What Epic Kayaks Australia does

Epic Kayaks Australia (legal entity: Epic Paddle Sports Pty Limited, ACN 619 949 754) is a family-owned, independent Australian company founded in 2001 and headquartered in Brookvale, New South Wales, with a Sydney demo centre at Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Mosman. It operates as the exclusive distributor of the global Epic Kayaks brand throughout Australia, selling performance surfskis, kayaks, carbon and composite paddles, accessories, and apparel. The company runs a hybrid go-to-market: direct-to-consumer sales via a Shopify e-commerce storefront at epickayaks.com.au (with free delivery over AUD $250 and free surfski/kayak delivery to major metro areas) and a wholesale channel through an Australia-wide dealer network. Additional revenue streams include rental services, a pre-loved/used-ski collection, and free test-paddle demos at the Sydney Demo Centre.

The product range spans rotomolded polyethylene entry-level skis (AUD $2,145–$2,245), through composite Performance, Ultra, Elite, and the new Miller's Limited Edition lay-ups (up to AUD $6,099). Core technology is supplied by Epic's global manufacturing operation and includes vacuum infusion with heat-cured epoxy construction using carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fiberglass composites with Nomex honeycomb cores, alongside patented innovations such as the Epic Bailer System and the Length-Lock 2 Adjustable Ferrule. Customer segments cover beginner-to-intermediate paddlers, advanced and elite racing paddlers (the V10/V12/V14 and Miller's lines), touring kayakers (V5/V8 Tourer, GPX, 14X, 18X), sprint/K1 racers, and families seeking tandem stability (V8 Double, 18X Double). Distribution does not extend to Tasmania, Northern Territory, South Australia, or Western Australia.

Name

Epic Kayaks Australia

Legal name

Epic Paddle Sports Pty Limited

Website

https://epickayaks.com.au

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Epic Kayaks Australia (Epic Paddle Sports Pty Limited) is the exclusive Australian distributor of the global Epic Kayaks brand, selling high-performance composite surfskis, kayaks, paddles, and accessories directly to consumers and through an Australia-wide dealer network, supported by a Sydney demo centre.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performance Surfskis and Kayaks

NAICS

Boat Dealers (441222)

akta.pro primary industry

Paddle Sports Retail (Kayak, Canoe, SUP, Paddles) (CRAMAIAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Water Sports & Marine Recreation Retail (Paddle/Surf/Dive/Boat Accessories) (CRAMABAI)

Keywords

• Performance surfskis
• Composite kayaks
• Kayak paddles
• Watersports equipment
• Sea kayaks

Headquarters

HQ city

Brookvale

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct Product Sales: Revenue generated from selling Epic Kayaks surfskis, kayaks, paddles, accessories, and apparel directly to consumers through their e-commerce website. Products include various price points from rotomolded entry-level skis to premium elite composite models.
2. Wholesale/Distribution: Revenue from distributing Epic Kayaks products to dealers across Australia. The company operates as both retailer and wholesaler, supplying dealer network throughout the country.
3. Demo Services: Free demo opportunities offered at Sydney demo centre to potential customers, facilitating sales by allowing test paddles before purchase.
4. Pre-loved/Used Equipment Sales: Sale of pre-loved skis, trade-ins, one-offs and demo skis through dedicated collection.
5. Rental Services: Rental services offered for surfskis and kayaks for customers wanting to try before buying or for temporary use.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Epic Kayaks Australia is the exclusive Australian distributor and retailer of Epic Kayaks performance surfskis, sea kayaks, sprint kayaks, paddles, and accessories. The company sells direct-to-consumer via its e-commerce storefront and through an Australia-wide dealer network, with products ranging from rotomolded entry-level craft to premium Elite and Miller's Limited Edition composite racing skis. Additional services include on-water demos at the Sydney Demo Centre and rental of surfskis and kayaks.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• V5 Surfski Generation 2 Entry-level performance surfski designed for beginners progressing into performance paddling. The most stable surfski in the Epic fleet, suitable for mild to wild conditions including flatwater cruising, surf zone play, and learning downwind skills. Available in Performance and Ultra composite constructions with an under-hull rudder, adjustable foot brace, and Epic's patented bailer.
• V5 Tourer Touring surfski variant of the V5 designed for paddlers who need storage capacity for longer paddles while maintaining the stable V5 hull. Features a 55L rear hatch, kickup rudder (with optional under-hull rudder), and is available in Performance and Ultra constructions.
• V5 Rotomolded Entry-level polyethylene rotomolded surfski offering the V5 hull design at a lower price point. Heavier construction suited for beginners and rougher conditions where durability outweighs the need for lightweight composite materials.
• V7 Rotomolded Entry-level polyethylene rotomolded surfski designed for beginner paddlers. Provides a durable, lower-cost introduction to surfski paddling with the V-series hull design.
• V8 Surfski Mid-range performance surfski in the Epic V-series offering a step up in speed and handling over the V5 and V7 while maintaining accessibility for progressing paddlers. Available in Performance, Ultra, Elite, and Miller's Limited Edition constructions.
• V8 Tourer Touring-oriented surfski combining V8 performance characteristics with expedition-grade storage. Features 85L front and 77L rear cargo hatches, bulkheads, and both over-stern and under-hull rudders. Built for paddlers wanting surfski performance with touring capacity.
• V8 Double Tandem version of the V8 surfski designed for two paddlers, suitable for coaching, introducing beginners, or family paddling. Provides stable platform for paddlers of different skill levels to paddle together.
• V9 Surfski Advanced performance surfski designed by Greg Barton to occupy the sweet spot between the V8 Pro and V10 Sport. Optimized for downwind surfing with increased rocker and stability. Available in Performance, Ultra, Elite, and Miller's Limited Edition constructions.
• V10 Generation 4 Surfski Advanced performance surfski incorporating features from the V12 into a more user-friendly design. Shares bow shape with the Gen 3 V12 for improved downwind performance. Features improved seat ergonomics with lower hump height for better leg drive.
• V12 Surfski Elite downwind performance surfski in its third generation. Features more rocker, responsive rudder position, and the V11 cockpit. More stable than the V14 with slightly shorter length for quicker turning while being faster than V10 on flat water.
• V14 Generation 2 Surfski Elite ocean racing surfski reimagined for classic big ocean conditions. Builds on the downwind success of the Gen 3 V12 while maintaining legendary V14 speed. Optimized for paddlers weighing 60-85 kg and can accommodate up to approximately 90 kg.
• K1T Sprint Kayak Sprint racing kayak designed for ICF sprint racing and masters-class competition. Provides sprint-specific hull design with stability for training and lighter weight for quick acceleration out of the start.
• K1 Sport Sprint Kayak Sprint racing kayak designed for ICF sprint racing enthusiasts including masters-class racers, fitness paddlers, and developing sprint racers requiring sprint-specific hull design.
• GPX Sea Kayak Sea kayak designed for touring paddlers. Available in Performance and Ultra constructions for day touring, expedition, and recreational paddling with appropriate storage for gear.
• 14X Sea Kayak Sea kayak in the Epic lineup designed for touring, expedition, and recreational paddling. Available in Performance and Ultra constructions.
• 18X Sport Sea Kayak Sea kayak featuring the Epic Track Master Steering System for precise control and tracking. Designed for touring paddlers needing advanced steering capabilities, available in Performance and Ultra constructions.
• 18X Double Sea Kayak Tandem sea kayak designed for two paddlers. Built for touring, expedition, and recreational paddling in pairs, available in Performance and Ultra constructions.
• Small Mid Wing Paddle Performance paddle in the Small Mid Wing design suitable for surfski paddlers. Available in Club Carbon and Full Carbon constructions featuring Epic's award-winning wing paddle design.
• Mid Wing Paddle Epic's signature Mid Wing paddle featuring the award-winning wing design. Available in Club Carbon and Full Carbon constructions for surfski paddlers.
• Mid Large Wing Paddle Larger wing variant in the Epic paddle lineup. Available in Club Carbon construction, designed for paddlers preferring a larger wing surface.
• Mid Twist Paddle Exclusive Epic paddle design featuring the patented Length-Lock 2 adjustable ferrule technology enabling fully adjustable length and feather settings. Available in Full Carbon construction only.
• Active Touring Paddle Touring-oriented paddle designed for active paddlers undertaking longer paddles. Full Carbon construction suitable for sea kayaking and expedition use.
• Relaxed Touring Paddle Touring paddle designed for relaxed-pace paddling on day tours and recreational paddles. Full Carbon construction.
• Kayak Accessories and Spare Parts Range of kayak accessories including Boat Stands ($180), Boat Socks ($150-$180), Surf Rudders ($130), Universal Rudders ($130), Weedless Rudders ($155), Deluxe Leg Leashes ($55), Paddle Leashes ($45), and Non-Slip Foot Pads ($45). Spare parts collection supports maintenance of Epic craft.
• Epic Kayaks Australia Branded Apparel Branded apparel range including Flag T-shirt in white ($45), Navy T-shirt ($45), Black Crew Jumper ($80), and Trucker Hats in multiple colors ($35).
• Pre-Loved Surfskis and Used Equipment Collection of pre-loved skis, trade-ins, one-offs, and demo skis sold at the Australian Epic Kayaks storefront. Provides a lower-cost entry point for paddlers wanting Epic craft.
• Sydney Demo Centre - On-Water Test Paddles Free on-water demo service at the Sydney Demo Centre located at Middle Harbour Yacht Club, Mosman. Full range of surfskis, kayaks, and paddles available for testing by appointment. Operates as a sales-enablement service rather than a revenue-generating rental.
• Surfski and Kayak Rental Service Rental service offering surfskis and kayaks for customers who want to try before buying or for temporary use. Usage-based rental available through the Australian Epic Kayaks storefront.
• Miller's Limited Edition Elite Lay-Up (Premium Construction Option) Premium composite lay-up option developed over 18 months. Full carbon lightweight construction featuring next-generation materials and boat-building techniques with titanium components. Available across V9, V10, and V14 models. Boats weigh approximately 10.2-10.5kg. Priced at $6,099 AUD per ski.

Quantifiable outcome

• Guaranteed accurate weights within 10% at time of purchase - Epic's advertised weights are for fully-outfitted kayaks unlike competitors who publish weights without outfitting
• +2 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Three partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Middle Harbour Yacht ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2024Partnership with Middle Harbour Yacht Club in Mosman, NSW to operate the Sydney Demo Centre. Located at the popular Sydney Harbour Surf Club, the demo centre provides access to Middle Harbour waters with flat water conditions and bump access. The club provides the venue and Epic provides demonstration facilities at the water's edge.
• Epic Kayaks (Global)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEpic Kayaks Australia operates as the exclusive distributor of Epic Kayaks products in Australia. Epic Kayaks is the global manufacturer founded by Greg Barton, two-time Olympic gold medalist and world-renowned kayak designer. The partnership grants exclusive rights to distribute the full range of Epic surfskis, kayaks, paddles, and accessories throughout Australia.
• Sydney Harbour Surf ClubminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocated at the Sydney Harbour Surf Club near the Spit, Mosman. Partnership provides access to club facilities and waters for Epic's demo centre operations.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Fenn Surfski: South African manufacturer of premium racing surfskis with strong downwind pedigree, directly competing with Epic's V12 and V14 lines. Fenn is sold in Australia through its own dealer network and targets the same advanced-to-elite paddler customer base as Epic Kayaks Australia.
• Think Kayaks: South African manufacturer of premium surfskis and sea kayaks. Think Kayaks' product range overlaps with Epic's surfski and touring kayak offerings, and it serves Australian paddlers through its own distribution channels targeting the same performance-focused customer segments.
• Stellar Kayaks: US-based manufacturer of composite surfskis, kayaks, and paddleboards using similar vacuum-infusion and lightweight lay-up techniques to Epic. Stellar sells internationally through distributors and competes in Australia on both construction technology and price-performance positioning against Epic's Performance and Ultra tiers.
• Werner Paddles: Premium paddle manufacturer whose carbon and fiberglass paddles compete directly with Epic's Club Carbon, Full Carbon, and Mid Twist paddle lines. Werner is the leading independent paddle brand globally and overlaps with Epic Kayaks Australia on the paddle side of the product mix sold to the same paddler customer.
• Nelo: Portuguese manufacturer of premium surfskis and kayaks, widely considered Epic's principal global competitor in the high-performance racing category. Nelo designs compete head-to-head with Epic's V-series and have their own Australian distribution footprint serving the same elite and intermediate paddler segments.

Broad incumbents

• Anaconda Stores: Major Australian outdoor and adventure retailer carrying a broad range of kayaks, paddles, and water sports accessories. Anaconda competes with Epic Kayaks Australia on the recreational and entry-level side but lacks the premium surfski specialization and brand exclusivity that anchor Epic's proposition.
• BCF (Boating, Camping, Fishing): Australia's largest specialty outdoor and boating retail chain, selling entry-level kayaks, paddles, and accessories at scale across all states. BCF competes with Epic Kayaks Australia for the entry-level and intermediate paddler segment but does not offer elite surfski lay-ups or specialised service.

Others

• Epic Kayaks (Global): Global manufacturer and brand owner of Epic Kayaks products, founded by Olympic champion Greg Barton, and the exclusive supplier to Epic Kayaks Australia. Operates as the upstream ecosystem partner — designing, manufacturing, and holding the IP that the Australian distributor commercialises.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/EpicKayaks
• Facebookfacebook.com/EpicKayaksAustralia
• Instagraminstagram.com/epickayaksaus
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/epic-kayaks-australia

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Epic Kayaks Australia