Wilderness Systems Tsunami Kayaks

[@mattcomstock7321]

For taller folks: I just got a 125, I am 6’ 0” with perhaps slightly longer legs, and I have the foot braces fully extended and the fit is still a little tight. If I take my feet out of the braces and lay my legs down the center line, there are only a couple inches to the bulkhead. I heard the 145 has a little more length in the cockpit to the bulkhead. If you are tall like me, you might want to consider that. It is working for me, but the option of a little more length in the cockpit would be nice. Unfortunately with COVID, trying before buying wasn’t an option right now. I’m still having a great time!

[@papacampoutdoors]

This is the one! I will see you in a few weeks to purchase one, coming from Windsor!

[@kathyjurgens7153]

great video!! very helpful and informative. thank you.

[@fedguy9182]

My Tsunami 125 delivered rudder ready too

[@robertgaylord8263]

Would have appreciated when descriptions are given of features in the cockpit that those features are shown such as thigh rests and adjustable foot rests. Otherwise good.

[@tlister67]

I have a 140 and at 6’2” and 210 I fit fine although the rudder pedals are adjusted all the way out. I would guess it is 10 years old, bought used.

[@joshinfwtx4506]

how does WS Tsunami compare to Dagger Stratos?

[@gregmattox]

I would think the Stratos would be more nimble and better for faster moving water. I have a Tsunami 125 and struggle on smaller, fast moving rivers. Haven't paddled a Stratos but a friend has the 14.5 and feels it's too large for smaller rivers.

[@joshinfwtx4506]

@@gregmattox thanks for feedback. I'm leaning towards a 14' boat for the extra speed so I can cover more distance. I've done a few google searches and haven't yet found a head to head between Tsunami 140 and Stratos 14.5 S

[@tonysfishingadventures6725]

@@joshinfwtx4506 check out old town castine 140 also

[@joshinfwtx4506]

@@tonysfishingadventures6725 thanks. Your comment sent me down a rabbit hole. I learned that Necky and Old Town are both owned by Johnson Outdoors who has discontinued the Necky brand but are using some of the Necky designs for the Old Town touring models.

[@waynefatguyinakayak7408]

The Tsunami is a great and stable boat for all conditions. The Stratos has more rocker and is a lot more nimble and playful. Which boat to choose will depend on how maneuverable you want your kayak to be. The Stratos turns a lot quicker and easier than the Tsunami, making it the better boat for surf and currents. The Tsunami is incredibly stable and tracks wonderfully, making it better for longer trips and where you don't need to turn as quickly, although turning the Tsunami isn't too difficult of a task with enough edging. I have a rudder on mine, but I only use it when I am dealing with significant wind. I have a Tsunami 165, and I'm currently looking for a Stratos 14.5L. I'm still planning to keep my Tsunami, I just want the Stratos for surf and rock gardening, and maybe some rivers.

[@davyhaynes6716]

How does the tracking of the rudderless Tsunami 140 compare with the Pungo 120?

[@videnteglobal]

I find my Tsunami 140 tracks better and builds up a momentum vs my Pungo 120/125. When I pause paddling, the Tsunami it continues to glide straight. Pungo was better for fishing and 35mm photography but Tsunami is better for getting from point A to point B and is faster, covering greater distances.

[@alexkram]

I have both a Tsunami 145 and a Pungo 120. My 145 has a rudder but I never use it. Both of these are very good tracking boats. I have not done a speed comparison between these two but I do plan to at some point. The Pungo is such an efficient boat for it's size, I would be very surprised if the Tsunami is significantly faster. I think the main benefits of the Tusnami is for rougher water, it can use a spray skirt and has a front bulkhead for flotation if flooded.

[@alanpower2857]

One other thing to note. Water bottle storage is up front slung from above, and it is 'double deep' for say two bottles.

[@jeffccr3620]

Or a throw bag for rescue

[@saggitt]

If you capsize, do the hatches hold the water off well, or is it just spray protection?

[@OutdoorsOriented]

They'll keep out most water, and are a lot more than just spray protection. That said, it's always a good idea to put things like electronics and other items that absolutely have to stay dry in a dry bag.

[@normanrogers8057]

Anyone know what Cooler would work good with this kayak for weekend camping

[@videnteglobal]

Excellent review, good idea to show the Tsunami hull. I just purchased a 2020 leftover Tsunami 140, can you suggest a light duty sprayskirt?

[@waynefatguyinakayak7408]

I use a Seals Sneak on my Tsunami 165 and I love it. It's nylon with a bungee, has a zippered front to help with venting in calmer conditions during the summer, and when zipped it does great to keep the water out when aggressively edging or taking a wave over the bow. It also has removable suspenders. Size 1.7 fits all of the Tsunami kayaks.

[@Rockerrobin]

Any idea if my nrs drylander skirt will fit this? Large deck size.

[@OutdoorsOriented]

It looks like it would. The cockpit size for the Tsunami's are around 35.5" x 20" (give or take depending on kayak length) so that falls within the sizing chart for that skirt.

[@Rockerrobin]

@@OutdoorsOriented It did end up fitting though not snugly I haven't tested it yet but might leak or blow out in a role.

[@ktownc936]

So if I want more space I choose the tsunami over the pungo?

[@OutdoorsOriented]

Depends on which "space" you mean. Storage space for gear will be better in the Tsunami's since you've got both bow and stern storage, as opposed to just the stern in the Pungo. Pungo's have more space in the cockpit though since it's a more recreational design.

[@JenRBoyd]

I’m a new paddler with easy access to a large river and lakes for day trips but I also want to do multi day trips. I’m a backpacker already so my gear is already small and light. Help me choose between the pungo and the tsunami!

[@OutdoorsOriented]

Tsunami would be our pick anytime someone wants to do overnight trips. You may be able to fit your gear in the Pungo, but they aren't as efficient through the water, so for traveling any distance you'd find the Tsunami better. All the new Pungo's also only have a rear bulkhead and storage compartment, where all sizes of the Tsunami have both front and rear storage.

[@waynefatguyinakayak7408]

For hauling gear, you definitely want the Tsunami. Simply put, it has more volume for gear storage than the Pungo. If you're looking to do multi day trips, you may want to consider the Tsunami 165 instead of the 145 just for the extra storage space and higher weight capacity.

[@loudnoises4627]

What reason would they possibly have to remove the rear day hatch on the Tsunami? Its so convenient to have access to your rear storage while in the water

[@1979Spica]

Loud Noises cheaper, by having one less formed cutout, one less hatch, one less bulkhead. Many people use deck backs for day storage. This allows bigger items to fit in the rear

[@tonysfishingadventures6725]

Just curious, do you know the reason they discontinued the day hatch? And what year model was the last year had it?

[@OutdoorsOriented]

I'm not sure why it was discontinued, other than possibly just cost savings. If I recall correctly the old one had the day hatch, but it actually was just access to the large rear compartment and it didn't have the third bulkhead like they usually do. I'm thinking the redesign was about 3 or 4 years ago. All this is from memory though, so don't quote me!

[@tonysfishingadventures6725]

I’m 5.10 ft and thinking to get the tsunami 145. What size paddle would you recommend for this kayak? Thanks!

[@OutdoorsOriented]

You'd be pretty much perfect with a 230cm for your height in this boat. You could get away with a 220cm if you went with a more "high angle" style, but this boat is more suited to a low angle blade shape.

[@tonysfishingadventures6725]

@@OutdoorsOriented thank you!!

[@swimrski]

Nice video. At 11:17 I see a hippopotamus.

[@Nick-bh5bk]

How many nights camping do you think you can get out of the 125 vs 145? Also, how does the tippyness compare between the two?

[@OutdoorsOriented]

There's a few variables that apply when figuring out how many days you could get out of each. If you're paddling solo, or as part of a group (share some gear) and also how small and compact your gear is. Consider that there's more space even in the 125 than the average backpacking pack, so you can get some good trips if you have nice compact gear. With all that said, most people will go up to the 145 if they're doing longer than 2 or 3 days. From a stability standpoint, I'd say they're very close, and most people won't have any issue with either.

[@Nick-bh5bk]

@@OutdoorsOriented Cool, thank you!

[@leecabell3375]

Fatal flaw in all the kayak reviews I watch is that they don't talk about how they fit tall people. They talk about the adjustability of the foot braces/pegs but never say how long of legs actually fit in. Seems like it would be easy to comment on maximum inseam length that would comfortably fit in the kayak. I love everthing else about the review but have no idea if at 6'4" I could fit in the boat or not....

[@jeffarthur322]

Rudder system is sub standard

[@jeffccr3620]

What iam really burnt out on is these multi colored boats. I refuse to own a multicolored Yak unless its a real camo

[@develfier]

Ya I just can't stand it (unless it's custom ordered) it just looks cheap to me

[@billythephoenix]

I agree. I have 3 yak's and they are all solid colors. I ordered a new one yesterday and guess what....solid baby!!

[@tranquility9325]

I think it's beautiful and not boring

[@ktownc936]

So if I want more space I choose the tsunami over the pungo?

[@videnteglobal]

Depending what you mean by "space": Pungo has a large, open cockpit - besides easy in/easy out, space for some fishing gear but only one hatch/bulkhead. The Tsunami's have more of a touring cockpit, two bulkheads/hatches for storage. The cockpit of my Tsunami 125 was too small for my fishing gear.