Epic · Surfski
Epic V9
19'x19.25in hull with increased rocker (borrowed from the Gen-3 V10) for downwind surfing, narrower beam than V8 Pro for a flat-water speed step-up, and Epic's adjustable 4-position foot-operated bailer.
- Length
- 5.79 m
- Beam
- 49 cm
- Deck
- 32 cm
- Lightest
- 10.5 kg
Specifications
- Length
- 5.79 m
- Beam
- 49 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: Purpose-built for downwind surfing and open-ocean/rough conditions; also fine on flat water for fitness paddling; less specialized for pure sprint racing than V10/V12.
Paddler weight
The estimated sweet spot is 76–89 kg, with a broader estimated guide of 62–92 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. Launched to fill the gap between V8 Pro and V10 Sport; hull borrows Gen-3 V10 rocker/seat design. 2026: Epic AU added a 'Miller's limited edition elite' ~10.5kg layup. NOTE: AU market uses 'V9' as the name for what the US market calls the V8 Pro slot.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Very comfortable, highly rated bucket/seat ergonomics
- Excellent rough-water/downwind manners with strong resistance to broaching
- More stable than expected for its width
- Good speed for an intermediate-class ski
- Fits a very wide paddler height range (4'11"-6'6")
Cons
- Not the fastest flat-water hull vs slimmer V10/V12/V14
- Used examples hard to find (recent, popular model)
- Slightly nose-heavy compared to newer V10 4G per some reviewers
What paddlers say
'Astounded by how good it is... best surfing epic hull I have been in... predictable with sweet and gentle manners on the wave' - zachhandler, surfski.info forumReported experience
'Where it surprised me was its stability. Much higher than I expected in both primary and secondary' - CrabStick, surfski.info forum, after demoing the Ultra layupReported experience
'The V9 is brilliant [in downwind]... buoyant and really confidence inspiring which makes it surprisingly fast' - Atlas, surfski.info forumReported experience
'Amazingly stable in choppy conditions and I like the seat better than the V12' - ericwallace, surfski.info forumReported experience
Gallery
Where to buy
Dealers:
AUD is the Performance layup at A$4,250 (Pro Kayaks, 2026); Ultra A$5,250 and Elite A$5,850 at Pro Kayaks, Ultra A$5,250 and Miller's limited-edition elite A$6,099 at Epic Kayaks Australia. Expedition Kayaks lists a V9 Gen 2 in Super Ultra at A$5,450. USD is Epic Kayaks USA's Performance "from" price, currently sold out.
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.
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