaul5408]

This and other reviews you have done on these ski's have been absolutely invaluable for me and match my circumstances. Excellent review and the information, cheers mate. Off to buy my V8. Matt from Australia.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Glad to hear that, Matt -- thanks for letting us know. Congratulations on taking up a great sport -- you're going to love it!

[@doubledark2]

did you end up getting the surf ski? what's your experience been with it? Cheers from Adelaide

[@mattevans5812]

I don't have any experience with surf skis other than the v8 which I bought after having some experience sea kayaking. The shop I bought the used ski from hooked me up with a local paddler I went out with a few times to get started but he only went out when it was 20 knots+ onshore wind. So I learned to paddle it by practicing downwinders we first had to paddle out into. If anyone is wondering if the v8 is stable enough to transition to easily from a kayak it is. Someone ambitious who isn't a kayaker that has some instruction and starts off in calmer water could also start with a v8. It's stable enough for me to put on edge and turn like a sea kayak. With a leash, a lesson and practice remounting a few times from the water I feel it's safer than a kayak on the ocean. I've been out in conditions I wouldn't want to be in my sea kayak in but felt at ease on the v8. The problem with a kayak is if your roll doesn't work you will end up doing a wet exit and there is no simple way to get back in and upright and empty the water out again. The v8 is stable and about as easy to remount as a stand up paddle board and you quickly get confident with it. The bungee behind you is great for taking day trips. I put my kayak cart there sometimes and do a paddle loop that include a portage trail. Love the ski. I wish kayaks with all their carrying capacity had such and efficient and easy to remount cockpit.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Thanks for sharing this Matt. Where do you live and paddle?

[@mattevans5812]

@@ThePaddleChannel Vancouver Island Canada. Conditions for downwinding aren't consistent here on the strait between us and Port Angeles Washington except Spring time evenings. The other thing is strangely there are so few paddlers here, on an island, I can't get most of the gear I want here where 750,000 people live so I have to go "overseas" to the mainland when I want paddle gear.

[@DerekElliott-qn2kz]

Appreciate the video, as someone who has operated with a fishing sea kayak, stability is important to me-I was considering the Carbonology Cruze but I must say this Epic V8 seems very impressive in terms of your review, thanks again, Derek (Durban, South Africa)

[@ThePaddleChannel]

The V8 is definitely worth checking out, Derek. We haven't had the opportunity to paddle the Cruze, so we can't really compare the two. But let us know what you decide, and how you like your new ride!

[@gregwhittle3771]

Always wanted one, just bought one, no regrets Great ocean Ski.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Good choice! You will enjoy it!

[@waverideraus4882]

Main difference in speed with v10 sport and the v8 i found was over longer paddles the skinnier longer boat holds the fast cruise for less effort, assuming you are stable in it. Short sprints not a huge difference. Glad you pointed out the weedless rudder. I have a custom made cut down one (almost k1 sized), that I use for river running on my V10S ski to reduce risk of damage, and it feels like slicing an inch or two off the beam in the way it changes ski stability compared to my surf rudder. Makes it way more lively. A V8 with a surf rudder would feel like its on rails and probably a good idea for beginners

[@ThePaddleChannel]

That makes sense, regarding V10 Sport vs V8 over longer hauls. But if conditions were really rough, the V8 might be a faster choice over long hauls for some paddlers, maybe. Were there any problems cutting down a standard rudder? No issues with separation?

[@davidallen876]

Great information and video. Can a kick up rudder be added?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We're not sure about the rudder, actually. We found rudder kits for v5/v7 boats, but not the V8. Trying emailing [e-mail] -- they will be able to help you out. Let us know what you learn!

[@giff06]

We have 2V8's that serve as an all condion boat for me ( I also have a Sport in ultra) and a daily driver for her .The stability and speed is very confidence inspiring. I find the V8 has more of a tendency to ride over larger waves while the sport cuts through. I have nothing bad to say about the Sport which is my daily driver.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

That's what Rod found, too, that the V8 tended to ride "over" more so than the V10 Sport. His favorite is the Sport, but the V8 is confidence inspiring and zippy, too.

[@rodbrown8306]

Love the forgiving nature of these ski's, have you trailled the new V5, it a lot different than the older model I believe.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Agreed, it's great that so many of the surfski manufacturers are providing many options for all goals and styles and skill levels these days. We haven't had a chance to try the new V5, but we do hear it's different from old model as well.

[@bowswell9053]

Thanks for the great video. I have an old 18x ultra that I like a lot but I'm thinking of selling it and getting a V6 for paddling, touring and fishing. Have you tried the V6? Just not sure about the extent of the speed compromise and wider paddle entry. A part of me wants to get a V8 pro and fish out of my smaller cedar kayaks, but my range would be cut in half.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We haven't paddled the V6. It's really gonna depend on your individual preferences. We do like the V8...you could probably fish out of it, even, but there's not much in the way of fishing accessories, of course. You'll have to let us know what you decide!

[@lakewylie4612]

Thanks for the video. I have V8 and V8 double, advantage for a tall heavy former ICF guy like me is also capacity of V8 compared the higher Vs. V8 double is nice as well as it allows you to take beginner in the boat with ease and fun. Any surfski clinics in the area you know of?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

The double sounds like it would be a blast, especially on downwind runs where you can share the ride. Barry had an OC2 at one point, and loved it for that reason. Bonus that you can take beginners out in it, too! Good point on the higher capacity. No clinics in the area that we know of at this time. We don't see that many surfski paddlers at all down our way, but popularity seems to be growing as people grow more aware. Maybe we all need to get something organized!

[@lakewylie4612]

@@ThePaddleChannel Sounds like a good idea!