Wilderness Systems  Aspire 105 Recreational Sit-In Kayak - 10'5"

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Designed for beginner to intermediate paddlers looking to expand beyond the flatwater, the Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 kayak combines easy handling and maneuverability with unsurpassed stability.

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Features

  • Phase 3® AirPro seat outfitting provides ultimate comfort, adjustability and breathability, ensuring a comfortable experience on the water
  • Fully adjustable Phase 3 AirPro seating with mesh fabric covers and honeycomb-vented, ergonomic 3D foam provides optimal airflow to keep you cool and support your lower back
  • Dual-lock hinged storage hatch to keep all your gear safe and dry
  • Adjustable Slidelock XL footbrace system offers easy foot positioning; the adjustment is at your fingertips via an extension rod, so you don't have to reach deep into the hull
  • Slidelock is created to provide a secure position for your foot and resist any "pop out" movements
  • TruTak adjustable skeg, along with cockpit control deployment, helps you stay on course in strong crosswinds and currents, ensuring maximum efficiency and control
  • Highly durable bungee cord lashes at the front and rear secure gear of any shape or size

Made in USA.

View all Wilderness Systems Recreational Kayaks

Technical Specs

Best Use

Flatwater Kayaking

Material(s)

Rotomolded polyethylene

Length

10 ft. 5 in.

Width

29 inches

Depth

15.5 inches

Weight

48 pounds

Cockpit Size

51.5 x 23.5 inches

Seat Type

Padded / Foam

Number of Paddlers

1-person

Paddle Included

No

Hatch Capacity

Unavailable

Weight Capacity (lbs)

400 pounds

Tracking System

Retractable Skeg

Reviews
18 reviews with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars

Ratings Snapshot

Product Rating

15 out of 16 (94%) reviewers recommend this product

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Socceref7
Washington Township, NJ, United States
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great recreational kayak for larger paddlers

9 years ago

I picked up the Wilderness Systems Aspire 105 on Friday and took it to Parvin State Park for its maiden voyage on Saturday. Very pleased with the comfort and handling of this yak. I am 6' and 275 lbs and had no issues entering or exiting the kayak. The skeg was great to help with tracking and it was much easier to paddle than my fishing kayak. It was also much lighter and easier to transport. My wife and I cruised around the lake for a couple of hours and the seat was very comfortable. Looking forward to my next chance to get it out on the water.

Yes , I recommend this product
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Lori
PA
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

A surprisingly great boat!

3 years ago

I purchased this boat originally to be my “beater”. But it’s ended up being a great all around boat. Sure, it’s not a touring kayak by any means but this thing is solid. Super stable with an amazingly comfortable seat. Only thing I wish it had was a second bulk head. But I remedied that with a float bag. The retractable skeg is a real plus especially on windy days. I have no worries at all paddling this boat. Thanks, REI. Glad I bought it!

Experience Level:Casual
Yes , I recommend this product
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Smcbride11
Newark, De
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Relaxing ride !

7 years ago

I researched this kayak .. Read all the reviews. I love it. Glides so nice thru the water. The skeg comes down easily. It is heavier than my previous kayak. But I LOVE this one.

Yes , I recommend this product
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Granny
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Love it

3 years ago

I’ve had this kayak for about five years now purchasing in Arkansas and using it in Colorado for the past two years. I love it, I’ve had it on large choppy lakes, white water rivers and peaceful smaller lakes. I’ve only used the Rutter on the large choppy waters, so comfortable you can go all day or for a few days, throwing the dog, cooler, tent and fishing pole. 64 year old female kayak seems to be getting a little heavy these days to haul up and down a hill so I just purchased a kayak cart because I really don’t want to go to any lighter weight or definitely not a blowup.

Height:5'4"
Experience Level:Experienced
Age:55–64
Weight:150–175 lbs.
Yes , I recommend this product
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Mad mike
Kansas
Rated 4.0 out of 5 stars

Nice kayak

7 years ago

Ordered it on line because they didn’t have one at rei at my location. I picked it up at the store. Shipping was pretty fast & the people were very helpfull there. The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of five is the kayak came in blimmised and it looked like there was some repairs done. On top of that I put it on top of a table to mount a paddle holder and one side is about an inch and a half lower than the other. Must of had a mold problem. I’m not real picky but it has some issues. Took it out on the water and it seams ok. The drop down Skeg works really well in keeping you strait.

Yes , I recommend this product
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Rambler44
Clayton, NC
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Aspire 105

9 years ago

Plenty of room in the boat and just feels/fits better than the WS Pungo. Boat tracks well paddling with the skeg up, but hooks during glide. With the skeg down the boat tracks solid and glides straight. Mixed thoughts about the seat, appears over-complicated with all the straps and construction / frame. I hope its durable as it looks like a pain to repair if any strap or fitting breaks. Took 3 weeks from on-line REI order in April to store delivery in May.

Yes , I recommend this product
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Justin
Staten Island, NY
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great kayak

6 years ago

I've taken this out 4 times now. Once on a calm canal and the other times in tidal water. It performs great. WIth or without the skeg, it tracks pretty straight. I am glad i bought a kayak with a bulkhead. It keeps my stuff nice and dry in the hatch. The hatch is also very easy to open. I am very satisfied with this Kayak. The only downside is that it does not have a drain plug, but I have had no issue getting water out with just a sponge.

Yes , I recommend this product
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Bryce
Madison, WI
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great all purpose kayak

3 years ago

I have owned the Aspire 105 for over a year now. I live in WI and primarily use it on creeks, lakes, and slower rivers. I have taken it out on fast water after some heavy rainstorms and the kayak has handled everything very well. I really like the adjustable skeg. I also decided on this kayak because I am big with football player stats. At 6 foot 3 inches and 260 lbs, this kayak handles my mass very well.

Height:6'3"
Experience Level:Beginner
Age:35–44
Weight:250–275 lbs.
Yes , I recommend this product
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RobotdevilotPDX
Portland, OR
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great rec boat for taller or bigger paddlers

7 years ago

Bought a pair of these in May after looking for the best smaller over-night boat for my husband and I. Both of us are tall and also needed a higher weight capacity. Chose these over the Dagger Axis because of the higher weight capacity and superior seats. Extremely happy with them. Upsides: They track pretty decently even with the skeg up, but fly like an arrow with it down, and are surprisingly nimble when in tight spots. EXTREMELY stable boats, both primary and secondary stability is excellent. Seats are extremely comfortable once you familiarize yourself with them (it can be a bit complicated at 1st, Wilderness Systems has a great video for dialing in your cockpit on their website). Enough room for my husband's 275 lb 6'1" frame and size 15 feet with room to spare. Enough room in hatch to allow for some light overnight camping as well. Downsides: need a high angle paddle if you want to get this thing moving fast. Had small problem with a ballast leak in 1 boat, but W.S. fixed it immediately without hesitation or complaint. Weighs in at 50 lbs-might be heavy for some people to lift.

Yes , I recommend this product
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akbk907
Fairbanks, AK
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars

Great kayak

8 years ago

I bought this kayak a while back and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Great kayak. You can use it for anything. I would recommend this to anybody for their first kayak or their 50th kayak.

Yes , I recommend this product
Helpful?
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