Surf Ski Accessories
There is a range of gear to accompany your surf ski - essential safety items, pads for providing more slip and body rotation and traction for the feet, plus accessories for transporting and storing your ski. We use and recommend the Epic Kayaks and Surf Skis, Vaikobi and Mocke range of surf ski accessories.
PFDs (Personal Floatation Device)
Paddles
Paddle and Leg Leashes
Seat Pads and Stability Pads
Traction Foot Pads
Hip Pads
Transport and Storage
Spare Parts
Surf Skiing Adventures - Safely!
As your skills increase your surf ski really comes into its own - time to get out and enjoy long downwind surf runs on the Bay wave or ocean!
In a big downwind run it is important to think about your safety and carry more than just the minimum required safety gear - you need to be self sufficient in safety gear in case your mates cannot get back to you if you get into trouble.
You should wear suitable clothing and carry appropriate safety devices:
Hi-Visibility PFD (Type 2)
Hi-Visibility clothing
Hat / Cap / BUFF
Water and snacks suitable for the duration
Mobile phone in dry bag/Aquapac or Overboard phone case
Paddle leash or calf leash
PLB/EPIRB/SPOT device
Day time flares (orange smoke) - available from yacht shops
Personal Floatation Devices for Surf Ski Paddling
Surf ski paddlers, whether training or competing, value a Personal Floatation Device (PFD) that is slim-line, with no protruding pockets to impede their paddle stroke.
The Mocke Racer PFD is buoyant, brightly coloured and has flush utility pockets that will hold a drink bladder at the back and some snacks at the front.
The Vaikobi V3 Ocean Racer PFD is another great solution for surf ski paddlers - slimline, brightly coloured (orange & fluoro yellow), breathable and with a hydration pocket at back and mesh pockets in the front. It is a front zip fastening PFD so has the advantage of being easy to put on and needing adjustment once only.
Mocke Racer PFD
Vaikobi V3 Ocean Racer PFD
Paddles
A wing paddle is the optimum for smooth, fast, surf ski paddling. The mid wing size such as an Epic Mid Wing or Braca Sport paddle such as the Braca Sport IV are a very popular all-round size.
Full Carbon mid-wing paddle
The Epic mid wing id available as a 2 piece fully adjustable paddle (feather fully adjustable), 10cm length adjustment) in Full Carbon construction (680g) and Club Carbon construction (737g). The blades of both are full carbon, with the difference being in the shaft construction. The Full carbon is also available as a Pro Grip, where the shaft is narrower, but the grip area is a normal diameter oval grip.
Braca Sport paddles are available in a wide variety of blade shapes and sizes, in both 2 piece adjustable (feather fully adjustable, 10cm length adjustment) and one piece fixed length & feather. Braca paddles are customisable, made to fit you - your size, craft and level of experience.
Paddle and Leg Leashes
Epic Deluxe Leg Leash
A Leg Leash (calf leash) is essential safety gear for staying connected to your surf ski or sit-on top kayak. Calf leashes attach just below knee. The Epic Deluxe Leg Leash is equipped with a quick release carabiner, whereas the Mocke Lifeline Calf Leash has a swivel connector and releases through the velcro (hook & loop). Being able to release the leash is a valuable feature for paddlers going in and out of big surf, as you typically do not want to be attached to your boat in larger shore break conditions.
Always use a leash! In strong winds, our lightweight boats can blow away from you faster than you can swim. Practice your remounts while wearing your leash(es) so there are no surprises when you are forced to remount.
The Paddle Leash attaches to your paddle shaft allowing you to keep track of your paddle in case you lose grip or require both hands to remount. Perfect for staying connected to your boat and/or hanging onto your paddle!
Epic Leg Leash Installation
Epic Paddle Leash Installation
Padding out your Surf Ski - comfort & performance
Seat Pads and Stability Pads
Epic's removable seat pad is made from 6.5mm (1/4") thick closed cell foam. It has a couple of circular cut-out areas to allow for the sit bones.
Another seat pad is the closed cell foam Mocke Seat Pad - adjustable size by simply trimming it up. Both these seat pads have a less slick surface than the earlier Epic seat pads shown in the Youtube.
Epic Seat Pad Installation
Use these seat pads for comfort or stack them to speed the transition to a narrower boat. The Epic Stability Seat Pad Set uses hook and loop fasteners so you can use 1 pad for everyday comfort, then add another 1, 2, or 3 pads to raise your centre of gravity and help simulate a less stable boat. You can also use them on flat water and then remove them when you get into rougher conditions. The top pad has cut outs to allow for the sit bones (same as the single seat pad). Set includes 4 pads.
Traction Foot Pads
Non-Slip Foot Pad set Installation
The Epic non-slip pads provide traction and comfort on all Epic Kayaks Surf Ski footboards. They fix to the footboard and pedals by self-adhesive backing.
Hip Pads
The Epic hip pads attach to the side of the seat for a more snug fit.
For better stability and control, the pouches contain three layers of foam, which can be added or removed as needed for personal fit.
Transport and Storage
Make sure you are safe when transporting your ski and do not overload your vehicle. Check with your local transport authority regarding "projecting loads". You should mark the end of the load with a red, red-yellow or yellow flag. Reflectors or a red light should be used at night.
Exact requirements vary from state to state - consult your local transport authority (eg. VicRoads) website.
Polyweave cover protects your surf ski when stored outside
If your surf ski spends a lot of time travelling on your car a travel sock (stretchie cover) is a good investment to protect from excessive UV. Always carry your surf ski in cradles. See our Roof Rack page for more information.
Ideally your surf ski should be stored inside! If it has to live outside it could be degrading due to UV exposure. A storage cover is a good idea - these are custom made from heavy duty polyweave. Measure up your surf ski for the best fit (circumference of widest part).
A set of Boat Stands are useful for resting your ski on whilst performing maintenance, cleaning or for storage.
Spare Parts
Sometimes parts wear out of are lost. It is possible to get spares of most Epic surf ski parts - bung plugs and rudder caps are easily replaceable.
Take care with your ski's rudder - running into obstacles - rocks or snags may drive the rudder up into the underside of the stern of your ski - an expensive mistake. The rotomoulded PE Epic V5 and V7 surf skis can be fitted with a kick-up rudder. Rudders can be replaced (Universal, Surf or Weedless carbon fibre rudders) but impacts are best avoided as the hull of you ski may be damaged!
Standard Epic Surf Ski Footboard assembly
Footboard parts are also available - the footboard comes as a complete unit along with footstrap (also available separately), pedals, sliders (the bits that fit into the rails) and the c-clip protectors that fit on the bottom of the board. These C-clips are available separately but the only way to really ensure they to not get lost is to fit a traction pad over the top of them. It is possible to get a footboard assembly to fit extra-long feet.
Epic Surf Ski Accessories Installation
Installing a hand hold