1. What is the difference between your different boat constructions?
   
2. What is the difference between the M, L, XL, and XXL ICF boats?
3. Why did you place the rudder at the stern of your sprint boats?
4. How do I remount a surf ski after falling off?
5. Should I get the V10 or V10L?
6. What is your new rudder system?
7. Should I get the Medium (Burgundy) or Stiff (Blue) shaft with my Mid Wing paddle?
8. I currently use a 230 cm paddle. Why are you recommending a much shorter paddle?
9. My Length-Lock connection slips. How can I prevent this?
10. What should I do if I need to have a paddle repaired?
11. Why can't I order online if I am outside the USA?

1. What is the difference between your different
boat constructions?

Value (Club): The Value construction, also called the Club version, got its name simply because it is the most economical construction option we offer. It is also our heaviest construction, yet comparable to most competitors' standard boats.

• Fiberglass on a core mat
• Vacuum-bagged with polyester resin
• Available with GPX kayak and all surf skis
• Value construction boats have a blue seam line

Performance: The Performance construction is a composite hybrid. We consider it to be the best value in the industry. Performance kayaks are significantly lighter than the competition's equivalent products, yet are offered at a comparable price point.

• Foam core
• Composite hybrid of fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar
• Vacuum-infused, heat-cured epoxy
• Available on all kayaks and surf skis (kayaks have option of red, yellow, or white deck; surf skis all have white deck and hull)
• Performance construction boats have a black seam line

Ultra: The Ultra construction is very light and popular with the fitness and racing paddlers. It is light, stiff, and extremely strong in the water. Our Ultra disclaimer states that while stronger in the water than the Value and Performance lay-ups, the Ultra is more susceptible to impact damage and requires more care when handling.

• Nomex foam core
• Woven Kevlar fabric
• Vacuum-bagged, heat-cured epoxy
• Available on all kayaks and surf skis (white decks and hulls only)
• Ultra construction boats have a red seam line

Elite: The Elite construction is extremely light and stiff, a step up from the Ultra lay-up, but with similar durability. Being both lightweight and strong are priority number one for these boats, perfect cosmetic finishes cannot be expected.

• Nomex foam core
• Woven carbon fiber
• Wet laminate, vacuum bag
• Available on surf skis only
• All black carbon (no gel coat) with white decals

Super Elite: The Super Elite was the first Elite construction, and is the lightest and strongest of all the lay-ups. All the stops have been pulled out to make these the lightest surf skis on the market. Being both lightweight and strong are priority number one for these boats, perfect cosmetic finishes cannot be expected.

• Nomex foam core
• Unidirectional pre-preg carbon fiber (adds strength)
• Available on surf skis only
• All black carbon (no gel coat) with white decals

Click here to see the step–by-step process of making an Epic kayak

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2. What is the difference between the M, L, XL, and
XXL ICF boats?

Our K-1 M, L and XL designs all use the same deck, but different hulls. The XXL has a different deck and larger cockpit (to fit larger people). While the overall width is nearly identical (and is identical on the M, L, and XL versions) the waterline width is different. The following items have been optimized independently on each model by Dr. Ted Van Dusen:

• Waterline width
• Draft or depth in water at design displacement
• Prismatic coefficient (volume distribution)
• Rocker profile

Rather than simply scaling the various models as some other manufacturers do, Van Dusen optimized all four of the above variables in calculating the lowest drag for each displacement. He has the benefit of all test results from extensive tank drag testing that was done for the U.S. team.

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3. Why did you place the rudder at the stern of your sprint boats?

Our drag calculations show that a rudder at the stern of the boat rides in the slipstream from the hull and therefore has less drag. Further, the rudder at the stern gives more resistance to cross winds. While the effect is minor, the decreased drag can play a part at the highest levels when races are sometimes won or lost by hundredths of a second.

By contrast, our marathon version has the rudder further forward beneath the hull. This provides greater control when riding wakes, making turns, or in choppy water conditions. The further-up position also allows the boat to be carried with the stern dragging on portages (hull tipped to side) without hitting the rudder — as is commonly done in international marathon races.

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4. How do I remount a surf ski after falling off?

See this article at surfski.info:
http://www.surfski.info

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5. Should I get the V10 or V10L?

Any of the V10s would be perfect for training and ocean racing, in all conditions. The V10 and V10L have the same hull, but as many of you probably know the bow volume on the "L" is decreased and the seat is moved two inches forward, making the boat more suitable for smaller paddlers and providing a boat that is less affected by the wind (particularly side wind). Many people have commented that having the seat further forward also seems to improve the ergonomics of the boat. This will be true especially for lighter paddlers, as having the seat further forward helps keep the bow of the boat from lifting up and out of the water. The V10L is quickly becoming the ski of choice here on mainland USA, particularly on the East Coast, where ocean conditions are not consistently in the "huge" category. The regular V10 was built with big conditions in mind, such as those found in South Africa and Hawaii, which we generally don't find here in the States. When in big waves and ocean swell, the high-volume bow on the V10 helps keep the boat from plunging into oncoming waves, providing a smoother and dryer ride. Much of this can boil down to personal preference and body type as well.

Advantages of V10L:

• Better for lighter paddlers
• Accommodates shorter paddlers – roughly 4'11" – 6'3"
• Less affected by side winds
• Runs better in high winds with smaller waves (protected waters)

Advantages of V10:

• Better for heavier paddler
• Accommodates taller paddlers – roughly 5'4" – 6'7"
• Runs smoother and dryer in big conditions
• Runs better in high winds with big waves (open water)

The reality is that either boat performs exceptionallly in all conditions, and both display great speed and stability. You need only to find the right one for you. We also have the V10 Sport, which is two inches wider and a foot shorter. It technically is not as fast as the V10s, but many people find this a comfortable boat to start in, and it will in fact be faster for many entry-level and intermediate paddlers because they can apply power to their stroke instead of worrying about their balance. It is a good idea to try a boat out before making a decision. We have a dealer locater on our website that will help you find a location to arrange a demo.

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6. What is your new rudder system?

We have integrated our new rudder right into the hull of our new 16X and 18X. We call it the Epic Track Master™ steering system. With our new system, the stern of the boat pivots to redirect flow along the stern of the kayak. Combined with a small fin on the stern, this provides positive and reliable control.

Because the fin is much further forward than overhanging rudders, performance is improved in rough water conditions that may leave overhanging rudders high and dry out of the water. The fin is low profile and does not catch weeds. It's even suitable for beach launches, provided the beach is sandy and not rocky. The Track Master™ is lightweight and the cables are internal to the hull for a clean profile and less maintenance.

The footbrace and pedal system of the Epic Track Master™ allows your feet to be placed out to the sides (conventional position) or together in the center of the kayak (fitness position). The paddler can move and steer readily depending on water conditions and the paddler's preferences.

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7. Should I get the Medium (Burgundy) or Stiff (Blue) shaft with my Mid Wing paddle?

The choice depends on your needs and the type of paddling you intend to do with your wing paddle.

The Burgundy shaft is our lightest shaft and has medium flex, which is often preferred by those paddling or racing over longer distances. The common thought (although not confirmed) is that a more flexible shaft will be easier on your joints (shoulders, elbows, etc.). The Burgundy shaft is not as strong as our Blue shaft. It will not break at a full sprint by a strong paddler, but is more susceptible to impact or a direct hit to the shaft — such as dropping on rocks, getting hit by another boat in the surf, etc.

The Blue shaft is our stiffest shaft, and is often preferred by sprint racers, where flex in the shaft is lost power. The Blue shaft is also stronger than our Burgundy shaft.

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8. I currently use a 230 cm paddle. Why are you recommending a much shorter paddle?

There is a definite trend towards shorter paddles. While long paddles may have been popular many years ago, we have found that they are less efficient than today's shorter paddles. Extremely long paddles are heavier, tend to go too deep into the water, and make it difficult to maintain a consistent cadence.

For an efficient technique, most men today will want a paddle in the 210 to 220 cm range, while most women will want something in the 205 to 215 cm range. Even a wide kayak with low-angle paddling style rarely warrants a paddle as long as 230 cm.

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9. My Length-Lock connection slips. How can I prevent this?

The Epic Length-Lock™ is a high-precision system and will give you years of use if properly cared for. If you find that your connection is slipping during use, try one or all of the following:

1. There may be sand and/or salt in the threads of the collar. This prevents it from being easily tightening down. If it's salt, try unscrewing the outer collar completely and rinsing both pieces with fresh water. If it's sand, unscrew completely, take a rag and completely clean both collar pieces on the mating surfaces. Be sure to take extra care of the threads by pushing the rag with your fingernail down into the thread groove, turning the collar around and around until you have completely cleaned the threads.
2. Lubricant on the threads and mating surfaces helps a lot. We put some on when the paddle is new, but it will need replacement after cleaning out sand. We use a stick lubricant that won't run into the ferrule. You can order lubricant from Epic (we use Door-Ease, available at some hardware stores), or use paraffin in a pinch. Put a moderate amount of the lubricant on the threads and a micro-thin film on the outside of the "prongs" of the inner collar and mating surface of the outer collar. A micro-thin film is done by putting a tiny dot of lubricant on your fingertip and spreading it all over the area. DO NOT PUT ANY LUBRICANT ON THE FERRULE OR THE INSIDE OF THE INNER COLLAR. Click here for a diagram.

Following points 1 and 2 will solve 90% of connection slippage problems.


3. The inner collar should be rough in the area that touches the ferrule. We use a 36- or 50-grit drum sander and abrade this area for better holding power. You can also use a small piece of 50-grit sandpaper by hand.
4. LIGHTLY sanding the ferrule to roughen it up will give better grip. Use 60- to 80-grit sandpaper and sand just enough to put scratches in the ferrule — you don't want to actually remove anything, as that will make for a looser fit. If you have an older paddle with the decal type markings, use 220-grit wet sandpaper.
5. You can use the Length-Lock™ wrench to tighten the collar harder for more holding power.

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10. What should I do if I need to have a paddle repaired?

First, call us at 1.866.GET.EPIC for a Return Authorization (RA) number.

Then, make sure that you write the RA number on the outside of the box. You must include a detailed note explaining what needs to be done, as well as a clear address for return shipping. Give a phone number and/or email address in case we need to contact you.

Be sure to include both halves of your paddle if it is a two-piece or Length-Lock™ configuration. We'll need this to ensure the halves fit and the blades line up properly after repair.

Our Assembly and Repair Shop is at a different address than our main office. Please return your paddle to:

Epic Kayaks, Inc.
Attention: Mark Porter
8883 Frost Rd.
Sumas, WA 98295

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11. Why can't I order online if I am outside the USA?

Because of expensive international shipping costs and potential taxes and duties, we only accept online orders for shipment within the USA.

If you live outside the USA, check to see if there is a dealer in your country. That will be your best option. If we do not have a dealer in your country, then call or email us and we can try to arrange an order to be shipped to you. Additional shipping charges and/or taxes may apply.

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