Ten years ago we were given the opportunity to help establish and grow the sport of Ocean Racing in the UK, and to set up a youth programme to introduce younger paddlers to Ocean Racing. We are Ocean Surfski. We aim to provide the best and most complete range of surfskis in the UK, with the paddles, gear and clothing to get you on the water.

Ocean Surfski

Taking over the UK Epic Kayaks dealership from Ivan Lawler, we now have the honour of representing both Epic and Fenn in the UK – the two original and best known, most progressive surfski brands in the world. We stock surfskis to suit the full range of abilities and purpose, and the full range of Epic Paddles. 

In addition to these two great brands, we have the privilege to work with Vaikobi, the leading global brand of high-performance ocean sports clothing and PFD’s, designed by and for paddlers. We hold the largest range and stock of Vaikobi in the UK, available in store and online.

As of summer 2025 we are also the UK stockists for Engine Swimwear, an exciting move to complement our other clothing lines, including Funky Pants and Ocean Born Foundation. All our gear has been chosen by our athletes for performance quality, comfort and style. 

To complete the whole package to get you on the water we are the UK supplier for Farley Sport and Lawler Engineering V Bar systems for transporting your skis and kayaks, and accessories from Tango Charlie Lights, Reed, Radical Wax, Sunzapper and Red Paddle. 

Visit us

Located near junction 27 of the M5 (Tiverton) we are midway between the North Devon surfing beaches and the South Devon coast. Our customers come from all over the UK (and further afield) to demo skis, fit their roof racks, and look through the shop. With a stock of over 100 skis to choose from we probably have what you need. You can drive away with a new ski on your roof bars, with a paddle, clothing, PFD and anything else you need to get you safely on the water, in most conditions.  

Partners

We work very closely with our suppliers to improve the kit and access to the sport. Our collaboration with Kirton Kayaks, just down the road, goes back to Jim's GB racing days when Dave Green designed and built his racing kayaks. 

Paying it forward

The youth development, mentoring and coaching program is our opportunity to pay it forward, born from the support Jim was given when he competed at international level in various kayak disciplines, and is drawn from our years of experience and involvement with SLS and kayak racing clubs, military and school teams.

We do all we can to get young (and young at heart), able and less abled paddlers onto the water, and for several years, we have managed, mentored, coached and helped fund numerous paddlers to get into the GB Ocean Racing Team, taking skis throughout Europe and beyond, give them the opportunity to represent their country and promote the sport. Many now are our Ambassadors, competing at the highest levels across the world in SLS and Ocean Racing, including Ellie McCloy, Piran Phillips, John White, Brynde Kreft and Toby Peyton-Jones. We are proud to coach and support Woolacombe Surf Life Saving Club, National Champions for the last 3 years.   

Working with various partners we have supported boundary pushing and unusual challenges and charity endeavours, where the surfski is unique in enabling people to achieve success in situations not possible with more traditional craft, including Kayak for Heroes, Dougal's Epic Adventure, Stride Forward, The Not Forgotten Association, and Red Nose Challenge. 

Several of the paddlers we are involved with have taken the unique strengths of the surfski revolutionising endurance paddling, setting records including the two fastest circumnavigations of the UK, the fastest crossing of the Irish Sea and circumnavigations of the Isle of Wight and Isle of Anglesey records (See Challenges and our Ambassador pages).  We love dot watching! 

Looking ahead

Our main focus continues to be the consolidation of our business, which in turn allows us to put more back into the sport. Our aim is to share the freedom of surfski, reaching a wide range of paddles. 

The future of Ocean Racing is exciting with 2026 set to be our biggest year yet, as we continue to support and establish more races throughout the UK and more racers to compete internationally. 

Jim Taylor-Ross

Jim is the driving force behind Ocean Surfski, with a multi-disciplinary canoeing, sailing and surf lifesaving background. He has represented GB in Wild Water Racing, Marathon, Dragon Boat and Ocean Racing.

His motivation comes from sharing his passion for the freedom and independence of being on the water with others, using good technique and the best craft and equipment available. In particular he is driven by giving young paddlers the opportunities and foundations on which to develop their own love of paddling, and being the best people they can be.

As a former Coaching Rep in the British Canoeing Marathon Racing Committee, Jim has always encouraged the cross over between kayak disciplines and has been highly influential in the growth of ocean racing and surfski in the UK, to compliment other kayak disciplines. Having helped establish the GB Ocean Racing Team, getting Ocean Racing recognised as a discipline by Paddle UK in 2025, Jim is the Safety Advisor on the ORUK Committee and a Team Selector. He is a member of the European Canoe Association Ocean Racing group, an independent member on the Paddle UK Safety Advisory Board, a National Race Coach Tutor and an adviser for ocean racing to SLSGB.

With a background in engineering and project management (military, international humanitarian aid and the rail industry) and with numerous expeditions under his belt, expedition and event planning is all part of the job. 

Jim has also been known (occasionally) to sell boats. 

Annabel Taylor-Ross

Annabel runs Jim, the office, the shop, the family and the farm, but when the sun is out she will try to be on the beach. A self-confessed fair weather paddler, she is absolute proof that a surfski life is not about racing, and that waves don't need to be huge to be enjoyed. 

With a background in the military, international aid, teaching and farming she now runs Ocean Surfski and is also a Level 6 freelance Careers Advisor.

 "Jim and Annabel are knowledgeable and detailed with their approach. Their years of competing and involvement at all levels of paddling across many disciplines, from the elite level to the grass roots of the sport, is evident. As is their love of paddling and willingness to help build the future of the sport. Excellent to deal with and always willing to go the extra mile." Jono Crowe