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263craft

Epic · Surfski

Epic V11

Short 5.79m waterline paired with a narrow 43cm race beam, with volume tuned to keep surf/downwind manners without losing a racing edge. Agile and very responsive rather than confidence-inspiringly stable; the short hull adds maneuverability in bumps that the beam alone would not give.

Length
5.79 m
Beam
43 cm
Deck
33 cm
Lightest
9.9 kg
 
 
Epic V11, studio side profile
studio side profile · epickayaks.com

Specifications

Length
5.79 m
Beam
43 cm
Deck height
33 cm
Category
Surfski
Usually paddled by
Confident ocean paddlers
New price
A$5,250 · US$4,995

Layup weights

Ultra11 kg
Elite9.9 kg

On-water profile

Stability
5
Traced hullMedium confidence
Speed
8

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.

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. How we rate.

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

This band is based on a trace of this hull’s geometry. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 2 linked sources.

Speed is also checked against the traced hull. Measured from this boat's side and plan photos, the shape alone rates 9, and the score shown is moved a third of the way toward that. What that means.

Suits: Ocean surf, downwind runs and difficult/technical water where a short, agile hull shines; a step up for paddlers progressing past the V10 Sport / V10.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 69–80 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 56–83 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

2017-present (current model)

Epic's short-hull surf/downwind specialist; a progression step for advancing paddlers, positioned between the V10 Sport and V10. Current builds offered in Ultra and Elite layups.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Short 5.79m hull is nimble and responsive in surf and downwind
  • Narrow 43cm race beam gives a genuine racing edge
  • Light layups: Elite 9.9kg, Ultra 11kg

Cons

  • 43cm beam demands solid balance - not a beginner ski
  • Short waterline gives up flat-water top speed to the V12/V14
  • AU buyers: special order, not in the standard AU catalog

What paddlers say

Epic product copy: 'In a class and category of its own... the V11 is for the progressive paddler who is looking for a boat that is agile and extremely responsive, making short work of the most difficult conditions' (epickayaks.com).Reported experience
Epic team paddler Nicole Birkett shown 'totally stoked with her V11 Elite' in South Africa (epickayaks.com product page).Reported experience

Where to buy

Epic Kayaks ↗

Dealers:

Epic Kayaks Australia · AU ↗

AUD is the Ultra layup at A$5,250 (Pro Kayaks and Expedition Kayaks, 2026); Elite A$5,850. Epic Kayaks Australia does not list it. USD is the Ultra layup at US$4,995; Elite US$5,495 (epickayaks.com, 2026).

Sources

BetaRatings are estimatesRatings are estimates. How we get the numbers. Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.