Epic · Touring hybrid
Epic V8 Tourer
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.
- Length
- 5.48 m
- Beam
- 52.8 cm
- Deck
- 35 cm
- Lightest
- 15.7 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 5.48 m
- Beam
- 52.8 cm
- Deck height
- 35 cm
- Category
- Touring hybrid
- Skill level
- beginner
- New price
- A$5,650 · US$5,195
Layup weights
On-water profile
Both scores are rated at the hull's own design weight. How these are derived.
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.
Paddler weight
This hull is built around a paddler of about 93 kg. It stays workable from 82 kg to 98 kg, and sits at its best between 86 kg and 95 kg.
Derived from published hull dimensions and calibrated against manufacturer paddler limits, not taken from a marketing range. The method, in full.
Generations
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 works, and what it costs you
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 ~$5,650)
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).Reported experience
Epic copy: 'the open cockpit design offers many advantages over a traditional closed-deck kayak - safety, simplicity, comfort and ergonomics' (epickayaks.com).Reported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers in the markets we have mapped:
Headline figures are Ultra layup. AU lists Ultra only at $5,650 (Epic Kayaks Australia, 2026). US: Performance $4,195 / Ultra $5,195 (epickayaks.com). Both over-stern and under-hull rudders included.
Similar craft
Closest in stability, speed and paddler weight across the whole index.
