Nordic Kayaks RAPIDO Carbon Lite: First Impressions & Comparison with Epic V9 Performance.
Hi everyone,I recently picked up a Nordic Kayaks RAPIDO in the Carbon Lite layup. Before buying, I searched online for reviews but found very little information, so I wanted to share my initial impressions to help anyone looking into this boat.
For context, I’m an experienced paddler and was extremely well-adapted to my previous ski, an Epic V9 (Performance construction). I’m 1.75m (5'9") and 65kg (143 lbs)—so a lighter paddler with narrow hips. I paddle in Santos Bay, Brazil, which gives me a mix of everything: variable winds, strong currents, ocean swells, boat wakes, beach breaks, and flat water in the estuary.
Here is how the RAPIDO Carbon Lite stacks up against the V9 Performance:
Build & Finish: Being Carbon Lite, it’s significantly lighter (and more expensive), but visually the finish is top-notch. It's narrower, longer, and feels noticeably stiffer.Stability & Remounts: My first remount was seamless. It felt slightly more twitchy at first, but that sensation disappeared within minutes.
Cockpit & Ergonomics: The cockpit feels snugger, deeper, and positioned further forward. For me, it’s very comfortable and locks me into a much more "competitive" paddling posture.
Performance: Acceleration from a standstill is effortless. It catches waves easily, holds its speed beautifully, and maneuvers really well. It just loves to lock into a swell and stay there.
Bottom line: If you are comfortable on a V9 Performance and want to step up to a more efficient, faster boat without the scare factor, switching to the Nordic RAPIDO Carbon Lite is a smooth, incredibly satisfying upgrade!
Happy to answer any questions if you're considering one. Cheers!
