Submitted by: cecil
07-11-2008
     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.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: joebhamilton
12-14-2007
     I have a fiberglass V10 Sport. Adding the Epic foam seat pads helped a lot in making it more stable while learning because the cockpit, unlike most surf skis, is designed for people with very wide hips.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: joseph
12-12-2007
     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!!!
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: Fast Eddy
09-07-2007
     I am 5'-10" & 200lbs and have been paddling sea kayaks, for over 13 years. I love my Epic V-10 Sport, Competition layup at 33lbs. Felt at ease paddling it from the first 15 minutes. Layup & finish is out- standing. Very comfortable seat. Been doing mostly flat water paddling in 5-12 mph winds and light chop. After 2 hours of acclimation, I was able to paddle at a sustained 8.0 mph/gps, with no wind, over a 500m course. Still working on my remount to be able to take it into rougher waters. It paddles like a dream and only the "stop watch", truly denotes it's speed, as it barely disturbs the water. One of my all time best buys.
Rating: 10 of 10

Submitted by: stallion09
08-13-2007
     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.
Rating: 10 of 10

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