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Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012

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The Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 sit-on-top kayak is designed for the casual paddler who wants a boat that's easy to steer whether in surf or on flat water. This boat is your ticket to fun!

Smooth-paddling design tracks very well, offers surprising speed and turns easily
Hull is crafted in high-density Gen2™ polyethylene to provide rugged durability and easy care
Multichine hull responds to leans and delivers terrific secondary stability; self-bailing hull design ensures flotation in rough water
10 ft. length and moderate weight allow kayak to be transported by the solo paddler
Redesigned Phase 3™ SOT seat features increased air circulation, adjustable backrest and leg support and easily accessible adjustment
Increased tank well size with bungee cords keeps tackle box and dry bags secure
New dual Slide-Trax rail system at front of seating area and tank well attach compatible accessories (not included) without tools or complicated adjustments
Keepers footbraces adjust to maximize comfort, personalizing your paddling experience and ensuring optimal paddling position
8 in. center hatch and 8 in. bow hatch offer dry storage for small items like clothing and lunch
Hatch covers feature a hinged design and locking lever; to open hatch, simply slide lever to unlock cover and flip open to access gear
Stow your paddle when you get a bite with the bungee paddle/rod holders with quick-release tabs
Molded-in mesh pockets stash small items, and comfort carry handles ease transport
Please note that the 2012 model or the Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top kayak does not include scupper plugs (scupper plugs sold separately)

Made in USA.

Item 785482

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Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012 Customer Reviews

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews

Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012

4.7

(based on 11 reviews)

100%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

Easy in/out (10)
Easy to paddle (10)
Good maneuverability (10)
Stable (10)
Comfortable (9)

Cons

Best Uses

Flat waters (8)
Day trip (5)
Rivers (4)
Kayak camping (3)

- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (5), Advanced (3)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (8)

Reviewed by 11 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-10

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Sep

2012

4.0

Fantastic Kayak!

By River Horse

from Athens, Georgia

About Me Beginner

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Compact
Easy Entry & Exit
Easy To Lift
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Day Trips
Flat Waters
Rivers

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

I have taken my Tarpon 100 to a couple of rivers and a smooth lake.It handles like a dream for a beginning kayaker like myself. It has so much storage I'm able to pack whatever I need for a whole day on the water. It felt a little unsteady at first but I quickly realized it was much steadier than first expected. Love the adjustable seat! We needed a summer alternative to riding horses in the Georgia heat and boy have we found it! I'm looking forward to hitting the rivers into the fall and enjoying seeing the fall folige from mine. Great investment! Would recommend to anyone!

Comment on this review

Aug

2012

4.0

Great product

By shootfire

from Reedley, CA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Easy Entry & Exit
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Handles well
My wife and I can load
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Day Trips

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

Well constructed
All screws, etc. were tight.
Will stand up for as many years as I am able to paddle.
Maiden trial was a 5 day camping trip with grand kids and I was able to carry the smallest, the older ones were able to paddle solo with ease.
Car top loading requires 2 people if loading from the side unless your taller and stronger than I am, but that is OK, it travels very well on top.

Comment on this review

Apr

2012

(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great Kayak..

By shinebox

from Cary, NC

About Me Beginner

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Compact
Easy Entry & Exit
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Stable

Cons

Heavy

Best Uses

Flat Waters
Kayak Camping
Rivers

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

I am new to kayaking and picked this one out because of its size and the fact it was a sit on top. I did some research and decided to get a sit on top because of the recreational usage and I like to fish. This kayak is very stable and easy to get in and out of. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a kayak.

Comment on this review

Mar

2012

5.0

Great recreational lagoon use!

By John the Kayaker

from Peninsula area, CA

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Compact
Easy Entry & Exit
Easy To Lift
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Flat Waters

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

Just bought this about 6 months ago. Didn't have any kayaking experience before. I have a floating dock off the backyard in the lagoon. Very comfortable. Stable since wider than those faster sculling boats but doesn't flip over unless you don't center yourself getting into the kayak (as in any boat). Have gone out at least a dozen times and haven't regretted buying it so I have 2 now. Easy to maneuver. Love the scupper plugs, the paddle holding system and the lever sealable storage covers (not like others that are the "Tupperware"-type. Using fiberglass paddles and working well. We are beginners and casual users. Easy to drop into water and pull out. No regrets!

Comment on this review

Jul

2011

(2 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

4.0

Too early to judge, but....

By BartG

from Beaumont, Texas

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Compact
Easy Entry & Exit
Easy To Lift
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Stable

Cons

Easy to loose footstops

Best Uses

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

I sold my 5 yr old tarpon 140 after several 75-mile, 3-night paddles down the Neches River through the Texas Big Thicket. I'm mostly a day paddler and I like the design of WS kayaks, so I wanted to stick with WS but get a smaller 10ft. I haven't used the new 100 enough to give much of a thorough review, but I think this info will be helpful. My first jouney with my new 100 on my Yakima rack, traveling down the interstate, I heard a thunk sound on the roof of my car. I pulled over and noticed one of the footstops was missing. Fortunately, after much searching, I found it. My first water test of this kayak was on a Gulf Coast beach. I was pulling it to get it out past the first breakers and after the first serious breaker hit the kayak, it pulled both footstops off. I never found them. The footstops on the newer design move freely toward the position of the body and will slide completely off the rail. I don't know if this is a design failure or if my kayak is simply missing a lock stop at the end of the rail[...]Other than this, the 100 is very easy to maneuver, is comfortable, and I anticipate it being much more versatile in various water conditions than the 140.

Comment on this review

Apr

2011

(5 of 5 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Very versatile boat

By Nigel Tufnel

from San Antonio, Texas

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easy Entry & Exit
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Day Trips
Flat Waters
Kayak Camping
Rapids
Rivers

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

I live in Central Texas and spend most of my time on rivers with long stretches of flat water mixed in with Class 2-3 rapids. I have been looking for a boat that paddled easily, was relatively stable, was comfortable, and could maneuver through tight rapids. The Tarpon 100 fits the bill perfectly. After owning several boats, and demoing many more, I am convinced this is the best boat for folks who want the ease of access and comfort of a sit-on-top yet who want some decent maneuverability for tight spots and rapids.

I haven't paddled long touring kayaks, but this boat paddles as fast as any other sit on top or whitewater sit-inside I have owned. I find it tracks exceptionally well for a short boat, yet I can easily turn it around with a strong sweep stroke. The outfitting is awesome and is very comfortable. I can paddle for hours and still feel very comfortable. The storage compartments are really nice and can hold enough gear for overnight or multi-day trips (with proper packing, of course). It does very well in Class 2-3 whitewater, can bomb over small falls, and ferries exceptionally well for a sit-on-top.

In sum, this is the most versatile boat and is the perfect fit for those seeking a boat that can do a little bit of everything.

Comment on this review

Mar

2011

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Awesome Boat !!!!!

By Mo-Betta

from Charlotte, NC

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Easy Entry & Exit
Easy To Lift
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Stable

Cons

Slow

Best Uses

Day Trips
Flat Waters
Kayak Camping
Ocean Swells

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

I simply love this boat! It is VERY stable, tracks really well, and is extremely easy to get into and out of. There are carrying handles on both sides, as well as on the front and rear of the boat. There is storage everywhere, and loading this boat down with gear will not make it sit too low in the water, since it can hold 325 lbs. easily. This is a great boat for camping, fishing, general exploration, light surf, and flatwater kayaking. I like to paddle to a peaceful spot, hang my feet over the side (yes, it is that stable) and just enjoy nature. It costs a bit more than most kayaks its size, but believe me, you get what you pay for!

Comment on this review

Oct

2010

(3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

The T100 will handle the big guys too!

By Flatwater

from Cibolo, Texas

About Me Advanced

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Compact
Easy Entry & Exit
Easy To Lift
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Nimble
Practical
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Day Trips
Flat Waters
Rivers

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

Where to start? The T100 is an awesome addition to anyone's kayak fleet. I am a large man at 602 and 255#. I was hesitant at first about the T100. I paddled it, tested it, and worked it. I bought it. I am a kayaking instructor with most of my time spent in the T100's big brother the T160. The T100 is actually more roomy in the seat and it is very comfortable. I used it in a recent class to maneuver some class II rapids--both up and down current--and it performed exceptionally well as a sit on top. This is not a white water kayak but I wanted to see how it performed in narrow channels and heavy current with a man of my size at its helm. I loved it! If you're looking a for a quality kayak with great/varied uses, the T100 will do the job.

Comment on this review

Aug

2010

(2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

Great Kayak For Me!!

By Ruralgoddess

from Blowing Rock, NC

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Compact
Easy Entry & Exit
Easy To Lift
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Flat Waters

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

This is a great kayak--it's easy enough for me to lift/load in my truck's bed and if I had to I could carry it all the way to the put in spot (about 45' from where I can park)--however I use a Wheelez and that makes it even easier ;-)

Plenty of storage, comfortable seat and the foot rests can't be beat. It doesn't track like a sea kayak . . . but there is one model that you can put a rudder on--I can stay on track very well all by myself.

I like the scuppers!!! and the bungees etc.

No complaints here. I paddle often and enjoy the maneuverability and functionality of the Tarpon.

Comment on this review

May

2010

(16 of 18 customers found this review helpful)

5.0

It's the little things...

By Zebber

from Dallas, TX

About Me Casual/ Recreational

See all my reviews

Pros

Comfortable
Compact
Easy Entry & Exit
Easy To Lift
Easy to Paddle
Good Maneuverability
Stable

Cons

Best Uses

Flat Waters
Ocean Swells

Comments about Wilderness Systems Tarpon 100 Sit-On-Top Kayak - 2011/2012:

The thing that makes this kayak wonderful are the little things that add up. First of all the adjustable footrests are a WORLD of difference from the molded footplaces in most other sit-on-top. They really cover that distance between a place for your feet that are too far away and ones that are too close. And sitting up higher, they actually provide more stability. The seat that comes with the Tarpon is also COMFORTABLE! I know a guy that bought the boat strictly because he has had multiple back surgeries. I can sit in it all day long without my back getting wet or my rump aching. The storage behind the seat is also very large. A full size dog could hang out back there. Finally, the Tarpon incorporates a rail system with which you can mount and dismount optional equipment at will wish as fishing rod holders, paddle holders, tables, more bungee cords, etc. The tapered design of the bottom of the boat provide for good (not excellent, but good) tracking. And being just over 50lbs, it is faily easy for me to get on my roof rack (I'm only 5'6"). This is the second kayak I've owned, and I can tell you that this is one that I don't feel like I'm going to outgrow or get tired of anytime soon.