Kayaks

Recent Kayak Reviews

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100

My husband and I bought the Tarpon 100 kayaks for each other for Christmas 2017. We are extremely satisfied with the kayaks and can't wait for warmer weather to take them out this spring! So far we are very happy with the Tarpon 100 kayaks. We have used them in the bay and various lakes. I love the size in that we can throw them in the back of his truck without using a carrier. They were great in the bay in the Outerbanks—even had our dog on the kayak with us! Wilderness Systems builds a sturdy… Full review

Seaward Kayaks Chilco

Beauty and performance at a reasonable price point. From their website, "Seaward has produced the finest handcrafted kayaks in the world for 30 years. Our reputation is based on quality, innovation and attention to detail. When you purchase a Seaward Kayak you buy a product on which you can depend to take you further."   Find them here http://www.seawardkayaks.com Seaward Kayaks is located in Canada and hand builds all their composite boats from the finest materials. They sell direct to the consumer… Full review

BIC Sport Bilbao

A tough little kayak with surprising performance... Mention BIC and most people think about lighters and writing pens, but they make so much more. In 1979 BIC Sport was founded by the Bich family, makers of BIC pens and lighters. BIC Sport grew from the family’s passion for water sports and expertise in sustainable manufacturing. By the late 1980s BIC Sport was a world leader in windsurf manufacturing. Since then they have expanded into surf boards, paddle boards, small sailboats, and kayaks. Full review

Stellar Kayaks 14' Surf Ski S14S

Been wishing for a high performance, lightweight SOT??? Your wish has been granted. Behold the Stellar S14S. The Stellar S14S is a hybrid cross between a recreational SOT and a surf ski kayak. It's a composite boat, which means unlike its roto-molded siblings, it's very lightweight not to mention easily repaired. It's also beautiful to look at both on and off the water. Most of all, it's an absolute pleasure to paddle. So what the heck is a surf ski kayak anyway? Surf ski kayaks have been around… Full review

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140

A versatile, high quality kayak built to last a lifetime. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140 is not marketed as a lightweight boat, so I'm not going to deduct points because it's heavy, but know that it is. The Orbix hatches used on these boats look really cool and are convenient to open and close; but they all leak which some people consider a really big deal. I don't. Kayaking is a water sport. That means I and my stuff will probably get wet. Stuff I don't want wet I put in a dry bag; easy. You… Full review

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100

A hard boat to justify. Without a doubt Wilderness Systems builds exceptional plastic kayaks. They will easily last a lifetime of heavy use with minimal care. They are virtually indestructible in the hands of all but the most extreme users. The Tarpon 100, 120, 140, and 160 all offer what many consider to be the most comfortable SOT seat and driest ride available.  They also come with quite the feature set. So what's the problem? I'll start with the hatches. The Orbix hatches used on these boats… Full review

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120

One of the best balanced "all around" kayaks available. The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 is not marketed as a lightweight boat, so I'm not going to deduct points because it's heavy, but know that it is. The hatch covers look super cool, but I've yet to know one that doesn't leak.  So now you know the bad. Now let's talk about the good.   The seat is adjustable three different ways while you're sitting in it and offers one of the driest rides in the business. No sitting in a puddle. These attributes… Full review

NRS Bandit I

Bought it after a friend let me use his Duckie, but it was a totally different type of boat. The Bandit is small and maneuverable and a lot of fun. I purchased this inflatable used from an outfitter. Got it at about half the price of a new one. I then had thigh straps and foot braces installed. Ran the Upper Pigeon from the powerhouse input down to the SMO takeout about 200 times at levels from low water to about 4,000 FPS. I ended up swimming a couple of times. The first time I did it I sat for… Full review

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 120 Angler

The most important issue being the watertight storage, it's sadly not water tight and leaks like a sieve. Mine was purchased at Up & Under, UK, and manufactured under license by Palm Europe International. It was returned twice because of the bad leak and a full refund issued. No replacement offered as there is a mould (mold) issue and the 120 will always leak. If it was not for the leak it would have scored highly, but a boat that leaks is not much use. Full review