Snapped rudder shaft

We paddled yesterday in pond-like conditions from Fish Hoek to Muizenberg, where we started plying in some gentle waves on the backline. Catching my 3rd one, I suddenly broached and took a swim, luckily holding onto the boat with my toes by the footstraps. As I was heading back out....no steering! My rudder was gone. I made it the 5km back to Fish Hoek using counter-leaning to steer. On inspection: my Epic V10L Ultra's carbon rudder shaft had clean snapped flush with the hull. If that had been a downwind or rough water ,I'd have taken out my cell phone and called for help. I know the carbon vs steel shaft issue has been raised before, but I'm raising it again.... (ps I'm a great fan of the boat- that's not the issue.)

I have to agree about the carbon shaft. A friend of mine came in after a paddle and was standing next to his ski in very calm ankle deep water when a "toe" high ripple passed by and pushed his V10L onto the beach. Snap - guess what happened. I know he should have been more careful but I think the disadvantage of that wonderfully light rudder is just not worth it.

Maybe Epic should offer a standard SS shaft rudder for their glass boats with a carbon shaft option?

What rudder and shaft have you replaced it with, Gavin?

Gary,
Denis at the Paddling Centre in Fish Hoek very kindly and efficiently fitted an old replacement rudder of a similar elliptical shape, as a temporary solution. In the meanwhile I'm waiting to hear what kind of replacement Epic SA will be able to provide. Not keen on a carbon shaft again, though, after this experience...