The Epic V8 Tourer - an Expedition Kayaks Review

[@TheExtremetraveler]

Great review! This has been the blend of speed and touring payload I have been waiting for, for a long time!

[@tommyrq180]

No need to learn the roll, an obstacle for some. Nice remount demo!

[@Selkian]

Thanks Mark. You have answered most of questions

[@stephengilchrist575]

Great video as usual...What beach are you starting from, and where do you catch those swells?

[@MarkSundin]

The launch spot in the video is Burner Bay, and the surf runs along the Bundeena Bar, or 'Bay Surf' to the locals.

[@ashleymalamute]

One thing I really noticed after I started using surf skis is how burned your feet and legs get. Not to mention the fact that you are soaked from head to toe, all day. For long distances it's a proper kayak all the way.

[@DerekElliott-qn2kz]

Now when can we get these into South Africa (Durban please)?

[@AndrewRobinson-h1w]

Good review Mark. How is the layup? Would it be as strong as Epic's SK layup (18x)? Also keen on your thoughts on your comments regarding sea worthiness - is it mainly the fact that it is not enclosed that makes the difference? Thanks in advance.

[@MarkSundin]

Our ultra layup demo is strong, considering the weight astonishingly strong really. But unlike the 26kg British sea kayak for example, not designed to withstand a heavy impact with a rock or a nosedive in the surf. That’s the trade off for a lovely light craft. The boat is entirely seaworthy, just not capable of an extended load for a trip like FNQ for example where you need to carry 25l of water plus your gear. Hope that helps.

[@pnwxplored]

Great vid! I’m paddling and camping in an epic 18x sport. In PNW USA our water is cold, rains a lot, and prefer an enclosed cockpit. BUT love your hull speed!! I have a few 18x sport reviews on my channel and just camped and kayaked with Orcas! Will put that vid up this Sunday! Like your camera angles too 👍

[@koejoe]

Just had my first up close Humpback 🐋experience Vancouver BC. Debating between the V8 and 18x, being a Sup guy I’m attracted to the V8. Can you roll the 18x as well as a sea kayak ?

[@pnwxplored]

Yes 18x rolls very easily, its long so has a lot of bouncy and the chine is very rounded so it rolls easier than most sea kayaks. Can hand roll it too.

[@koejoe]

@@pnwxplored thank you !! Hatches seal tight then ?

[@pnwxplored]

@@koejoe yes actually too tight, I had some gel coat chip off because the latch was screwed down too tight, had to back it off a bit. My hatches are all bone dry

[@koejoe]

@@pnwxplored thank you 🙏

[@rodbrown8306]

That stability unreal for a surf ski with pretty good performance.

[@doubledark2]

thanks for the video; new to surf ski's - had a go on a Mirage 583 recently and had a great time. How would these two boats compare? thanks

[@MarkSundin]

One is based on a modern surfski hull, designed for downwind and rough water, the other is the same hull as a design now dating back more than 20 years, so essentially a very stable touring kayak with a surfski bucket. Not really the same thing.

[@raju-bitter]

Thanks, Mark, great introduction of the new V8 Tourer! How is the boat for people with lower body weight, especially stability-wise? The specs state that the paddler height can be in the range of 5’0” to 6’7” (1.52m to 2.0m). How much higher in the water would a person with a weight of 70 kg vs a person with 100 kg sit in the water, and how does that affect stability? And how does the ski feel without any luggage in it?

[@MarkSundin]

@@raju-bitter very much like the standard V8, which has proven to fit a very wide range of paddler weights over many years.

[@amyrod22]

I'm thinking of buying one of these for kayak camping in Kauai. I've never paddled a surfski so I'm not sure what the learning curve would be. I have paddled whitewater canoes and kayaks, and sit on top ocean expedition kayaks. We gets lots of wind and big swells in Hawaii so i think i would actually feel pretty safe in this as opposed to a traditional sea kayak

[@raju-bitter]

@amyrod22 There are so many good surfski paddlers in Hawai'i, should be easy to join a group and learn from them. That surfski looks very stable, it's 20.8” (52.8 cm) wide, which is very wide for a surfski.