# Epic V8 Tourer

> Touring hybrid by Epic. Canonical page: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/epic-v8-tourer/
> Cite as: Epic V8 Tourer, Surfski Index, https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/epic-v8-tourer/ (checked 2026-10-15). Terms: https://surfskiindex.com/using-our-data/

## Specifications
- Length: 5.48 m
- Beam: 52.8 cm
- Deck height: 35 cm
- Layup weights: Performance 17.4 kg, Ultra 15.7 kg
- Usually paddled by: New paddlers

## Ratings (Surfski Index estimates)
- Stability band 7–10 out of 10 (editorial estimate, low confidence).
- Speed rated 4 out of 10.

Our estimate from published descriptions and reviews. 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. Method: https://surfskiindex.com/how-it-works/#limits

Evidence note: This band is a cautious editorial estimate; it is not backed by a hull trace. Qualitative context includes 2 paddler reports and 6 linked sources.

## Paddler weight
Estimated sweet spot 82–95 kg, broader estimated guide 67–99 kg. An estimate from hull dimensions, not the designer's intended weight.

## Suits
Touring, fitness paddling, adventure racing and multi-water use (rivers to open coast); gear-hauling via bow/stern hatches, with downwind surfing possible using the under-hull rudder.

## Hull
Stable, full-volume V8-derived ocean hull (5.48m / 52.8cm) with greater depth and volume than the V8 Surfski for gear. A streamlined Gen-4-V10-style bow sheds crosswind and rises after punching into waves; the stern is optimized for tracking with the over-stern rudder. Open-cockpit surfski ergonomics keep it stable and forgiving.

## What works
- Stable V8-derived ocean hull with real touring capacity (bow + stern hatches)
- Gen-4-V10 bow sheds crosswind and rises through waves
- Versatile: fitness, touring, adventure racing and downwind

## Trade-offs
- Heavy for a ski (Ultra 15.7kg, Performance 17.4kg)
- Slower than the V8 Surfski due to added volume/weight
- Premium, composite-only (AU Ultra ~[price omitted])

## Generations
- 2024-present: Touring adaptation of the V8 Surfski. Adds bow and stern cargo hatches with bulkheads, and both over-stern and under-hull rudders as standard. Bow profile borrowed from the Gen 4 V10 / Gen 3 V12; volume and depth slightly greater than the V8 Surfski for gear stowage.

## What paddlers say
- Epic product copy: 'we have combined the high-performance pedigree of surfski design with elements of traditional kayak touring... With bow and stern cargo hatches, bulkheads, and both over-stern and under-hull rudders included, you can navigate waterways and distances where conventional surfskis cannot' (epickayaks.com).
- Epic copy: 'the open cockpit design offers many advantages over a traditional closed-deck kayak - safety, simplicity, comfort and ergonomics' (epickayaks.com).

## Sources
- https://epickayaks.com/products/v8-tourer
- https://www.epickayaks.com.au/products/v8-tourer
- https://www.epickayaks.com/products/v8-tourer.json
- https://shop.prokayaks.com.au/products/epic-v8-tourer
- https://expeditionkayaks.com/products/epic-v8-tourer
- https://www.epickayaks.com/products/v8-tourer

## Prices
Current new prices and dealers: https://surfskiindex.com/surfskis/epic-v8-tourer/#buy