Wilderness Systems makes solid and comfortable kayaks. We paddle two Tsunamis, a 140 and a 125 sans rudder. Price did play a factor in choosing to go without a rudder but also, the kind of river paddling we do doesn’t require it (plus it’s easy to upgrade). That said, when it’s windy on the Wisconsin, it can come in handy. Both of these were purchased at Rutabaga, taking advantage of the post-Canoecopia discount. If you buy everything together (paddle, skirt, pfd), they will hmm and haw but eventually give you the discount.
What We Like:
Comfort. The seat and knee bracing is top notch. The 140 is for larger paddlers and the 125 is for shorter. With the Tsunami, you’ll be comfortable in any boat.
Tracking. Like previously mentioned, without a rudder, this boat is very stable and tracks incredibly well. It’s great for beginner and experienced paddlers.
Storage. One of the main reasons to buy the Tsunami is for touring. There are 2 hatches which offer plenty of room for multiple day trips (a little less in the 125 of course). Bungees are plentiful when you need to attach all those other things you can’t fit inside.
The Final Word:
A kayak is a big decision and a big investment. With the Tsunami from Wilderness Systems, you’re making a great investment. It’s always good to paddle before you buy. Once you try this one out, you’ll be taking it home soon after. The thing to keep in mind with a kayak purchase is that they hold their value. Search “kayak” on Craigslist and you’ll often find 5+ year old kayaks holding their value near the MSRP.
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Key Info:
Manufacturer: Wilderness Systems
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 140
Length: 14′
Width: 24″
Max Capacity: 300 lbs.
Deck Height: 15.25″
Weight: 55 lbs.
Cockpit Length: 35.5″
Cockpit Width: 19.5″
Wilderness Systems Tsunami 125
Length: 12′ 5″
Width: 26″
Max Capacity: 300 lbs.
Deck Height: 16″
Weight: 52 lbs.
Cockpit Length: 35.5″
Cockpit Width: 20″
1 Comment
Barry Poulton
December 15, 2023 at 11:55 amJust wanted to let you guys know, the cockpit dimensions for the Tsunami kayaks that you got from their web site, are dimensions that include the rim. That means the actual opening is 16” x 32”, and that’s for all of the recently re-designed models (since about 2018). This does make a difference for some people. I realize it’s WS fault for not giving actual opening size, they should have done that. I am 200 lbs and 5’11”, and I fit in the 125 but it is a very tight squeeze, especially since the seat takes up the rear 6” of the opening (and that’s even with the seat pan and back moved all the way rearward). Once you are in, it’s plenty roomy, I just wish that WS would have been more forthcoming about this spec.It might make wet exits more difficult for some folks.