kayaking, time to upgrade again?

alex_k

alex_k

Well-Known Member
I'm on the second kayak since starting kayaking this May and it seems I want longer one again because I constantly push my boat (12'10'') to its top speed.

Is a longer kayak like Epic 18x is fast enough or should I go directly to a surf sky?

I began kayaking for cardio but I just tasted some waves at Sandy Hook and I love that very much.
 

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jklett

jklett

Well-Known Member
That epic will be faster than anything 12'. It's all about length at waterline. Surf skis are fun and fast but I don't know that one would be comfortable for long distance. Your center of gravity is higher so it requires constant attention to stay upright but they are easier to wet enter. See if you can demo both, there's a place in MA that should have them. http://kayaklearningcenter.com
 
alex_k

alex_k

Well-Known Member
jklett said:
That epic will be faster than anything 12'. It's all about length at waterline. Surf skis are fun and fast but I don't know that one would be comfortable for long distance. Your center of gravity is higher so it requires constant attention to stay upright but they are easier to wet enter. See if you can demo both, there's a place in MA that should have them. http://kayaklearningcenter.com
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too bad that place is too far.

I tried a surf sky once but it was far too narrow and tippy and I did not have time to adapt so that was embarrassing but I guess I could handle something like entry level Epic V7.

I'm going to check used x18 tomorrow...
 
pooriggy

pooriggy

Well-Known Member
Team MTBNJ Halter's
alex_k said:
longer kayak like Epic 18x is fast enough or should I go directly to a surf sky?
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Ed Gifford, I think he used to post here as Teamsnotrocket, but I couldn't find that user name. Does anyone know his username?

Anyway he has an Epic that I'm sure he would let you try. He is very knowledgeable about kayaks, as is Capers.
 
alex_k

alex_k

Well-Known Member
pooriggy said:
Ed Gifford, I think he used to post here as Teamsnotrocket, but I couldn't find that user name. Does anyone know his username?

Anyway he has an Epic that I'm sure he would let you try. He is very knowledgeable about kayaks, as is Capers.
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I guess @giff06?
 
trailhead

trailhead

JORBA: Wildcat/Splitrock
JORBA.ORG
We have touring boats, I have a P&H Scorpio LV which is about 17' and Sherri has an Impex Cat5 which is about 18'.
It would be possible to arrange for a paddle at Splitrock and trade boats for awhile.
 
giff06

giff06

Well-Known Member
Hey Alex, I haven't checked in for a while but lifes like that sometimes. I have an Epic V8 and a Carbon V10. The V8 is somewhat similar to the 18X ( actually the first V8 surfskis were 18X hull with a surfski deck. I think if you want a boat for fitness I would look at the V7 or V8. The 7 is rotomold and some what less expensive and the V8 is composite and has several lay ups. I like the surfski for open water as they are easy to remount in case of a capsize. The V10 is a carbon ski (mine) and is more of an advanced ski. I paddle the V8 year round. The 18X is a nice boat if you want a kayak. Hull speed is respectable and theres storage that you won't have in a ski. The 18X has a kick up style rudder and the skis use under stern rudders so that must be considered depending where you paddle.Epic makes a quality product, my V10 is12 years old. I live in Toms River. The local Epic Rep is Craig Impens who you can find on FB under Craig Impens Racing. He knows all things Epic. If theres anything I can answer for you or help you with I'd be more than happy to. I will check back in the next few days....promise! Ed
 
alex_k

alex_k

Well-Known Member
giff06 said:
Hey Alex, I haven't checked in for a while but lifes like that sometimes. I have an Epic V8 and a Carbon V10. The V8 is somewhat similar to the 18X ( actually the first V8 surfskis were 18X hull with a surfski deck. I think if you want a boat for fitness I would look at the V7 or V8. The 7 is rotomold and some what less expensive and the V8 is composite and has several lay ups. I like the surfski for open water as they are easy to remount in case of a capsize. The V10 is a carbon ski (mine) and is more of an advanced ski. I paddle the V8 year round. The 18X is a nice boat if you want a kayak. Hull speed is respectable and theres storage that you won't have in a ski. The 18X has a kick up style rudder and the skis use under stern rudders so that must be considered depending where you paddle.Epic makes a quality product, my V10 is12 years old. I live in Toms River. The local Epic Rep is Craig Impens who you can find on FB under Craig Impens Racing. He knows all things Epic. If theres anything I can answer for you or help you with I'd be more than happy to. I will check back in the next few days....promise! Ed
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Thanks Ed, so much to process...
 
alex_k

alex_k

Well-Known Member
trailhead said:
We have touring boats, I have a P&H Scorpio LV which is about 17' and Sherri has an Impex Cat5 which is about 18'.
It would be possible to arrange for a paddle at Splitrock and trade boats for awhile.
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thanks trailhead, I might ask you a bit later... I love Splitrock, paddled it twice.
 
giff06

giff06

Well-Known Member
Also bear in mind every boat is a compromise. No one boat does all things well. Decide what you want most from the boat and know the rest will be a compromise. The V10 is light and fast ( about 20 lbs in 21 feet) but trying to figure out where to put a hydration device or any other gear in a challenge. Its a fun race and fitness boat but its stability level will challenge you. The 18X was the boat of choice for the first woman to circumnavigate Austrailia solo. The account is given in the book Fearless and the paddler was Freya Hoffmiester written by the late Joe Glickman.
 
capedoc

capedoc

Well-Known Member
Team MTBNJ Halter's
I will tell you that any Epic will most certainly blow your current 12' boat out of the water. I can't comment on the different Epic models as I have always had more of an affinity for classic British style sea kayaks.

Tried a surfski once. Was fast and efficient. my take on it was that its a one trick pony. I probably wouldnt want to paddle anything over 20 miles in one but thats just me.

Last i remember, my friend Craig Impens was a distributer or rep for Epic. Havent seen Craig in while though.
 
giff06

giff06

Well-Known Member
capedoc said:
I will tell you that any Epic will most certainly blow your current 12' boat out of the water. I can't comment on the different Epic models as I have always had more of an affinity for classic British style sea kayaks.

Tried a surfski once. Was fast and efficient. my take on it was that its a one trick pony. I probably wouldnt want to paddle anything over 20 miles in one but thats just me.

Last i remember, my friend Craig Impens was a distributer or rep for Epic. Havent seen Craig in while though.
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Craig is still around, but is a brand ambassador for Epic and not a sales Rep. He will be gone next week to USCA Nationals. Surfskis are capable of long distance in the right hands. Molokai is 30+ miles I believe between Oahu and Hawaii via the Molokai Channel. They aren't a boat for carrying gear like an 18X is. Its made for the open water so all you need is to remount instead of roll. A fun 3 season boat, we paddle ours all year round with drysuits. They've started to design more user friendly skis by adding hatches and increasing stability. They used to be an open water race boat for the most part.
 
Magic

Magic

Formerly 1sh0t1b33r
Team MTBNJ Halter's
Are there any China kayaks that are as good, but super cheap?
 
giff06

giff06

Well-Known Member
Epics are made in China. In kayaks and surfskis it seems you get what you pay for. Epics performance layup is a good all rounder and the ultra is a great lightweight/race layup! I use their carbon wing paddles also. My second one in 12 years, high quality product IMHO!
 
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