Wilderness Systems Kayaks

[itself]

Hi All,

I live in Arizona, the home of man-made lakes and gravely rock beaches! We have a Wilderness Systems Tandem the 135T that we love, but want to get some singles. We want a combination of storage and performance, and thus I have my eye on their Tsunami model. But I have to say, the fancy sit on top Tarpon is really cool, but that sucker is heavy.

I'm willing to look at other brands, but keep in mind, Kevlar is not my friend here in AZ. Pulling up on the beaches, me thinks, will really tear the hull up pretty quickly.

So, let me know what you are paddling, then I can find go to a place in Prescott and do a test run, but I want some ideas!

Thanks

Lisa

[LovetoPaddle]

I have heard nothing but good stuff about Wilderness Systems. I am seriously considering the Tarpon 140. I live in Mobile, AL so, there are few rocks to worry about.

I can get a new Tarpon 140 ('09), from a local dealer, for $600!!!!

It's going to be hard to beat the price. I do long trips (1-4 days) and fish, camp, explore, etc. I think this will be a good choice. I like sit-on-tops.

Are there any advantages to a sit-inside kayak? I've never been in one.

[kayakdan]

I have a Wilderness Systems Tsunami 140 and it is a great compromise for both speed, agility and storage. It's also light, weighing in an approximately 45lbs. I love mine, and would highly recommend it to anyone!

Good luck, and Best Wishes!

[Niord]

Advantages of a sit inside?
Lower center of gravity, more storage areas, something between you and snakes/skeeters besides just air... Easier to overnight in during an unexpected delay ie: storms, etc.
Grew up in the south, Franklin county AL to be exact. Kayaked in Maine & TN alot.

[itself]

The sit on tops are considered "entry level" kayaks. They tend to be heavier, and wider, and not quite as speedy. That doesn't make them a bad thing.

I have my eye on the Tsunami as it carries a lot of gear and can still move at a good pace. What I like about the Tsunami is that it is not confined. Some kayaks you climb into a small hole...don't like that!

Getting to a demo site to try different kayaks is a good thing! We lucked out with our tandem as it has been the perfect fit for us. The rudder that you steer with your feet is awesome! Wilderness makes a great kayak and our tandem has held up well.

Lisa :)

[AJarvi]

I have the Pungo 140 and absolutely love it. Tons of room, super stable yet moves through the water pretty easy.

[keith]

Both the Tsunami (http://www.kayakreview.org/go/tsunami145/) and the Pungo (http://www.kayakreview.org/go/pungo120/) are very nice sit-in kayaks and the Tarpon (http://www.kayakreview.org/go/tarpon160/) is an excellent sit-on-top kayak. I paddle a Tempest (http://www.kayakreview.org/go/tempest170/) and love it. The Tsunami is more of a touring kayak and the Pungo and Tarpon are more recreational. For some info about sit-in kayaks vs. sit on top kayaks (http://www.kayakreview.org/sit-on-top-kayaks), check out this recreational kayaks (http://www.kayakreview.org/recreational-kayaks) page.

[treadhead1952]

Hi All,

One of my new Kayak friends here in Las Vegas uses a Tarpon 160. He has had it for quite a while and uses it a lot. His only complaints are the weight and it is a bit tippy if you aren't used to Kayaks. But he does do pretty well in the speed department for a Sit On Top and I have seen him wrestle in more than a couple of nice fish with it.

Jay
treadhead1952
Las Vegas, NV