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263craft

Epic · Double

Epic V8 Double

Wide, high-volume tandem hull with side carry handles at both cockpits plus bow/stern handles; designed to be forgiving for two mismatched paddlers (e.g. parent/child, expert/novice) rather than fast.

Length
6.7 m
Beam
57 cm
Deck
38 cm
Lightest
18 kg
 
 
Epic V8 Double, studio side profile
studio side profile · epickayaks.com.au

Specifications

Length
6.7 m
Beam
57 cm
Deck height
38 cm
Category
Double
Usually paddled by
New paddlers
New price
A$5,250 · US$4,495

Layup weights

Ultra18 kg

On-water profile

Stability
9–10
Dimension estimateLow confidence
Speed
3

Modelled from published beam, length and deck height. 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. 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 estimated from published dimensions. Qualitative context includes 1 paddler report and 2 linked sources.

Suits: Flat water to moderate chop; good for introducing kids/non-paddlers to surf conditions with an experienced paddler steering from the rear seat.

Paddler weight

The estimated sweet spot is 83–96 kg per seat, 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

~2010-present

Single generation on sale continuously; tandem sibling of the V8 series. Epic AU site still lists it unchanged as of 2026 (only layup/price updates).

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Extremely stable, near-impossible to capsize for average adult pairs
  • Easy solo carry via 4 handle points
  • Great for teaching kids or nervous partners surf conditions
  • Same build quality/materials as race skis (Nomex core, Kevlar/carbon/glass hybrid)

Cons

  • Heavy (18kg) and long (6.7m) - awkward to transport/store solo
  • Slow relative to any single ski, not a fitness/racing tool
  • Only one layup offered (no lightweight option)
  • Small used market, hard to resell

What paddlers say

Epic's own copy: 'Newbies will appreciate the way they can jump on and go without spending their first sessions bracing or capsizing' (epickayaks.com.au product page)Reported experience

Where to buy

Epic Kayaks ↗

Dealers:

Epic Kayaks Australia · AU ↗

AUD is the Performance layup (23.5kg) at A$5,250 (Pro Kayaks and Expedition Kayaks, 2026); Ultra A$6,250 at Epic Kayaks Australia and Elite A$6,850 at Pro Kayaks. USD is Epic Kayaks USA's "from" price, currently sold out.

Sources

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 Prices checked October 2026, may be out of date.