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
- Usually paddled by
- Paddlers in chop
- New price
- A$4,250 · US$3,895
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.
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: 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
The estimated sweet spot is 79–92 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 65–96 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
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)
Pros and cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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:
Sold in Australia as the V9. AUD is the V9 Performance layup at A$4,250 (Pro Kayaks, 2026); Ultra A$5,250 and Elite A$5,850 at Pro Kayaks, Miller's limited-edition elite A$6,099 at Epic Kayaks Australia. US V8 Pro: Performance US$3,895, Ultra US$4,995, Elite US$5,495 (epickayaks.com). The US V8 Pro and AU V9 are treated as the same hull.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight.
These prices haven't been checked for more than three months and may be out of date. Check with a dealer before relying on one.
Epic V9
A$4,250US$3,895new
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence
Opium Moana
No list priceask a dealer
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence
Nordic Kayaks Club 560
A$3,995new
Stability: dimension estimate, low confidence