31st March 2008

Bennett Maxwell Winner of the Open K2 Event reviews the Epic Marathon K-1 XL

I received the boat about an hour from start and adjusted the seating position and the footstrap on the water - before I started I had decided only to do some of the race as we had the K2 the next day which was our primary aim. But I primarily did the K1 to get a feel for the course under pressure.

After adjusting the footstrap on the water I was very happy with the comfort and fit of the boat - I already knew my seating position from the sprint racing I had done earlier.

At the start the boat was fast and comfortable, I was easily able to get onto the first wash of the lead boat and sit there without any problems. The boat accelerates quickly and at least as fast as the Nelo. The main things I noticed about the boat which were distinct advantages over the nelo and other boats I have paddled is that the boat is extremely stable on the wash. It doesn't bob around like the Nelo and you feel like you have much more control over the boat.

The steering was absolutely the best I have had in a K1 - responsive but providing absolute precision. The turning circle was easily as good as the Nelo's. I only paddled in the top pack for 8km before pulling out to save myself for the K2 race the next day but I would recommend the Epic K1 marathon boat as easily the fastest and manoeverable I have paddled and there should be a large market for this boat in the marathon canoe segment.