Epic V10, the Fenn Cuda, the hunt for Sub Elite Ski and being an outside dog

I’ve been on the hunt for a solid intermediate surfski for a while now. Currently, I own two Fenn Swordfish S skis from just before the factory fire, and I’m quite happy with them. I keep a Carbon Hybrid layup in Alaska and a heavier Fiberglass Epoxy layup in Miami, Florida. Interestingly, I actually prefer the heavier layup because it feels more stable, even though it doesn’t accelerate as well as the lighter one.

Last year at the Gorge, I had a great conversation with Charles from Epic about the 4th-generation V10, and it left me intrigued. My main concern is the volume. At only 70 kilos, I suspect the V10 might be designed for heavier paddlers. For instance, I once owned a Carbonology Vault X, a low-volume boat, and I got used to its buoyancy. I also own an older Fenn Elite Spark (currently trying to sell) and love its low volume, but I find it too unstable in choppy conditions. As a result, I tend to gravitate back to my Swordfish S and only use the Spark for flatwater racing.

I briefly owned the new Fenn Fenix Elite Spark S, but its stability didn’t suit my skill level at the time. I sold it to a friend with exceptional core strength and balance, and she absolutely loves it. Around that time, I compared the older Spark with the new Spark here in this forum—about a year ago, if anyone remembers. Recently, I tried both the new Elite S and the new Spark again (the one I sold to my friend), and I was surprised by how much better I handled them. Maybe my stability has improved since then.

I also owned the new Fenix Swordfish S for a short time but sold it within two months to a bigger paddler. The added volume made it feel corky to me, especially in standing waves, which are common in Miami. When the wind comes from the east, we get complex swell patterns due to the Bahamas’ shadow. Waves from the SE and NE often collide, creating fast, unpredictable conditions that take some getting used to.

In comparison, the older Swordfish S seems to have less volume than the Fenix version, and it fits my weight better. Still, I suspect I could benefit from an even lower-volume intermediate ski. One day, I might write a full review of the pre-fire Swordfish S—it’s an incredible ski, in my humble opinion. I’m puzzled why Fenn added so much volume to the Fenix version and raised the rails so high. Maybe it’s to accommodate the fact that paddlers are getting bigger these days? In my experience, the extra volume wasn’t necessary, and the tendency to pearl in big waves can be mitigated by leaning back slightly.

In the U.S., it’s tough to try a variety of skis like you can in South Africa. To get a feel for different designs, I’ve resorted to buying, testing, and reselling skis. I don’t make money on the sales—sometimes I break even, and sometimes I take a small loss—but it’s worth it to sample what’s out there. I jokingly call it my “Catch-and-Release Ski Program,” though some paddling friends call it “Surfski Speed Dating.”

My Question:
Any advice on the 4th-generation Epic and would the V10 would be a good fit for my weight category at 70 kilos?
I am also looking at the Fenn Cuda and will get to try that hopefully in the next two or three weeks.

Thanks. Not a Fenn paddler so no comment on your thread however loved the pic. A classic really! Haven't we all been there, end or start of day, out there and into the chop. Love it.