Surfski Flatwater Speed Test: Epic V10 Sport vs Epic V11. Which is faster on flatwater?

We're always wondering...which craft is faster? The answer to that may vary from paddler to paddler based on skill, comfort, preference, experience, etc., so we're all about doing realistic (albeit informal) tests to see what we can see.
Which surfski do you think has the flatwater speed advantage? Check out the video to see what the answer was for us!

[@waverideraus4882]

v11 is 43cm wide not 33cm...

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Oh mannnnnn....we shoulda put you on the review team... 33 cm would be impressive, though...

[@paddleforlife7644]

I think your right.most skis across swell and wind can be twitchy at times,I had a v10,so I rekon the v11 is quicker on the flat. but am on a Fenn elite now.wich is sum downwind stable as,but across it can be another story at times

[@ThePaddleChannel]

We haven't paddled any Fenn surfskis yet...one day. Thanks for joining in!

[@waverideraus4882]

Maybe the extra stability of the v10S allows you to put more grunt down meaning max speed (and exhaustion) consistently over distance. If water was a bit choppy (as opposed to downwind) this could even benefit the intermediate paddler in a v10S more? Im guessing a more advanced/elite paddler could potentially open up the margin in favour of the V11. By the way as the V11 has no handle I see you are using a sticky mount for go pro, is that just for flatwater and that it wouldnt stand up to surf with an extension?? Would be fun to see you guys having a bit of fun in a k1 race boat as a comparison if you could get your hands on one, especially if Barry likes a swim..lol Another great vid guys

[@barryblackburn5910]

I use the GoPro sticky mount in the bumps downwind. It works great. Sometimes the gooseneck bends over if it gets hit by a wave. I put the sticky mount about 2ft from the nose. I used to have one at 1 foot from the nose and I had to take that one off because the gooseneck / camera caused too much spray.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

The results would probably be different with a bit of chop...but it would be interesting to see what happens with an elite level paddler. Or in chop. Or over longer distances. Or at sub max paces. Or...so many potential tests... :)

[@davidGrainger]

Would have been interesting to incorporate heart rate into the equation - i.e. do a set paddling each boat at the same heart rate. Might reveal something, or might be totally worthless!

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Agreed, David, it would at the very least be interesting to see what would happen. We took a similar approach way back when we tested an Ehukai OC1 vs. a Kahe Kai OC1 (kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIuVhXdqlt6Gj5o), and Johnny Puakea uses that method as part of his testing regimen, as he discusses in kzbin.info/www/bejne/poXCpKhum8qil6M. Honestly, the reason we went max on this test was because our workout that day called for these hard efforts, so it seemed like a good way to snag two birds with one stone... :)

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Quick! Before you watch the video, which surfski would you guess is faster on flat water? Leave your guess below, and see if you were able to guess as well (or better) than we did! Also, the V11 is 43 cm wide, not 33 cm wide, as stated in the video. Thanks @waverider aus for catching that for us!

[@paddlefaster]

I just purchased a V10 sport so I went with that.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Cool! You're gonna love it!

[@IamNothing82]

The v11 is 43 centimeters not 33. 33 is the depth...

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Thanks for the correction!

[@rexprater7921]

V10 sport

[@ThePaddleChannel]

Thanks for joining in! The Sport might just be faster in choppier conditions (or even over a very long distance) for some paddlers.

[@misschatter123]

What was the distance for the test?

[@ThePaddleChannel]

1/2 mile, misschatter.

[@paddlingfool64]

Very silly. Anyone who knows boats would know this was a no contest. A v10 would be a closer comparison.

[@ThePaddleChannel]

A V10 would be a closer comparison, but that only works if we have one on hand to test, which we don't, so... Actually, based on specs, the trial is not so silly. Waterline: Edge to the V10S. Width: Edge to the V11. Stability = Speed: Edge to the V10S. Rocker: Edge to the V10S in flat water. Weight: Edge to the V11. Volume: Depends on the paddler weight...and so on... And of course, the followup question is, if the V11 is clearly faster on flatwater, how much faster is it? Not everybody knows these boats, or has had a chance to compare them in any way, so it's a fun little informal way to learn more about these awesome surfskis.