Instructor FAQ Brief #12

This boat is one of the new faster sea kayak designs that have been entering the market lately. The boats are a hybrid of surf skis, multi-sport boats and sea kayaks.

Advertised by Epic as a "high performance kayak for the intermediate to advanced paddler". Being the product of Greg Barton and Oscar Chalupsky (10 times world ocean racing champion) this should be (and is) a high performance ocean machine.

The boat was "unfortunately" tested on a perfect Sydney spring day with nothing that could be even remotely considered "extreme" to test it against. Initial thoughts are that this is a light, fast sea kayak with surprisingly good secondary stability. It responds well to catching boat wakes and to a small surf session. The seating position is comfortable with the ability to paddle with either splayed or centred knees.

The boat was not tested with an expedition load or in strong conditions.

Brief details

• The test boat had an exceptionally good finish
• initial stability is comfortable but this is definitely not a wide flat bottom boat
• secondary stability is exceptional thanks to high, flat topsides
• the boat edges well
• strokes; the boat is very responsive to all strokes except the bow draw where the deep narrow bow works as a very effective keel retarding progress
• rolling; the round, narrow hull makes this an exceptionally easy boat to roll. The cockpit layout with a standard cockpit hole and small contoured thigh braces makes it an easy boat to re-enter and roll as well
• the boat tracks and turns well with and without the rudder
• the rudder is a Seal Line Smart Track which unfortunately sits vertically in the breeze when not deployed – it would be nice to have a rudder which folded away when not in use
• the foot pegs and rudder pedals felt a bit small for my huge feet, however this was personal choice
• the foot position is very easy to alter whilst underway with a single hand movement
• the forward hatch leaked slightly, however it should be noted that the kayak spent much of its time upside down as different paddlers attempted different roll re-entry and roll techniques

Comment from a paddling novice

"For a beginner the Epic Endurance 18 is a great design as it sits high on top of the water but does not compromise with low stability. The craft tracks well without the use of a rudder and is easy to paddle by lighter body frames."

Comments in reply from Grant McDowell at Sydney Harbour Kayaks

We added the Epic Kayaks to our range primarily because we feel it is the perfect boat for Sydney paddling conditions.  We also believe the Epic Endurance 18 suits the Sydneysider personality; beautiful lines that travel fast. Epic boats are available for test paddle 7 days a week from our shop at the Spit

Special thanks to Sydney Harbour Kayaks (ph 02 9960 4389) who supplied the test boat

Sea kayak/kayak rescue buoyancy aid, PFD type 2

• Manufactured by Liquid Life
• Distributed by Liquid Life (Melbourne)
• Sample supplied by Canoes Plus

Technical specifications; 500D Duratex outer fabric 25mm adjustable shoulder tabs, side tabs and waist belt Center zip and hinged front panel 4 front pockets, knife holder and rescue capability reflective panels front and back.

Test comments; The Liquid Life C is a very comfortable PFD for extended paddling.  It has not caused any areas of chafe nor does it have any obvious pressure points.  It has plenty of bouyancy, holding me high in the water and was comfortable for swimming .  The test model had a quickrelease belt and cow tail which worked well for short tows.  The belt is held over the centre of the lower pads and distributed towing pressure evenly across the lower torso. On the negative side the pockets are a bit tight for anything more than a muesli bar and signal mirror.

Note from a female paddler; "Torso rotation is the main component of all paddling strokes, therefore, PFD's must provide manoeuvrability. The LiquidLife C has a compact design, extra featues for Instructors and is light-weight. The multi panel front removes excess bulk and discomfort and is comfortable around the female chest. The vest hugs the lower ribs but allows complete upper body and arm movement WITHOUT rubbing"

Note; PFDs must match your body size and shape, we recommend that you carefully try any PFD before you buy.  Be very careful with body length and ensure that it is still comfortabel when you are sitting in your craft, complete with spray deck and paddling clothing.