Epic V6 surf ski

Although my K1 modification provided me with a solution to the stability issue, I had not abandoned my interest in surf skis which I had considered as a possible solution at the time. So with the announcement of the Epic V5 surf ski, my interest was spiked yet again. A year ago the Epic V7 in roto-moulded form was the only option open to me at an affordable price, but the weight was an issue at 23Kg (a little over 50lbs). Now with the launch of the new V5 there was an alternative to the V7 offering additional features. The V5 was lighter, a more manageable size, important when kayaking solo and also slightly cheaper. So with interest sparked my journey towards acquiring a surf ski began.

My desire to paddle a surf ski is driven by the layout of the open cockpit, offering K1 style knees together paddling, footboards and toe control of the rudder, open cockpit for easy access and the potential increased stability options available. There are many manufacturers of surf skis and as many variations in size stability and build configuration. But what had drawn me to Epic was the development of the roto-moulding, now a major step forward from the heavy ‘Tupperware’ general purpose sit on kayaks seen at activity centres across the country. I had originally seen an Epic V8 in Malta whilst on holiday but the cost was prohibitive and at 18-foot long, it would be a challenge to store in my garage. The V7 at 17-foot long was the same length as my K1 with greater stability, it had good reviews on speed and handling but the weight was still an issue to a single handed lift onto the car roof rack.

EPIC V5

So the V5 at 14-foot long and lighter than the V7, was moving in the right direction. The V5 in roto-moulded specification weighed in at 22kg getting on for 50lbs. I was trying to convince myself that the weigh was not an issue, but having been used to my K1 weighing in at 12kg at nearly half the weight and my wife reminding me I did not want to make a mistake with this purchase, so I finally had to reconsider the options. With my 65th birthday approaching, maybe I was due a big present to myself to enjoy in my retirement years. So another seed was sown to look for a surf ski of similar weight to my K1. With cost not so much of an issue I looked at the lighter build specifications of the V5 and was impressed to find the ultra-specification weighed in at 12kg, the same as my K1. So I had now sourced a surf ski kayak with good stability perfect layout and at the right build weight. Perfect? Well not quite.

EPIC V6

My research continued and I kept coming across the Epic V6 predominately a 16-foot touring kayak with a surf ski deck. It also had a flip up rudder system which would suit my usage far better than the under stern rudder as standard on the V5. As an option there was a retro fit over stern rudder available for the V5, which made differentiating between the V5 and V6 very difficult. The price of the V5 equipped with an over stern rudder was virtually identical to the V6. In the end the decision as to V5 or V6 would come down to; was the extra length of the V6 enough of an advantage to improve the paddling experience and outweigh the extra 2.5kgs in weight over the V5.

TIME TO CHOOSE

At this point I started an email dialogue with Jim Taylor-Ross at Epic Kayaks UK, based in Exeter. I was pleasantly surprised as to the friendly offer of support and access to demonstration models. However, living in East Yorkshire, Exeter was a long haul to try out the two alternatives in my decision. Then Jim made an offer to meet me half way at a rowing club in Gloucester to try the V5 and V6 in ultra-build specifications. As an aside I had been watching the development of wing paddles and thought maybe I should move into the 21st century with an up-to-date paddle, so I asked if I could also try an Epic wing paddle, in for a penny in for a pound.

Fortunately good weather prevailed and the location in Gloucester was great for a paddling trial. I was advised to use my own paddle for the trial to evaluate one change at a time. Both kayaks were prepared and the V6 was first up as this was quietly my preference. On entering the cockpit from the river bank my body took on the action of an out of control servo loop. I was surprised to find it so twitchy and tried to tell myself that this is a stable kayak with similar width to a slalom kayak so it should not be twitchy. After sitting for a short period and giving myself a good talking to, I set off up river.

What a transformation, I settled into a relaxed paddle, experiencing the great feel of the kayak on a level keel and the build-up of secondary stability when heeled. The rudder took some getting used to due to the amount of pressure required to operate it but I was having a great time paddling the V6, sadly I had to return to the river bank for the next trial. Next up was the V5, now this was a completely different experience. Entering the V5 from the bank it was rock solid in stability as you would expect from a sit-on-top kayak. However at 14-foot long, the directional stability was not as good as the V6, the rudder was very responsive but the feel of the boat I am used to from my previous kayaks was just not there.

In discussion with Jim later he explained that the development routes of the V5 and V6 were very different. The V6 was a development from the very successful stable of surf skis Epic are so famous for and therefore it exhibits the pedigree of a performance kayak. Whereas the V5 has come from the opposite direction using Epic’s knowledge to make massive leaps forward in the sit-on-top kayak market, and that, it has achieved but without very much feel. That explained the feel of the V6 that I experienced, which verified my final decision as to which of the two surf skis was for me. The V6 has the stability with the feel of a responsive fast kayak; this was definitely the one for me. My initial preference for the V6 because of the extra length was right but the development pedigree that came with the V6 was the defining factor.

EPIC WING PADDLES

Finally I was to try the Epic wing paddles. A new technique was required to get the most from the wing design and with a little advice from Jim I took to the water again. My first reaction was what a quantum leap in paddle technology. The paddle was so light and the ability to adjust the length and the feather was so straight forward it could be carried out on the water with ease. On the water the feel of the paddle was fantastic and the performance from the wing design combined to enhance the experience.

I was blown away by the amount of grab and the ease with which it literally flew through the water. I opted to purchase the Mid wing as I am used to the large blade area of my vintage paddles and found the Mid wing gave me equivalent resistance to my existing paddles but with much less blade area. The demonstrator paddle I tried was a full carbon but for my touring usage the Club Carbon spec has proved totally adequate with great feel, stiffness and best price verses weight. My beautiful wooden paddles would now have to become wall mounted ornaments.

After a very enjoyable day we packed up and I put my new Epic V6 on the roof rack to take home. I paid up and thanked Jim for his help, advice and five-star service and we both departed having had a very rewarding day.

Since the trial I have spent many memorable hours in my V6 and I am now fully committed to surf skis, especially the V6 and I am so glad I took the step to buy one. The ultra-specification with its low weight has also been vindicated in the ease with which the kayak can be handled on and off the water.

V6 RUDDER SYSTEM

The V6 rudder system is also a major advantage over the under stern rudders of other K1s and surf skis. When paddling my K1 on the canal it has always suffered from weed build up on the under stern rudder and the bow and I needed to regularly stop and reverse to de-weed it. With the V6 the rudder system is essentially an over stern but integrated into the hull length. It can be raised via a cord and lowered under spring tension. On the canal when weed accumulates the light spring tension allows the rudder blade to flip up clearing the weed and then returning to the lowered position. The up haul cord can also be used to raise the rudder blade if any stubborn weed attaches.

With my weight being at the bottom of the V6 range the bow is higher on the water than normal and with its gentle curved shape it also doesn’t pick up weed. My paddling these days is predominantly carried out on rivers and canals so the rudder is used mainly as additional directional stability. So the V6 rudder system and hull shape has again showed additional qualities I never expected. For the majority of time I paddle with the rudder lowered and in a neutral position making the kayak go perfectly straight and when correction is required for bends in the canal or river I heel the kayak slightly and it follows a gentle and predictable curve with no rudder input required.

However, when required to turn at the return point on the canal even an effective rudder would struggle, but raise the V6 rudder and the kayak becomes as responsive as a slalom kayak and can be turned very easily with a few directional strokes. A slight criticism of the rudder installation on my V6 was I found it very hard to move in small increments constantly over correcting due to the stiffness, I thought maybe in time I would get used to it. However, after some investigation, I found the rudder cross bar spacer washer was too thick therefore stopping free rotation by clamping the rudder down and making it hard to move. With slight fettling to reduce the thickness of the nylon washer the rudder moved with ease and precision.

The V6 is set up in preference for tall people, therefore due to my short legs the foot boards were fully aft and when paddling water off the paddle was thrown directly into the cockpit. I recognise that this would not be a problem to most users, especially at sea, but for touring I like a dry cockpit if possible. To rectify this I made a number of trial covers for the front of the cockpit from fabric, card and plastic and finally settled for a simple 1mm polystyrene sheet hatch attached with Velcro to cover the front section of the cockpit opening back as far as the foot boards. This solved the problem and gave my V6 a dry cockpit.

SELF-BAILER

Another area to customise was the self-bailer, as again with the foot boards being fully aft they were so close to the bailer as to prevent easy opening. To rectify this I added a cord and T-bar to open the bailer, closing was easily completed as intended with my heel. So now removal of any cockpit water if there is any, can easily carried out. A 15mm thick shaped foam seat pad attached with Velcro completed my comfort seating requirements. For transportation over long distances I bought a universal kayak trolley with quick release wheels making it easily stowed in the rear hatch when out on the water.

SUMMARY

The V6 has an uncanny range of qualities that you would not imagine on initial inspection. It has improved my paddling experience in so many areas I could not have imagined. And it still keeps on giving.

I have nothing but praise for the V6 as the ideal touring kayak, and I would encourage anyone looking for a fast tourer to try the Epic V6 for size. The V6 has the feel of a pedigree kayak, with superb build quality and awesome performance on the water. It also has enough storage for camping trips and I haven’t even thought of sea use yet. It also fits on my garage wall easier than the K1, what more could you ask for.

What a craft, thank you Epic Kayaks UK and Jim Taylor-Ross.