# Epic SLS10

> Surf lifesaving spec by Epic. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/epic-sls10/
> Cite as: Epic SLS10, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/epic-sls10/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 5.79 m
- Beam: 48 cm
- Deck height: 39 cm
- Layup weights: Performance 18 kg
- Usually paddled by: Confident ocean paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 5–8 out of 10 (editorial estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 7 out of 10.

Our estimate from published descriptions and reviews. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.

These ratings are Surfski Index estimates, worked out from published dimensions, traced hull shapes where we have them, and reviews. They are not supplied by the maker or timed on the water. How a ski feels depends on your weight, skill, set-up and the conditions, so use them to shortlist skis and paddle one before you buy. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is a cautious editorial estimate; it is not backed by a hull trace. Qualitative context includes 1 paddler report and 4 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 87–101 kg, broader estimated guide 71–105 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Surf lifesaving racing: beach starts, punching out through broken water, buoy turns and catching runners back in. Heavy and slow for flatwater distance.

## Hull
A 5.79 m x 48 cm spec-ski hull built to the surf lifesaving class footprint, with a 39 cm deck, a lifter forward that carries the bow over broken water, and a double foot-well that drains the cockpit and gives a hard platform for leg drive. Vacuum-infused foam core in a glass, carbon and Kevlar hybrid, which is why it weighs 18 kg rather than the 11 to 15 kg an ocean ski of the same size would.

## What works
- Bow lifter and deck shape keep water off the paddler punching out through a break
- Double foot-well drains the cockpit and holds the feet solidly for leg drive
- Vacuum-infused glass/carbon/Kevlar layup is built for surf-zone abuse, not for the scales
- Designed with a surf lifesaving specialist rather than adapted from an ocean ski

## Trade-offs
- 18 kg is heavy to carry and slow to accelerate compared with an ocean ski of the same length
- No Australian distribution through Epic itself, so it is a dealer custom order here
- Class-limit dimensions mean no low-volume option for a light paddler
- Out of stock in both the US and Australian listings as of September 2026

## Generations
- 2017-present (single generation): Designed by Greg Barton with 16-time Australian surf lifesaving champion Clint Robinson over several prototypes. Epic has announced no second generation. The 2017 date comes from paddling-press coverage rather than an Epic announcement, so treat it as approximate.

## What paddlers say
- Mat Rowland, coach at Rhoose Surf Life Saving Club (dealer-published review): calls the boat 'really stiff and strong' with a 'super comfortable' cockpit.

## Sources
- https://epickayaks.com/products/sls-10
- https://oceansurfski.co.uk/products/sls-spec-ski-epic
- https://paddlesportssa.com.au/epic/epic-sls10
- https://paddling.com/gear/epic-sls10-surfski

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/epic-sls10/#buy