Epic · Surfski
Epic V5 Roto
A short 4.26m, 60cm-beam rotomolded polyethylene ski with Epic's surfski cockpit, under-hull rudder (an over-stern kick-up rudder can be added), a 46L rear storage compartment and Epic's bailer. Reviewers note the wide tail lifts early on waves and the short hull turns almost instantly, but it gives up glide.
- Length
- 4.26 m
- Beam
- 60 cm
- Deck
- 32 cm
- Lightest
- 22 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 4.26 m
- Beam
- 60 cm
- Deck height
- 32 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Usually paddled by
- New paddlers
- New price
- A$2,145 · US$1,850
Layup weights
On-water profile
Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. Low confidence. Speed is our rating. Both are given at the hull's own design weight. 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
Suits: Surf-zone play, rocky or shallow launches, learning and family or rental use where durability matters more than speed.
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 58–67 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 47–70 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
Plastic V5 reviewed by TC Surfski in 2016 and still sold by Epic US and Australia. It kept a 14ft hull with a rear storage compartment when the composite V5 moved to the longer, hatchless Gen 2.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very stable and tough plastic hull
- Turns almost instantly and lifts early on small waves
- Rear storage compartment
- Cheapest way into an Epic ski
Cons
- Slow: short waterline and 22kg of flexible plastic
- Heavy to carry for its size
- Taller paddlers (over about 1.9m) may find it less stable
What paddlers say
Robert Norman, K2N Online Paddle School (22 Jun 2023): 'The stability surprised me with this boats specs and its initial feeling.'Reported experience
Robert Norman, K2N Online Paddle School (22 Jun 2023): 'Maneuverability is amazing, the 180 turns and 90 turns were instantaneous with immediate response'Reported experience
TC Surfski (16 Jul 2016): 'It surfed like a champion.'Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers:
Epic Kayaks Australia: polyethylene A$2,145. Epic Kayaks US: polyethylene US$1,850. Single layup only.
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