Epic V10 Special

The Epic V10 is incredibly fast and agile while maintaining comfortable stability. While the goal was to design a boat that was faster than the competition on flat water, the Epic V10 really shines in downwind and upwind heavy sea conditions. It’s certainly a leader in its field and paddlers from all over the world are using them.

It has been a winner many times over in all the different world championship races.

A fully adjustable footbrace combines with a high capacity venturi drain to keep water out.
The single footwell and front deck cutaway allows for a closer, more powerful stroke.
The adjustable footbrace with self adjusting pedals will accommodate paddlers from 5'3" to 6'7" in height.
Smaller paddlers will be better served with our V10L surf ski.

Special: $200.00 to $400.00 off depending on construction. Special applies to skis in stock only.

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Neo/Lycra Shorts

Neoprene bum for comfort and warmth and lycra front for cool and comfort.

High back. String draw cord.

Best of both worlds.

WA Made

Great for surf ski paddlers and kayakers

Price: $90.00

CDU Paddling Shorts

An extremely comfortable close fitting bike length shorts. Cotton lycra fabric.

Great for kayakers

Navy Colour.

Price: $32.00

Epic Downwind Race

The Epic Downwinder was scheduled for a Saturday which was not convenient for me as I had to work and unfortunately, all my part time staff were unavailable. Nevertheless I managed to get away mid-afternoon and to be there in time for the finish.

I arrived at Trigg Beach a little early so none of the organisers were there. The morning had been really calm and it was hard to believe at that time that the wind was going to blow, but blow it did. As I stood on Trigg Beach at 3.00pm there was more than enough wind, the ocean was full of white caps and it looked as if it was going to be one hell of a race, a race I think that was going to be tough for the inexperienced.

The idea of downwind racing is to use the wind, waves and swells to the upmost and in doing so try to conserve as much energy as possible by doing as much surfing as possible.

The wind got stronger and when the organisers arrived they started putting up the shade tent and the Epic Flags. I wondered how they were going to keep the flags up in this strong wind but after hammering in 6 star pickets they did the job. Rod Doherty, a customer of CDU, was one of the organisers. Unfortunately some of the top paddlers weren't taking part because of a Sprint Regatta that took part in the morning.

We were told that the first competitors were getting close, but it was hard to see any paddlers amongst the white caps. Finally the lead boats got closer. They appeared and then disappeared from view because of the swell and white caps. The first paddler was a little further out than the second who looked as if he was only just clearing the breaking waves.

The first paddler who I had no idea who it was at the time came straight across to the finish line. It was Reece Baker (1.03.39). A few people were shouting for him to go around the buoy but he couldn't hear and it was too late he was landing. The second paddler, Brendon Sarson (1.4.17) followed and failed to go around the buoy as well. It might have been hard to see, but in a championship paddlers usually get disqualified for not going around the buoy so it would be interesting to see what was going to be decided today. There was $1000.00 at stake. The first two paddlers were quite a ways ahead so some may say, did it really matter?

Reece Baker finishing in first place

The following paddlers started to paddle around the buoy. It wasn't a big buoy but all the paddlers from then on started to round it. Next to come in and in third place was Dean Gardner (40+) (1.05.36) and then in fourth place the first Epic paddler Sam Norton with a time of 1.05.50. Sam is from Tasmania and he came over just for the race. Then names like Tim Bird, Ash Nesbit, Dean Beamont, Jamie Beavis, Travis England and Andrew Mosel made up the top ten.

Brendon Sarson finishing in second place

Sam Norton from Tasmania finishing in 4th place

Ash Nesbitt finsihing in 6th place

Nicholas Taylor was the first 50+ (1.08.55) with Shaun Rice, and Rob Jenkinson taking up the next two places. Ruth Highman was the first lady in a time of 1.15.46.

Peter Johnson and partner second double ski

Walter Chalupski running up to the finish with a paddler enjoying the surf in the background.

Other paddlers I started to recognise were Alan Albert, Walter Chalupski, Max Bornhoft (from Germany), Tony King (Epic Australia), Darryl Long and the list went on.

Darryl Long having fun with Lindsay Willard

Tony King (Epic Australia) having a nice ride in.

Oops - Tony was then caught up by a wave. One second it's good, the next a surprise

Within fifteen minutes of the first paddler arriving the conditions started to get worse. The surf was now bigger and waves were breaking further out to sea. Apart from the odd paddler most of the early paddlers handled the conditions fairly well but the latter paddlers were having difficulties. With the surf breaking so far out some of the paddlers were very hesitant about coming in. They weren't very positive about what they were doing and shouts from the beach to paddle could not heard by the paddler over the roar of the waves. Many seemed to do nothing which made it worse.

The conditions deteriorated further and capsizes were common even before paddlers hit the beach. Several paddlers were capsizing 100 metres out. I could see them try to remount and many jumped back on, only to capsize again. Although every paddler had to wear a leg leash to prevent the ski from drifting away, it had to be taken off when coming in. If they don't unclip before hitting the beach they would be connected to the ski and could be dragged along if the ski gets out of control in the surf. The decision of when to unclip was made by each individual, but I imagine most would have unclipped before the surf zone which could have been a task in itself.

Three paddlers having fun in the deteriorating conditions

Warren Southwell running up to the finish line

Downwind paddling is an art, it takes years to understand and use the wave patterns and swells better than your opposition. Even if you are a good river paddler, or an exceptional white water paddler it doesn't mean that you have all the skills to paddle well in the ocean. An excellent white water paddler might be able to stay on the craft but it usually takes time to learn the intricacies of ocean paddling.

Two paddlers having a swim

Paddlers were coming in more frequently and more paddlers were capsizing. A few paddlers fell off and their ski floated away being pushed by the strong wind like a balloon, and they were unable to catch it. Luckily the wind was blowing towards shore. Imagine being out there in the middle of the ocean and you lose you craft, that would be scary!

Another two paddlers having a swim

One organiser on shore swam out to a ski that was blowing away. The paddler swam in and another paddler capsizes but manages to hold onto his ski. Meanwhile more paddlers were easing around the red buoy. Some were easing that much they were hardly moving. Others were very tentative. I wondered how some of them managed to get to the finish as they didn't look too confident in landing. The sun dazzled from the west and at times it was hard to see paddlers coming in, with the sun behind them it was if the colour had gone out of their world and they were just a shade of black and white.

A fairly big wave chasing a paddler on a PRS

I felt for the tail end paddlers, I'm sure after the excitement of the last 17 kms, they must have been a little apprehensive and nervous about facing the surf. Other paddlers on shore were chasing skis as some were flying through the air and others tumbling sideways at great speeds. The boat rescuers on shore put themselves in quite a dangerous situation as the wind whipped the skis onto the beach but if they hadn't helped the skis for sure would have been damaged or being stopped only by the sand dune 50 metres away.

Several skis are dwarfed by the swells out near the turning buoy

The Epic flags were really flying as the wind increased further. The noise from the flapping was loud, as were the breaking waves. Although the day had been warm there was a cool wind blowing and I actually felt quite cold.
At times there were at least 3 paddlers capsized at the beginning of the surf zone over 100 metres out. Most did well to get back on, but others tried leaping onto their ski, only to fall over the other side. For some it was easier to swim in than to get back onto their ski. Many must have capsized along the way and must have been tired. I was talking to a paddler later and he said he capsized at least 12 times, just about at every beach along the way.

Simon Haywood who trains with us on Saturdays and Mondays came flying in through the surf on his Epic V8. It was a spectacular landing and his ski was caught by the volunteers on shore as he ran up to the finish line. Simon had only really started paddling seriously a few months ago and he is as keen as mustard. In the calm waters he paddles a V10 Sport but when paddles on the ocean he uses his Epic V8, which is much more stable.

Simon Haywood running to the finish line

Amanda Bowman and paddling partner

Eventually there were getting less paddlers coming in. One paddler was stood there waiting for his friend to come in. He never arrived, the conditions were too much for him and he came ashore at another beach. At least he was safe and they found each other later. Hopefully there will be a day when paddlers are able to carry a panic distress beacon so when they get into difficulties they can contact the organisers to tell them where they are. It's a big wild ocean when the wind blows hard and novice paddlers could easily get into difficulties, so it is up to paddlers to know their limits and skill level as it's very hard for the organisers to keep everyone safe. For new paddlers the V8 is the perfect ski.

The committee getting conformation of the skis still out on the ocean

A rescue boat and a couple of jet skis were out near the turn buoy. The dazzling sun was getting lower in the sky and it was difficult to see the competitors clearly. The kite surfers along the coast however were having a field day. There were dozens of kites flying high and riders skimming the water and taking off over the waves. It was quite a spectacular sight.

It was hoped that the end of the event would have been at Sorrento where the surf is much less violent but the organisers hit a snag and it had to finish at Trigg which was much rougher.

The organisers were taking down the Epic flags but they left one up for the stragglers to see. Most paddlers and spectators had left but a small group stayed to greet the last paddler. Not only did an epic Ski come 4th an Epic ski also came last.

Followed by two jet skis on rescue the last man rounds the buoy

We clapped as David Norton, the last paddler ran up the beach. He was treated like a hero. The small band of people started to disband. Then a guy called Doug introduced himself. He was the uncle of Russell Dymock who was one of the very few paddlers paddling a plastic PRS . I then realised it was Doug Lackinson, a very good paddler who I hadn't seen for at least 25 years. It was just great to see him, he was such a nice guy. He hadn't changed that much, he was just 25 years older.

David Norton surfs in

Most people had now retired to the bar to get ready for the presentation. For many it was worth being there as there were some good prizes like Epic paddles, paddle bags, a lots of cash prizes and $1000.00 for the winner.
Then the moment that paddlers were waiting for arrived. Tony King from Epic Australia, Walter Chalupski, (brother of Oscar and Epics trouble shooter) and CDUs yours truly, started giving out the prizes. Epic paddler Sam Norton won the CDU $250.00 Dash for Cash, and Reece Baker won the $1000.00 with many other paddlers receiving other cash prizes.

Simon Haywood who paddles with us on a Saturday morning and Monday nights and owns a V8 and a V10 Sport won a $100.00 in the handicap results.

Heading Downwind

From the Epic Website

With consistent time in the boat, and persistence, developing surfski paddlers can make quick breakthroughs in their confidence and ability to paddle on open water. And before long, checking wind & wave reports can become an addiction, as wind directions and speeds shape the plan on where and when to paddle.

As you break through progressive stability barriers on the ocean, your focus will shift to the true art of the surfski: downwind paddling. One of the most dynamic forms of kayaking, downwind runs on a surfski require strength, fitness and good technique. And that’s the easy part!

Most vital, and maybe the most difficult to obtain, is the ability to read the water and waves. No amount of muscle or lactate threshold can overcome a skilled waterman’s advantage when it comes to surfing downwind. Highlighting this point, Hungarian sprint paddler Zsolt Szadavszki noted on his transition from flatwater kayaking to ocean paddling in a ski: “My biggest challenge has been to let go of my notions of how to do well. On flatwater your form and fitness propel you to victory. To do well on a surfski I have realized that you must learn how to use the energy of the ocean instead of relying only on your own power. Ironically I often have to slow myself down out there to get the most out of it.”

So how do you get the most out of it? When do you apply power, when do you back off? Where do you place your ski on the wave to maximize the ride and be in place to link up with the next one? As with most other areas of kayaking, time spent in the boat is most important. Instinct plays a massive role in reading waves, which can only be developed by spending a lot of time paddling in waves. But some tips from Oscar Chalupsky can’t hurt!

So now that you’ve committed to open water paddling, and are devoted to developing your downwind prowess, here are some basic concepts to work on when you point that ski downwind.

TIPS FOR THE DEVELOPING SURFSKI PADDLER: Q & A WITH OSCAR CHALUPSKY

In your mind, what is the most important skill of a downwind paddler?
I would have to say that learning how to position your ski on the steepest part of the wave is vital. If you're missing the sweet spot of the wave, you're losing the foundation of the entire downwind run.

What is the most common mistake you see in ski paddlers who are working on downwind paddling?
The biggest problem I see with beginners and intermediates is that they often paddle way too hard! This may seem counter-intuitive, but when you have caught a wave, paddling to hard can be very detrimental and actually hinder your progress. Also, many developing downwind paddlers can get so focused on catching individual waves, they end up losing their line/direction to the finish! This is very easy to do when chasing runs.

What question do you get asked the most about ski paddling?
There isn't one specific question that sticks out, but I often hear confusion about what do you do when you wallow in the waves. Also, many paddlers simply want to know how to find the runs, wondering why they miss what other paddlers are catching.

When looking for waves, where should your focus be? Should you be looking around to the sides or directly in front of you?
Okay, this is one of my four points to focus on in downwind paddling: the quadrant of 90 degrees. You need to look for your runs in the 90 degree quadrant in front of you, using the finish line as the your center point. I always have four major points I keep in mind when paddling downwind:
" Where is the finish line - keep it in sight at all times
" Only look for waves and swell that are in your 90 degree quadrant
" Watch your competition
" Watch your GPS

What exactly are you looking for in a wave?
Quite simply you are looking for waves that will make the nose of your ski point downhill. Any good waves will do this, so more important is that you need to look for the steepest part of the wave, and make sure you ride the wave like a surfer, meaning go across the wave and not directly down it.

Do you only look one wave out, or are you trying to size up a course to link 2 or 3 runs together?
The first part is crucial: that you are exactly 90 degrees to the wave when catching it, so that you only have to paddle the same speed as the wave. If you are trying to catch a wave side ways then you have to paddle harder and faster. Once you are on the wave, you can ease back on the paddling and start scanning the quadrant in front of you for your next wave, so that you can "link" the runs. Be sure to stay at the top of the wave and then when you see the next run, let yourself go down and move across over to the next run. Its best to stay focused on this pattern.

When you find your next wave, when do you apply the power?
You always apply your power when you start to feel the nose of your ski start to point up, not when your nose is going downhill. You have more time to catch waves if you start paddling faster earlier!

When you feel you've caught the wave should your focus shift to steering your boat properly, not paddling?
Once on the wave, just like a surfer, try and keep on top and weave side to side, until you can line up the next wave. Paddle only to accomplish this and keep your positioning.

So when you catch a wave, you back off and try to stay up at the top of the wave? Should you stay perpendicular on the wave as long as possible?
Yes, the bigger the wave the less you should be putting the power down. You can just turn over your paddles - but no power. Again, you don't want to stay perpendicular once you are on the wave, or you will just go straight down into the next one. Move side to side for your next ride.

How do you make your move from one wave to the next? When do you know the ride is over, and to start powering up again?
Normally your ride is over when your nose starts going up. When this happens it is time to put the power down, as all waves are made of crest and troughs. When the nose goes up, your next wave has lined up behind you.

So it's more of a "sprint - rest - sprint - rest" paddling style?
Yes very much so; the best interval training in the world!

In ideal conditions, what percentage are you actually paddling versus surfing?
It depends on the day: if you have big conditions it can breakdown to about 20% paddling 80% riding waves. When in smaller seas, it is more like 50/50.

When waves are small (2-3 feet) is it better to focus on paddling, and just catch waves as opportunities? Or should you still focus on catching as many waves as possible, linking them up, etc.?
The small waves that are slow are a bit of a waste of time, as they only help you because you are going the same direction as the wind. If conditions are like this you're better off paddling at a solid pace, and look for help from little bumps when you can. If you are constantly sprinting to catch little waves that offer no real benefit, you expend a lot of valuable energy. Small waves that are moving fast however, like boat wake, can be great rides. You should focus on holding these wave as long as possible in the direction you are going!

What's the longest ride on a wave you caught?
I would say about 400 - 500 meters.

What's the top speed you've reached riding a wave?
The fastest I have hit in the ocean is 56.6 km/h (35 mph.) My fastest 1 km time in the sea is 1 minute 59 seconds; and fastest 1 hour downwind paddle distance is 21 km (13.5 miles.)

10km State Championships

30-Dec-12 Champion Lakes

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The Doctor

The Doctor World Series Event in Perth is Australia's most exciting ocean paddling event from Rottnest Island to Sorrento Beach covering 27.5kms (or vice versa depending on wind conditions). This event is scheduled for Saturday 19th January however has a two day window to allow for the best downwind racing conditions. Final race course and time will be decided on Friday evening at the pre race briefing. The races plans to start at Rottnest Island and finish at Sorrento Beach, however should the winds be blowing easterly then the course may be reversed.

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The Duel - Ocean VS Estuary -
12-13th January 2013

An Oceanpaddler World Series Event.
Ocean Ski, K1, Outrigger, SUP.
A paddling race with a twist, two courses, same distance, different conditions, starting at the same time and finishing in the same place... who will win, Ocean or Estuary?

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Finn Kayak with Pod: $750.00
Bass Sit-in small 2.8m kayak: Good condition $400.00
Finn Molakai Mk 2: Underslung Rudder. $700.00