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 aim to provide the most complete and best range of surfskis, paddles, gear and clothing to support your Ocean Paddling in the UK.

Ocean Surfski gear

Taking on the UK Epic Kayaks dealership from Ivan Lawler, we now have evolved into Ocean Surfski, with the honour of representing both Epic and now Fenn in the UK – the two original and best known, most progressive surfski brands in the world. We stock skis and kayaks to suit the full range of abilities, and the full range of Epic Paddles (wings and tourers). 

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. We hold the largest range and stock of Vaikobi in the UK, available in store and online.

This is complemented by our extensive range of high-quality personal gear from Epic Paddles, Ocean Born Foundation, Funky Pants, Coco Loco wetsuit shampoo and Sunzapper. We also stock Farley Sport and Lawler Engineering V Bar systems for transporting your skis, and accessories from Tango Charlie Lights, Reed and Red Paddle.

Located midway between the North Devon surfing beaches and the South Devon coast, close to the M5 (junction 27) our customers come from all over the UK (and further afield) to demo skis and look through the shop. With a stock of over 100 skis many drive away with a ski on their roof bars on the same day. 

We often dig out the passports to head to Cornwall, Wales and Scotland, and take the occasional group trip to Tarifa to visit the Zen Master for unbeatable downwinds.

Paying it forward

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 help fund numerous paddlers in the GB Ocean Racing Team, taking skis throughout Europe and beyond, give them the opportunity to represent their country and promote the sport.

Working with various partners with 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.

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! 

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.

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 bright, and we continue to help establish more races in the UK and more racers to compete internationally. Our plans with Stride Forward to extend the possibilities of adaptive rehabilitation are hugely exciting - get in touch to get involved! 

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, using good technique and the best craft and equipment with others, and in particular giving young paddlers the foundations on which to develop their own love of paddling and being the best people they can be.

Having helped re-established the GB Ocean Racing Team and to get Ocean Racing recognised as a discipline by Paddle UK, he is now 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 Ski paddling to SLSGB.

Having previously been the 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 the other kayak sports.

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 business, 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 a 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