Epic kayak?

I’m sure y’all have seen those skinny Epic surfski kayaks that cost around $4000 and weight 30lb. Specifically the V8, which is somewhere around 22 inches wide (using the word “wide” in the most generous way of course). They make them in “touring” version with hatches, and stability is not so bad.
The v9 is also interesting because it’s plastic (rotomolded) and cost around $1900 (though at 50lb).

My interest in the Epic Surfskis is more because of their weight and simplicity. I think they would allow me to be OTW quickly with less logistics and cleanup. It’s more about building paddling skills and strength, rather than fishing.

Just wondering if folks have any thoughts or experience with Epic and the idea of paddling without fishing (or trying to fish from an Epic)

Yes! I bought an inexpensive used surf ski at one point to try it out. I think it was 20 inches wide and 19 feet long. I didn’t fall off, but staying upright requires constant focus. My Stealth Profisha is 24 inches wide and it is as stable as a barge by comparison. Storage was difficult and I sold it not long after without trying it on the ocean.

If you are planning to do any fishing from it, I would strongly recommend getting a stealth instead. Being able to stow a 7 foot rod inside the hull along with all your other gear and have the deck completely clear for surf launches is great. You would get all of the simplicity and have a kayak that’s designed for fishing. Unfortunately, the Stealths are crazy expensive and weigh over 55 pounds.

I’m still interested in trying a proper ski on the ocean. There was a guy who did Epic demos at half Moon Bay.

Thanks Krishna. The Stealth is excellent. Their lightest model is 57lb if I’m not mistaken. Do you use a cart? Any aides for car loading or unloading?

I use the cart unless it is a very short walk to water. Stealth did an absolutely horrible job of positioning carry/drag handles, so you have to death grip the sides of the foot wells and hope your hands don’t slip. Also, unlike a larger kayak, there’s nowhere to stow a cart so you need to walk it back to the car.

I believe Kenny that used to work for CCK works for Epic now. He keeps some boats a few lots east of the HMBYC where CCK used to be. I see him catching waves at Mushroom rock sometimes. I gotta ask him if he ever fishes. Never seen him with a rod.

I believe Kenny that used to work for CCK works for Epic now. He keeps some boats a few lots east of the HMBYC where CCK used to be. I see him catching waves at Mushroom rock sometimes. I gotta ask him if he ever fishes. Never seen him with a rod.

Yep, that sounds right. If he fished, the Epics would have had mounts for side kicks.. so he probably doesn’t

I believe Kenny that used to work for CCK works for Epic now. He keeps some boats a few lots east of the HMBYC where CCK used to be. I see him catching waves at Mushroom rock sometimes. I gotta ask him if he ever fishes. Never seen him with a rod.

nice to hear Kenny is still in the game. He was part of a great crew at CCK back in the early 90s

I just emailed him and it looks like he does have some Epics to try out from Pillar Point 

I met Kevin today at Pilar Point. Very nice guy. He set me up with an Epic v8. The kayak was amazingly light. 24 lbs. I could carry it in one hand like a bag of groceries. On the water it’s fast. Here are my impressions:
I tried it only inside the harbor.
Despite having a rather flat bottom, it’s like standing on a skateboard; the slightest move would translate to a capsize feeling. I wouldn’t call it tippy since I didn’t tip over, but like Krishna said, it requires constant focus. You have to be centered. And you need to move like a machine, in a very deliberate fashion, to be efficient and stable. That aspect I didn’t expect. I thought I could just sit on it and casually paddle if I wanted, but I’m afraid that’s not the case, and even more so in open water.
It’s a fun, high quality boat (made in China though), good looking, sleek, light, easy to transport, and easy to clean. It’s not cheap ($4200 for the v8), it’s not for the surf (and will get damaged if you’re not careful), it’s not for taking it easy, it’s not for fishing even if you customize it, and it requires you put time and effort to learn it.

Looks sleek and fast 

That thing looks the Ferrari of kayaks!  Looks super fast, I bet 5-6 knots is a breeze. Probably a great platform for exploring. What is the weight capacity on something like that?

Ferrari is a good description. So fast that when I approached landing, I stopped padding some distance ahead expecting stand still at the water edge, but it kept running like on its own mind.
Weight capacity is 320lb

See https://www.epickayaks.com/v8

And interestingly, when I left, Kevin asked me if there would be interest in an Epic kayak for fishing. I told him definitely and we talked about the stealth. He said he tried convincing Epic several times, but no luck. Maybe one day…
I can’t stop thinking about the weight of this thing

Very cool! Sounds like a fun test ride.

Hey li-orca -- there's a user on NWKA who seems to be dabbling in fishing out of an epic surfski. Goes by the handle 'Shad.'

Yeah those Epics look nice, I like the older ones that have cleaner lines the new ones are kinda weird looking. Perhaps an older one with an out rigger?

But your near Linda Mar.....You should just GET A STEALTH! 

Even with my older Stealth "surf ski"  loaded with a bunch of stuff it's really fun to paddle in, catch ferry wakes or offshore swell and cover ground quickly with little effort by just paddling to keep up.

Thanks for the Epic report!