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
- Usually paddled by
- New paddlers
- New price
- A$4,650 · US$4,930
Layup weights
On-water profile
Our estimate from published descriptions and reviews. 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: 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
The estimated sweet spot is 82–95 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 67–99 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
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.
Pros and cons
Pros
- 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
Cons
- 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:
AUD is the Performance layup (17.4kg) at A$4,650 (Pro Kayaks and Expedition Kayaks, 2026); Ultra (15.7kg) A$5,650, the only layup Epic Kayaks Australia lists. USD is the Super Ultra layup at US$4,930 (epickayaks.com, sold out in Oct 2026); Super Elite US$5,770. The US catalogue no longer lists a Performance layup. Both over-stern and under-hull rudders are included.
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.
Vajda Wildfire 50
A$2,090new
Stability: editorial estimate, low confidence
Vajda Wildfire 60
A$2,090new
Stability: editorial estimate, low confidence
Epic V5 Tourer
A$4,250US$3,795new
Stability: editorial estimate, low confidence