Epic Surfski Speed Comparison with Greg Barton - RiverMiles

[Pages:2]Epic Surfski Speed Comparison with Greg Barton

Taken from:

Paddlers frequently ask how much faster they can expect to be in one surfski versus a different model. For example: "How much faster will I be if I move from the V10 Sport to the V10?"

Numbers relating to boat speed and time trials are very subjective, and vary from paddler to paddler. Personal fitness, technique and comfort can all play a role in whether one boat is better than another for a specific individual. However, all things being equal, it is fun and informative to gauge the different levels of performance that are possible throughout different surfski models. We don't have Epic's drag calculations to give precise answers on their surfski speeds. But we have the next best thing, Greg Barton's analysis of his own speed expectations for his surfskis. This is a non-scientific analysis, based solely on Greg's experience designing, building and paddling the Epic surfski line.

The following times are what Greg Barton, paddling the stated Epic surfski models, would expect to record in a 10K flatwater time-trial. The second set of times reflect Greg's best estimate as to what an intermediate level paddler could expect on the same course.

Greg's Epic Surfski Speed Comparison {Theoretical 10K flatwater time-trial}

Greg Barton: V6 ? 46:40 V7-46:10 V8-45:50 Old V10 Sport ? 45:00 New V10 Sport ? 44:40 Old V10 ? 44:00 New V10 ? 43:58 V10L ? 43:48 V12 & Legacy ICF ? 43:30 V14 ? 43:20

Intermediate Level Paddler: V6 ? 53:50 V7 ? 53:25 V8 ? 53:10 Old V10 Sport ? 52:40 New V10 Sport ? 51:55 Old V10 ? 52:00 New V10 ? 51:40 V10L ? 51:40 V12 ? 51:45 Legacy ICF ? 52:40 V14-52:00

Some notes from Greg: ? The new Epic surfski models are generally faster AND more stable than our previous

versions, even though it seems that may be difficult to accomplish. Of particular note is our new V10 Sport, which is noticeably faster than the older version while having improved stability. ? It's hard to generalize between the new V10 and the new V10L because they are weight dependent. The new V10L is optimized for lighter weights (165lbs/75kg and under) so a smaller paddler will find the V10L noticeably faster, while a heavier paddler will be faster in the V10. ? The new V-Series surfskis are completely new designs. We started with a blank slate and designed the new series from the ground up. The only one drawing from the previous version is the V8. We tweaked the hull, then modified the back deck, handles and added our new bailer for the current generation. ? It's important to remember that as your conditioning/technique/speed increase, you'll see more advantage to using a faster boat. ? Even though the hull speed of the Legacy is faster, most people will still be faster in a V10/V12/V14 because the increased stability will allow them to effectively apply power. The same is true for the intermediate paddler in the V12 and V14 relative to the V10. ? The Legacy will also depend on paddler weight. My weight is 175 lbs. Paddlers over 200 lbs. (even good ones with strong stability skills) will be faster in a V10/V12/V14 than a Legacy. The longer length of a ski more easily supports the weight of a heavier paddler. Those under 150 lbs. and with good stability skills will find more advantage in the Legacy over the skis. ? As soon as the conditions pick up, even 6"-12" chop, the skis have a tremendous advantage over a Legacy K1. ? At normal touring intensities, around 4 mph, the V6 and V8 are nearly the same speed.

 ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download