Epic · Surfski
Epic V8 Pro
Longer and narrower than the V8 (19ft x 20in) with a lowered knee 'hump' for improved leg drive; positioned as a performance step-up from the V8 while remaining more stable than the V10 Sport.
- Length
- 5.79 m
- Beam
- 50.8 cm
- Deck
- 32 cm
- Lightest
- 10.7 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 5.79 m
- Beam
- 50.8 cm
- Deck height
- 32 cm
- Category
- Surfski
- Skill level
- intermediate
- New price
- A$5,250 · US$3,895
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
Suits: Open-ocean downwind surfing, fitness/racing paddlers who have outgrown V8-level stability but aren't ready for elite-class skis like the V10 Sport
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 90 kg. It stays workable from 79 kg to 95 kg, and sits at its best between 84 kg and 92 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
single generation, positioned deliberately between the V8 and V10 Sport; in the Australian market Epic now sells the equivalent design/slot under the name 'V9' (19ft x ~19-19.3in, near-identical dimensions and marketing language to the US V8 Pro)
What works, and what it costs you
What works
- Bridges the gap between beginner-friendly V8 and elite-level V10 Sport
- Lighter Elite layup (10.7kg)
- Well regarded as a 'first upgrade' ski by forum consensus
Trade-offs
- Noticeably less stable than the V8 - needs developed bracing skills
- Not sold under the 'V8 Pro' name in Australia (branded 'V9'), which can confuse buyers cross-referencing US reviews/specs
- Narrower beam less forgiving for larger/heavier or beginner paddlers
What paddlers say
surfski.info forum 'First boat - Epic V8 v V8 Pro v V9' (2022): the V8 Pro is 'more lively, more responsive than the V8... still perceptibly more stable than the Swordie'Reported experience
surfski.info forum 'Best option for new paddler's first boat: V8 or V8 pro' (2020): posters report feeling 'completely stable' in the V8 while noting the V8 is a foot shorter, aiding wave-surfing over the longer V8 ProReported experience
surfski.info forum 'Epic V8 Pro vs. Think Zen' (2019): notes Epic's wider bucket/seat is more comfortable and build quality is 'tougher and more durable', calling the V8 Pro 'a fantastic entry level ski'Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
AU price is for the AU-market equivalent 'V9' Ultra layup (epickayaks.com.au, 2026), a Miller's Limited Edition elite carbon layup also available at AU $6,099. US 'V8 Pro' Performance $3,895, Ultra $4,995, Elite $5,495 (epickayaks.com). Note: US V8 Pro and AU V9 are the same design slot under different regional names.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight across the whole index.
Opium
Moana
Epic
V9
Think