The Versatile Epic Footboard

Gen 3 Epic Surfski Footboard

When you paddle an Epic kayak or surfski, you benefit from years of R&D, especially when it comes to the footboard design. Considered a "first” in the industry when it was introduced in 2005 with the Gen 1 V10 surfski, followed by the “X” series of touring kayaks, the ingenious Epic footboard system is extremely easy to adjust for your leg length and preferred pedal angle. This ergonomic design allows the paddler to gain maximum power from leg drive. Now in its 3rd iteration for the surfski lineup, with improved biomechanics and hardware allowing finer increments of adjustment, the Epic footboard system continues to be the gold standard for performance paddling and racing.

How it works

Early surfski designs utilized separate footwells for each foot and were either fixed in place for a specific leg length, or difficult to adjust and prone to slipping. Revolutionary in design, the advantages of the Epic footboard are numerous.

• A single footwell allowing for feet-together position provides a more comfortable posture in the cockpit, and the ability to generate better leverage with leg drive.

• Easily adjustable heel plate with pedals that automatically adjust into position when the footboard is moved to a new position. No tools needed; you can do it on the water!

• 8 mm increments of adjustment for optimum leg position, accommodating a wide range of paddler sizes.

• Optimum foot brace angle (approximately 25 degrees of vertical)

• Adjustable integrated foot strap for improved boat control and fit.

• High strength polyethylene Spectra rudder lines which do not corrode like steel cable.

• An XL Footboard is available for paddlers with larger feet. The pedals are higher up and there is a larger base to allow for easier steering. 

• Light weight carbon fiber heel plate and pedals with foam core for strength and stiffness.

• Add the Epic non-slip traction pad for superior grip and leg drive (essential for barefoot paddlers!).

Surfski Footbrace Adjustment and Setup

“The footplate, the well tried and tested tiller bar assembly, the rudder pedals and the rudder itself all scream “quality.” – Rob Mousley, Surfski.info, Cape Town, South Africa

Epic Touring Kayaks Footboard

Partial footboard inside Epic touring kayak

Epic touring kayaks utilize a “partial” footboard similar to our surfskis that allows adjustment from inside the cockpit. The same benefits of the surfski footboard apply to kayak touring. With feet and knees together while in the seated position, you can generate a more powerful forward stroke; this creates a better position for your back than the knees-apart posture required for conventional foot pedal systems, and torso strength is enhanced. Increased core strength provides for greater stability and endurance. The Epic 14X, 18X Sport, and 18X Double cockpits give paddlers the option for both positions - knees together or apart - with padded knee braces built into the deck, so you can brace using the legs if desired (or perform the Eskimo roll).

“In all those miles, in all kinds of conditions, during all those long hours in the Epic 18X kayak, I never once experienced foot or leg pain. After just a couple hours in my other boats, I experience foot cramping, leg cramping, and sometimes numb and tingling feet. The Epic footboard is easy to move, and I can adjust it on the water. The rudder is easy to control from a relaxed position. Comfort is key when it comes to endurance paddling. There are many things that can compromise it, but this boat isn’t one of them.” – Priscilla Schlottman, expedition paddler, Moss Beach, California