Epic · Surfski
Epic V10
Narrow, moderate-volume elite-class hull with a fine bow entry sharing the V12's bow shape (Gen 4), moderate rocker for downwind surfing, and a shallow, low-gunwale bucket that sits the paddler on top of the hull rather than deep inside it for easy remounts.
- Length
- 6.1 m
- Beam
- 46 cm
- Deck
- 34 cm
- Lightest
- 8.6 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 6.1 m
- Beam
- 46 cm
- Deck height
- 34 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Usually paddled by
- Confident ocean paddlers
- New price
- A$5,400 · US$4,995
Layup weights
On-water profile
Modelled from this hull's traced beam and depth at its design weight. Medium confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight.
Stability here means how steady the ski feels sitting still on flat water. Where two craft have overlapping ranges, we can't say which is more stable. Downwind handling is a separate thing, covered in the evidence note below.
Evidence note
Speed is also checked against the traced hull. Measured from this boat's side and plan photos, the shape alone rates 8, and the score shown is moved a third of the way toward that. What that means.
Suits: Ocean swell, open coast downwind runs, moderate-to-strong wind chop; not recommended as a first surfski - suits paddlers who have outgrown the V9/V10 Sport.
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 82–96 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 67–100 kg. This estimate is a guide, not a limit. Seat fit, conditions and paddling style matter. Lighter paddlers can still enjoy a larger hull, especially downwind. A test paddle is the best check.
Estimated from hull dimensions using a formula fitted to makers’ own paddler limits. It does not establish the designer’s intended paddler weight. How this is worked out.
Generations
Original V10 - Greg Barton/Oscar Chalupsky design, the boat that launched Epic's surfski line and won Molokai/Doctor multiple times. 6.5m x 43.5cm, 15kg standard / 13kg Ultra Carbon.
Narrower catch at the bow for better forward-stroke technique, new adjustable/closeable bailer system, redesigned seat, fit extended to 5'4"-6'8". Widely regarded as the stability breakthrough version ('no Epic twitch of yesteryear').
6.45m x 45cm x 33cm depth. Refined bow shared lineage with the V12; improved downwind handling and cockpit ergonomics over Gen 2. Basis for the limited-run 'V10 GT' pre-preg layup.
6.1m x 46cm x 34cm depth, capacity 135kg, fits 5'2"-6'8". Adopted the V12's bow shape and greater rocker for better downwind and less cross-wind susceptibility; more upright seat, lower hump for leg drive, longer footbrace travel. 2026/27 added seamless autoclave layups only, hull unchanged.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Widest paddler-fit range in the advanced class (5'2"-6'8") thanks to extended footbrace
- Gen 4's V12-derived bow meaningfully improves downwind surfing and cross-wind handling over Gen2/Gen3
- Patented adjustable bailer closes for dry, low-drag flat water or opens fully for fast draining
- Shallow, low-gunwale bucket makes remounting easy relative to deep-bucket rivals (Fenn)
- Huge secondhand market and parts/rudder support given 20 years of production
Cons
- Still tippy for true beginners - a clear notch below the V9/V10 Sport in stability
- Shallow bucket gives less thigh/upper-leg contact than deep-bucket competitors
- Elite/Super Elite carbon layups are expensive and cosmetically delicate
- Gen 4 minimum paddler height of 5'2" excludes smaller paddlers who fit the V10 Sport
What paddlers say
Wesley Echols (SurfskiRacing.com review of the Gen 2 V10 Ultra): 'primary stability is rock solid... no Epic twitch of yesteryear... the Wow factor.' Called it the fastest boat in the 'advanced intermediate' class but noted the shallow bucket gives less thigh support than deeper-hulled rivals.Reported experience
Nick Murray / TC Surfski (dealer writeup on the Gen 2 launch): 'feels amazingly stable, fast and comfortable... very close to the original V10 Sport in stability... a game changer for experienced paddlers who aren't at the elite level.'Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers:
AUD price is current (Jul 2026) Epic Kayaks Australia listing for Super Ultra layup Gen 4 (Super Elite $6,550 AUD). USD is Epic Kayaks USA's last-listed MSRP for the Ultra layup ($4,995; Elite $5,495) - that SKU currently shows sold out.
Sources
- https://www.epickayaks.com.au/products/v10-generation-4-new
- https://epickayaks.com/products/v10-gen-4
- https://www.epickayaks.com.au/blogs/news/whats-your-number-the-story-behind-the-epic-surfski-numbering-system
- https://tcsurfski.com/epic-v10
- https://surfskiracing.org/2013/12/epic-v10-surfski-review/
- https://www.epickayaks.com.au/collections/used-skis