Epic V10 Sport Surfski

This is my second V10 sport as I had the older model too. The newer version does seem to be a bit quicker and glides better than pre 2013 models. I am 57 years old and paddle small lakes in the midwest with a couple outings on the Missouri river. I certainly am not an expert paddler as I took the sport up when in my 50s but I do get out several times a week.

I find the V10S to be a nice combination of speed and stability. The boat has a very short learning curve and you will feel at home in it very quickly. No one should feel intimidated in this boat and I often wonder why Epic even bothers with the V8 and lesser models. I mainly paddle for fun and exercise and when cruising I easily hold a 5 or 5.5 mph speed. I am sure a paddler in better shape would have no trouble doing 7 mph in this boat. I have the performance build and find it to be extremely durable.

Because I feel that I have this boat mastered I am planning on Purchasing a V10 in the GT build because the idea of a 20lb ski really appeals to me. I realize that the Ultra and GT builds are very prone to dings and dents so I will baby that expensive boat. One last praise for the V10S is that I find it to be an extremely comfortable and fun boat to paddle. I love the weedless rudder and quick adjustability of the foot pedal. I should also mention that I use an Epic small mid-wing paddle and find it to be outstanding. I used to have their hybrid paddle and liked it too but the full carbon really looks and works great.

The only downside to the Epic V10 Sport is that living here in the midwest I am limited somewhat by the colder weather months.
Maybe a WSB EFT or Sleek is in order.

I have owned both the V10 Sport in performance layup, as well as the V8 in performance layup. The V10 Sport is more efficient than the V8 above 4.5 mph. Below 4.5 mph, the V8 is more efficient. This is due to the larger wetter surface area of the V10 Sport, yet longer waterline of the V10 Sport. Both surfskis are ergonomic and comfortable. I have never had my legs, feet, or toes fall asleep in either.

In terms of stability; on flat water or waves up to six inches high, they are about the same. But in waves any higher, the V10 Sport will require your attention, and you will not feel as relaxed as you will be in the V8. Being that I almost always kayak alone, and in waves from one to three feet high, I tend to prefer the more relaxed feel and greater stability of the V8. Ultimately, the V10 Sport is faster, but it is at the cost of less stability.

It really depends on your paddling priorities, your ability, the conditions you paddle in, your skills, and your personal preferences. Either way, Epic makes very well designed and constructed products.

I'm 59 years old and 180 lbs. I was very hesitant buying the Sport as all of my previous kayak's have been at least 22 inches wide. I have been paddling the Epic 18X which I still truly enjoy, so choosing an Epic came naturally when buying the V-10.

The 1st time that I got on it I was very concerned about the stability. Not only was I pleasantly surprised with the initial stability, the secondary stability was even better. It gets to speed easily, and glides very well. Its such a fun kayak that I cannot wait for my next outing! I bought it in the ultra lay-up and it weighs 26 1/2 lbs on my very accurate scales.

I would highly recommend this product! The only complaint I have is that I wish it had a day hatch...

I am a male, late 50's, 185 pounds, average athletic ability. The Epic V10 Sport, performance model with factory installed drop down rudder has been awesome. I paddle in the Tennessee River, 2-3 mph current, large boat waves from tubing, people on skies and barges. The V10 Sport has been the awesome. I have paddled the WS Tarpon, Necky Elaho plastic, Looksha II, Epic 18X performance kayaks. I have tried Mako6, Think Legend, Think Evo (before paddling the 18X). Having stepped up the ladder of stability I could maybe enjoy the other skis better now and I will post it if I get a chance to paddle them. Brian Defouw and the people at Outdoor Inc in Memphis were awesome (as was the local BBQ) and the service I received from Epic Kayaks, Inc in Charleston was refreshing. Vince Bechet helped me get my kickup rudder installed and advised me on the best way to do that. Waylon Willis did a great job on the install and Beverly Hill was very helpful with the paperwork for my repair of my Epic rudder system... a great experience and an amazing paddling experience... as close as I have ever come to riding a magic carpet (music please :o)...)

I wanted to try a surfski in 2007 after kayaking for a year and a half with my Nordkapp. After extensive research, I chose the Epic V10-Sport with the blue stripe on the side. I knew that I had to capsize a lot in my learning curve but how long? Fortunately I read an article by David Mocke, one of the top surfski paddler in the world, that 5-8 hours of paddling time is all that it takes. So I paddled at the Berkeley Aquatic Park which has a waist deep water. I also recorded my paddling time each session. And on about the 7th hour of total paddling time, I was ready for the Oakland Estuaries.

Paddling the V10-S was addicting. The re-mount was doable unlike with my kayak which is very difficult and time consuming. I ended up just using the surfski every Saturday. Poor Nordkapp.

The only complaint I heard from others with the V10-Sport is the wide cockpit. I tried all kinds of side padding and nothing seem to work the way I like it. But then there is the NRS hip pads (available in most kayak stores) that were in my parts bin that I tried. That one worked!

As a whole, the V10-Sport design and function is excellent. The cockpit layout is better than most and very comfortable. I wish I had the horse power to take full advantage of the V10-Sport capabilities. Definitely an enjoyable experience for me.

I tested out the V10 Sport for only about forty-five minutes, in calm conditions. I was looking for a boat that would allow me to use leg drive. I found that with at least some leg drive and the accompanied greater rotation, I could attain more speed. Not that speed is everything, unless you make your living racing kayaks!! I like most, don't!

My sea kayak is very restrictive in terms of allowing leg drive. Not all sea kayaks are restrictive for this, but many are due to the thigh braces and fit, which don't get me wrong has advantages for rolling and control in rough water, etc.. I thought I would give the new Epic 18X sea kayak and V10 Sport surfski a try, since both allow for leg drive. I found the 18X to be about the same in terms of speed and efficiency as my current sea kayak. The V10 Sport was faster and more efficient than my sea kayak. The V10 Sport was very comfortable in terms of seating arrangement. I could get a great close paddle catch and leg drive. The stability was less than my sea kayak which is 17'7"x 22." However the stability was much better than anything I've been in with similar speed. For me, the V10 Sport may be the best kayak I've been in!!!

The V10 Sport offers much of the speed of the V10 with added stability.

First off I have only been paddling now for about 4 months so please consider this a newbie's review. Prior to the sport I paddled a Ocean Kayak Sprinter. It was my goal to transition from the Sprinter to a ski. When I felt I had outgrown the Sprinter I bought the V10 Sport. I have the fiberglass version and it is a pleasure to lift. I cannot imagine how light the other layups are.

The V10 Sport was not easy too learn. Even though the Sprinter was narrow I think I picked up some poor paddling technique with it. My first few outings on the Sport were difficult. I was falling constantly and felt uncomfortable. Eventually I got used to the boat and am much more comfortable with it. The boat is fast and light. It glides well. This thing slices through head on waves like a hot knife through butter.

Great boat! As my forward stroke continues to improve so does the performance of this fine craft.